John Batchelor  

Jun 052020
 

Name:  John Batchelor

Born:  23rd January 1941

Date Joined:  January 1957

Personal Bests: 

(Back In the day!)
880 yds 2:05.4
1 mile 4:21.8
2 miles 8:58.2
3 miles 13:57.2
5000m 14:26.8
6 miles 28 :41.0
Road
10 miles: 49:33
Half marathon: 66:12
20 miles:  1:43:27

M40: 
5000m 15:20.7
10000m 31:45.9
Road
5 miles 25:09
10K:  31:12
Half marathon: 71:11

M65:
800m 2:32.9
1500m: 5:08.6
3000m 10:34.3
5000m 18:17.3
10000m: 38:27.6
Road
5K 18:21
10K 37:37

M70: 
400m: 71.8
800m: 2:43.5
1500m: 5:30.1
3000m: 11:47.9
5000m: 19:49.82
10000m:  41:14.29
Indoors
800m: 2:42.66
1500m:  5:32.58
3000m:  11:45.76

M75: 
800m: 2:47.7
1500m: 6:07.03
1 mile: 6:19.37
3000m: 11:47.9
5000m: 21:37.78
10000m:  41:14.29
Road
5K 21:45
Indoors
400m: 74.11
800m: 2:47.30
1500m:  5:46.54
3000m:  12:25.75

First Club Race:  Would have been an inter-club cross-country fixture at Chigwell Row, running as a youth.  My introduction to Ilford AC was the same as Tony Nixon’s, the Ilford Novices Cross-Country, where I first met Edgar Moon.  He persuaded me to join the Club but wouldn’t sign me up until I passed 16.  He was at my front door with an entry form on my 16th birthday!  From then on he was a constant source of help and encouragement, as were so many of the Club members when I first joined and for many years afterwards, to this day.

Favourite Race: Road relays, because they are true team events but measure individual performance while not competing head to head against your own clubmates, which can be a distraction.  Also nothing compares to cutting through the field from down the back on the second leg when the circumstances arise!

Notable Performances:  

All my performances as a member of an Ilford AC team were notable in one way or another, good or bad, for being part of a dedicated group training and  competing together in all weathers out of a sense of friendship, loyalty and sometimes guilt.  We all turned out together, week in, week out, no questions asked, simply because that’s what we did.

Individually, however:

1965: Beating world marathon record holder Buddy Edelen in the Essex 6 miles in an unsurpassed Championship record of 28:41 and PB by 1:25 on a windy day in front of a large and enthusiastic (understatement) Ilford AC crowd.

1965: Second to 10 mile world record holder Mel Batty in Rochester ‘5’ beating UK 6-mile record holder and later International CC Champion Roy Fowler.

1965: Second to 2:15 marathoner Juan Taylor in Jean Bouin Road Race in Barcelona, beating 1964 International Cross-Country winner Francisco Aritmendi.  9600m (6 miles) in 26:39!  (But downhill all the way…).

1966: Second to Mel in Essex Cross-Country Championships.

1966: winning Essex 20 miles in 1:44:36 (Championship record)

1981 & 1982: Twice winning the Southern Vets’ 10 miles, both times beating 9-times British Masters Cross-Country Champion Taff Davies.

National Masters titles at 10000m in 1981 & 1982 (M40) and 2011 (M70), at 5000m in 2006, 2007,  2009 (M65), 2011 & 2012 (M70) and 2016 (M75), at 10K road 2006 & 2007 (M65) and at 5K road 2011 (M70), and multiple M70 and M75 indoor  titles from 400m to 3000m as M70  & M75, though often in a field of one in my age group!

Biggest Disappointment:  Giving up job and leaving Ilford AC behind in 1967 to study in Edinburgh and run in the University team, which I failed to do through a niggling but persistent knee injury which lasted the three years I was away.  However, I managed one race for Ilford in that time, the 1968 Essex CC Championships, and was last scorer in (I think) our last winning team!  I also completed my PhD and got a good job in the London area, enabling me to run regularly for Ilford once again (and resume my old position as Club press secretary).

Typical Weeks Training:

For over two years I trained once or twice a week with Dennis Plater, running 10 to 20 miles or doing tough Fartlek sessions, in addition to my other training.  This consolidated my endurance fitness and led to a major breakthrough in 1965.  I will be forever grateful to Dennis for his help, encouragement and good company.

In my best years most training (once a day only) was done alone at (allowed extended) lunchtime from my workplace in Dagenham.  A typical week may or may not have included an interval session on grass, eg  10x700yds in 1:50 – 1:52 with 350 yds jog recovery, but mostly road running, say 7 to 8 miles at 5:10 to 5:25 miling two or three times a week (starting at 6 minute miling and accelerating to sub-5 minute miling by the end), and a half-marathon at 72 minute pace similarly accelerating.  Friday would be a “gentle” 5 miles in around 28:30, as most Saturdays I would be racing (almost all races in the sixties were on Saturday afternoons, even the road races in the heat of the day).  If no race I might do a 20-miler in around 1:54, sometimes faster.  My only track sessions were usually on Sundays, but I was often too tired to do a very extensive session of intervals like everyone else.  I was often first in the Cauliflower.

Favourite Sessions:  

Just getting out there and giving it a bit of wellie on a good day, to build confidence.

 

Who is the most Famous Athlete you Trained with or would like to train with:  

Fergus Murray in his Ilford days (1964 Olympian) and Ilford’s own Dennis Plater , International marathon runner.

 

How would you improve the sport:

Lifetime ban for drug use. (I deny Frank Heaney’s charge that I took Phyllosan before I was 40!).  More focus by the powers-that-be on Club-level athletics and perhaps on Masters Athletics as it is bigger than some may think.

Favourite Athlete or Sportsman:

Far too many to choose from.  In the end I have to go with Zatopek, a true champion even before my time.

What other sports do you follow:

Tennis, but I’m not really a good spectator.

Best Country Visited :

Very difficult choice.  In recent times Antigua, though the Highlands of Scotland take some beating if you catch some good weather.

Favourite Food & Drink : 

I’ve never been a great sea food fan, but a large plate of battered squid goes down well in the right atmosphere (I’m thinking of a pub in Brockley that my daughter recommended).

For drink I think I’d go with Tony Nixon’s choice of Adnams.  Their “Ghost Ship” is a nice tipple, and the alcohol-free version is quite acceptable if needed.

Favourite TV Shows:

Good historical documentaries.  Definitely not reality TV or soaps!

Last Film Seen:

Stan & Ollie (I mean the recent one with Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly but I’ve got a stack of the 1930s films).

Last Book Read :

“Survival and Love: Double Escape from the Nazis” by Ted Bailey.  Ted is a friend from “Athletes Reunited”, a group of “elderly” athletes founded by Woodford Green’s Tony Maxwell.  Ted was a 9.9 sprinter (for 100 yards that is) and I believe was an Ilford member for a short time.

 

Favourite Band Singer:

I’ll pass on that one – I’ve never been much into vocal music, though George Melly was a scream in his day, probably for the wrong reasons!  I first saw him at Ilford Town Hall in 1957.

Last Album Bought or Downloaded:

Mediterraneo (Milos – classical guitarist from Montengro)

Last Concert Attended:

“The Merry Opera Company” at St Martins in the Fields, last New Year’s Eve.  Not many opportunities since lockdown, otherwise I would have been to Ronnie Scott’s for some Hard Bop.

Any Pets:  No, but my first encounter with Ilford AC was when seeing members training in Hainault Forest while walking my dog and keeping fit, at the age of 12 or 13, so a pet ended up being rather influential in my life choices.

What are your aims for next season:

“Stayin’ alive”?  I turn 80 next January, and regardless of my announced retirement would like to set one or two M80 PBs if my body lets me.  I also hope to be out supporting Ilford AC a bit more than I have.  I’ve lived Sarf of the River for the last 50 years, though still an Essex man at heart, but it’s easier to get to France from here than through the various Thames tunnels these days.

Tell us a Joke:  

This is my current favourite.  It’s a few years old but has recent relevance

While stitching a cut on the hand of a 75 year old farmer, whose hand was caught in the squeeze gate while working on cattle, the doctor struck up a conversation with the old man.
Eventually the topic got around to politicians and their role as our leaders.
The old farmer said, “Well, as I see it, most politicians are “Post Turtles”.
Not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked him what “a post turtle” was.
The old man said, “When you’re driving down a country road and you come across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top, that’s a post turtle”.
The old farmer saw a puzzled look on the doctor’s face so he continued to explain.
“You know he didn’t get up there by himself, he doesn’t belong up there, he’s elevated above his ability to function, and you just wonder what kind of dumb idiot put him up there to begin with!”.

Ilford AC at Chigwell Row 1958  Dennis Plater 3rd from left, back row with Roy Gill (left) and myself (right) in front of him,
and Dave and Pam Jones just along from us.  Frank Heaney far right with Warren Roe (author of Club history) next to him.
Start of the Club 6 miles Championship 1962 – me with the knotted handkerchief, winner Dennis Plater in red vest
Running in the Ilford Road Relay along Green Lane in 1961(on a Saturday afternoon!) with
Beagle rival Ted Floodgate.  I got the better of him this time.
Essex CC Championships in the freezing winter of 1963.  Ilford’s Alan Perkins won
Newspaper photo of Dennis and me sharing the pacemaking against the wind in the 1965 Essex 6 miles
Dennis & me on road relay duty (Hadleigh 1965)
On the podium in Barcelona December 1965.  The guy in the overcoat between me and the winner is Juan-Antonio Samaranch,
later chief of the International Olympic Committee
Getting the better of Taff Davies in the Southern Vets 10 1981
Winning the Essex Vets CC  Basildon 1981
…and in 1982 in Highams Park
Running in the Serpentine 5K soon after my 70th birthday
Competing in World Indoor Championships Budapest 2013
Vets League 800m at Stevenage 2017
L to R Andy Catton, Gerry Pells, Pam Jones, me, Tony Nixon in Valentines Park Sep 2018
JOHN ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS…….

Your times from back in the day are exceptional and nowadays if you ran those times you would be a race winner regularly. Why do you think Race times and standards in general have dropped so significantly over the years until now? Especially with all the new technology and gels etc and science?

It’s simply a matter of dedication.  You have to do the work, the mileage, the speed work, day in and day out.  You can’t play at it but you have to enjoy it.  Even in my time the dropout rate was high.  How many are both willing and able to mesh in even an hour’s hard training with their professional or student life, not to mention social life, six or seven days a week?  Having the best shoes and a sackful of gels won’t get you shutting the front door behind you on a cold winter’s night for 10 miles on the icy roads.  Still, I wish I knew then what I know now of the science behind it all.

Did you ever follow a particular nutritional diet? Or what was a standard pre or post-race meal?

I was born during the war, brought up on food rationing, and couldn’t bear school dinners. Fortunately my mother fed us all a good, healthy, balanced diet based on meat and two veg and plenty of fruit.  The idea of a balanced diet has remained with me, though it tends to be a little more Mediterranean these days.  I don’t go for protein shakes and other supplements and have always been deeply suspicious about such things.

I have to say however that in the years I was training hardest, at lunchtime at work, there was no lunch, just half a large packet of McVities’ Chocolate Digestives with the morning tea break and the other half in the afternoon.  Mum’s cooking when I got home – maybe late.  I recall also that a fair amount of brown ale, taken in the Cauliflower, was part of my regular nutrition.  I’m not sure it did me any good, but as it was taken with large numbers of Clubmates it provided the vital social life, reinforced the team bonding and undoubtedly contributed to individual and team success.  Please don’t take this as a recommendation, though.

 

What type of trainers did you have in your heyday and approximate cost and did you change them regularly?

I must have started out with Woolies’ plimsolls.  I can remember buying a pair of German-made leather road shoes (Rucanor) for 23 shillings (£1.15) from a sports shop in Gants Hill, and also getting a bespoke pair of kangaroo leather shoes from Law’s of Wimbledon which I considered to be superb.  The game changer was the appearance on the UK market of Onitsuka Tiger (now ASICS) Cubs, a lightweight (no more than 150g I would guess) canvas-topped minimalist foam rubber-soled shoe.  They cost about £2 a pair and I had many over the years (the heels could be repaired using a glue gun).  I used them for all distances, training and racing, as did many of the top runners. I still prefer minimalist shoes and have a collection of Nike Mayflies which though “designed for 100Km” seem to go on forever on a treadmill or a synthetic track. (£25 in 2006).

You say you live South of the Water for over 50 years – what town and did you ever consider joining a different club to train with down there?

When I finished my PhD in Edinburgh I got a job with the Wellcome Foundation in Beckenham, and have lived there for fifty years.  I was able to train at lunchtime there as I had previously in Dagenham.  I spent every weekend at my parents’ home in Hainault and even during times when a lingering injury prevented me from running I supported Club activities on the country, road, track (and in the Cauliflower).  I was Press Secretary for about three years, as I had been in the sixties, and used to drop the type-written carbon-copied paper reports at both the Ilford Recorder and Guardian on the drive home on Sunday night. When I retired from work (aged 54 through forced but welcome redundancy) I coached kids at Blackheath Harriers for about eighteen months.  I am a member of Veterans AC and have competed for them, and likewise Southern Counties Veterans’ AC, but Ilford remains my first-claim club.  My club vest is older than most of you!

What was your occupation?

I was a Research Chemist.  At May & Baker in Dagenham I worked on photographic chemicals and perfumery (in the broadest sense, e.g. they made sewage-masking chemicals).  At Wellcome I was a medicinal chemist.  Not by any means a sedentary job (until kicked up to a managerial position, which I resisted) but quite amenable to fitting in daylight training.

Your training runs were very quick – in fact race speed for most mortals – why was that?

The general principle I followed was that I should not be so tired after a training run that I couldn’t repeat the same session next day.  Most of the time I achieved that. I think the speed of the runs derived from having to fit in worthwhile training, including changing and showering and a 500m warm up and warm down jog to the factory gate, into a 1 hour lunch break, so at first the short runs needed to be fast.  I got a lot quicker at changing and showering so the runs got longer but not slower.  Then my boss let me take an extra half hour for lunch and I could fit in a half marathon out to Upminster and Rainham if I got a move on.  Eventually I would be finishing at 4:45 miling pace for the last mile.  That was my speed work.  Even prior to that I found longish acceleration runs more effective than intervals on the track.  The most important things were the necessary discipline involved in fitting in the training with work, and not having to train in the dark.  There were other benefits in having evenings free.

 

Have you ever run a marathon? If so, what times did you achieve?

After I ran my first 20-miler in April 1966 my season became geared to seeking selection for the English Commonwealth Games team.  In short I got it all wrong by racing and training  too much and too hard, right up to the trial – the Poly Marathon from Windsor to Chiswick, by which time I’d blown it. I had no concept of tapering. I had set myself a target of around 2:17 (the world record then was 2:12), which on the day, and probably in any case, was totally unrealistic even in the best of conditions.

The race was on a hot and humid Saturday afternoon in June.  I was unwell from hay fever and dehydrated after a 2-hour journey to Windsor.  The tarmac on some stretches of road was melting.  Under the then UK rules no drinks were allowed for the first ten miles then at 5 mile intervals thereafter. (Think about it, you bottle-carriers).  As we all considered ourselves “tough guys” in those days some of the greats in the race didn’t drink at all.  I foolishly passed at 10 miles, but the water at 15 miles (1:22:00) was the best drink I’ve ever had bar none.  Too late! I was peeled off the road 2 miles later.  

 

In those days what was Ilford AC’s Greatest rival local club?

When I joined, Ilford AC as a mixed club had no serious local rivals.  The nearest really good mixed club was probably Birchfield Harriers in Birmingham.  But of course the Ladies usually competed separately, or at least against different clubs at the same venue.  There were very few mixed meetings and no mixed championships.  On the men’s side obviously Woodford Green (without Essex Ladies) and Essex Beagles (before Newham as a borough even existed) were our main local rivals but other Essex clubs were beginning to make their presence felt, especially in the younger age groups.  Over the country Ilford AC competed more on the London rather than the Essex scene, hence our presence in the Metropolitan League (founded by Ilford’s Howard Williams) rather than in an Essex League.

 

Are you planning on doing any more World or European Masters Championships?

As of March I formally retired as I have developed atrial fibrillation and can’t run as well as I did.  Strangely, now the condition has become permanent and more stable I am able to train lightly again.  I doubt if I will compete again in international events as once past 80 it is almost impossible to get reasonable travel insurance that includes competition even if you are in the best of health.  Domestically I would at least like to set some M80 PBs in competition, but we’ll see.

 

Nowadays the streets have so many runners as its much more fashionable but you must have been an oddity in your day when training on your own as not many people ran for sport etc so do you have any stories to tell from those days when out running on your own in the 1960s?

I don’t remember anything particularly remarkable happening when on my own, but I do remember a group of us in the freezing winter of 1963 finishing a 15-mile training run along Ilford High Road.  Abuse was shouted at us from the Cinema queue as we passed – “you must be f****** mad” or the like, until we forcefully demonstrated in similar language that we were warm and comfortable and they were anything but!

As you had a full-time job what time of day did you use to train?

As I said previously, mostly at lunchtime, though with many enjoyable evening runs with Dennis Plater.  As far as solo evening training was concerned, particularly after dark in winter, I learned that the hardest part of any run was closing the door behind me as I left (especially if dinner was cooking).

 

What’s happened to your trophies and medals? Are they on display in the Batchelor household?

I have some items on display which were set up by my wife and daughter.  Many of my Masters’ medals are dangling around a light fitting in front of me as I type.  Most of my earlier medals are in what I believe to be my great-grandfather’s sea chest.

 

What one piece of advice would you give to any Runner trying to improve?

In the early stages find your own way to motivate yourself and enjoy the training and competing.  Enjoyment is the key.  Soon even the hardest training will become a source of enjoyment.  (Well you only asked for one piece of advice…)

 

What was your favourite surface? Track or Road or Cross-Country and what did you excel most at?

Road, definitely, though I loved racing barefoot on a good grass track occasionally.  I wasn’t fond of the old “cinder” tracks – some in the London area were just that – though Cricklefields wasn’t bad.

 

You have listed all your times in old money, can you convert for our younger readers and tell us how you converted?

Before everything went metric there were standard conversion adjustments applied to compare linear and metric times, so my best linear times would have translated to 800m: 2:04.7  1500m: 4:03.8  3000m:  8:22.0  5000m:  14:25.2  10000m:  29:41.0

 

You mentioned Zatopek, but some people never will have never heard, do you believe the rumours of 20x 200, 40x 400 and 20 x200 were true?

If I could find where I put my copy of Zatopek’s own autobiography (in the original Czech) I could verify from the man’s own words.  I’m sure he did those mammoth sessions, not sure how often or over what length of his career, but searching for what’s on the web it seem his sessions may have been out in the woods rather than on a track, resembling short recovery Fartlek.

 

You don’t have a marathon time, did you ever do one?

Attempted (to race – not just run) as previously described.  At least I built up to it over a period of ten years, unlike many these days who begin (and often simultaneously end) their athletic careers by trying to run a marathon.  

How many years since you ran in Hainault Forest? Do you think you could still find your way around it?

The last time I can recall is in 1985, when I ran there in the Essex Vets Cross-Country.  By that time I had experienced 37 years of dog-walking, leisure walking, training and racing there and had just about had enough of it.  My daughter was about to be born at that time and from that point I was semi-retired for ten years or more.  I know the Forest has changed a lot, but I suspect I would find it impossible to get lost, just too expensive to get parked.

 

The picture at the start of the club six mile championships in 1962 looks very much like Cricklefields in Ilford. Was it?

It certainly was, and I can smell the old glue factory over the back every time I look at the picture.  As you can see an actual stand was in the process of construction, not often filled to capacity but a great improvement on cold and windy training evenings.  It’s worth noting that the race started halfway down the track, as was the case with all distance races at that time in small meetings.

 

Did you run for your school? Did any of your teachers have any influence on you taking up running?

School was the start of my running career.  Buckhurst Hill County High had a great reputation at cross-country when I first went there.  Two of the Ilford AC team who won the National Youths’ Cross-Country Championship in 1952 were pupils there at that time.  I was encouraged by PE teachers Reg Cave and Roger Webb (who was a friend of Ron Pickering, then teacher at Wanstead County High).   In my last couple of years at school I often raced twice a week, once for School and once for Ilford AC.  It took me until my last year to win a school cross-country championship in any age group.  

 

Have you ever done a parkrun? What is your opinion on parkruns?

I’ve not done a parkrun, but I don’t rule it out.  The 9 am start is the biggest problem for me.

I think the park runs are great for introducing masses of people to the joys of running. It’s a far more sensible route than volunteering to run a marathon from scratch and having to raise hundreds or thousands of pounds for the privilege.  Clubs should certainly not view Parkrun as a threat, but more of a recruitment opportunity.

 

You are ranked No 1 in Britain in the V75 400 indoors with a time of 79.73 in February this year, which is an incredible time. Do you still do speed training specifically? If not, what is your typical weeks exercise nowadays.

I did do a few “speed” sessions, mostly on a gym treadmill, and generally following a regular daily 5K either on or off a treadmill, but in my advanced years I am fortunate to have retained speed off endurance running that most of my distance-running peers haven’t. Real sprinters in this age group begin to run out of steam at 400m so I am jumping into a gap between two disciplines.  I was actually approached by a coach (5 years older than me) offering to make me into a proper 400m runner.  I didn’t run 440yds/400m from my last School sports day until I was 70.  By “speed” note that the fastest I can run 100m off a rolling start is about 17.5 seconds, which leaves me gasping for air.  That’s 2:03 marathon pace.

 

You could have a fantasy dinner party and invite 6 people, alive or dead. Who would they be?

Through the auspices of Woodford Green AC and schooldays rival Tony Maxwell’s “Athletes Reunited” I have been fortunate in recent years to have had my fantasy pub lunch with very many of the athletic idols of my youth, on more than one occasion. To shamelessly name-drop these lunches have included folk like Ron Hill, Jim Hogan, Gerry North, our own Alan Perkins, Mel Batty, Dave Bedford, Diane Leather, Wendy Sly,  Pat Lowe, Paul Nihill and so many other stars of our favourite sport.  On one occasion we had seventeen Olympic athletes line up for a fake start outside a pub near London Bridge.  The passing public had no idea of the famous athletes they were seeing.  For me, “been there, done that”, like a little boy in a sweet shop.  Thanks Tony!

  Tony Nixon  

May 292020
 

Name:  Tony Nixon

Born:  14-12-1947

Date Joined:  1962

Personal Bests:
400m                   52.1 (51.7 R)
800m                  1.55.0
1500m                 3.51.0
3000m                 8.26.9
5000m                14.34.5

2000s/c (steeplechase)                   5.54.2
3000s/c                                            9.00.4

Road

5k                         15.10
10k                       31.54

First Club Race: 
Novices CC at Chigwell Row, Oct 1962

Favourite Race:
No particular one.
Liked Cross country, 1500, 3000, and Steeplechase (never an enthusiast of road racing, or training, although I did a fair bit of it).
Always at my happiest on the country.

Notable Performances: 

  1. Winning the Essex Senior 1500 in 1974 (3.53.0).  It was very special to me and my coach Alec Tiffin. Defending champion Tim Pribul (WG) 2nd and a young Andy Catton 3rd.
  2. Winning the Reynolds Garrett CC, Southampton, 1973.
    It was a prestigious cc event with a top-quality field.
    2nd  was Roger Brown (Bournemouth), 9th  in the National CC 6 months earlier,
    3rd was Neil Coupland (Southampton), the only person to win the Southern Senior CC 3years in a row, + 13.30 5k & 28.06 10k track, 4th  Andy Catton – need I say anymore,
    5th  Ron McAndrew (Reading) GB International Steeplechaser,
    6th Derek Coates,
    8th Roy Gill.
    What an Ilford team, 4 runners in the first 8 in a top quality field.
  3. Winning the 2,000 s/c at the Inter counties Junior match, 1966, at Hornchurch, and defeating the 1st and 3rd placers in the AAA Junior championships.
  4. Winning the 2000 s/c at the ‘Leyton Floodlit’ meeting the following week and defeating the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placers in the AAA Junior championships.
  5. The Ilford Youths team win at the Essex CC Champs in 1965. A joyous day for me, Steve Richardson, Keith Phillips and Roy Snow, but most of all for our coach Alec Tiffin. This win was poignantly repeated last year by our current crop of hugely impressive youngsters.
  6. Winning the club 10mile cc Champs 3 years in a row, the first person to do so.
  7. Coaching son Robert to Essex Senior 1500 win in 2001. The first father and son to lift the Essex mile/1500 trophy. The trophy goes back 100 years so it was our own little bit of history that will last forever.

Biggest Disappointments:

  1. Not winning AAA Junior 2000s/c 1966. I was not well on the day and came 4th. It was the only s/c I lost all year. Raced AAA Junior champion 3 times and beat him twice, but not in the one that mattered.
  2. Being away in Southampton for 9 years and missing the Ilford golden years of the 70’s/80’s.
    I remained a 2nd claim member during that time so that I could, and would, always do the Essex Championships.
  3.   Not being diagnosed with Coeliac disease until I was 32. I think this was the main, but not only, reason for my often erratic performances. Andy (Catton) perceptively observed that nearly all of my PB’s were done in my mid-thirties.

Typical Weeks Training: 

I’d average two, sometimes 3, runs on the country – 5-6 miles and invariably with hills, plus 2 track sessions per week.
I never did high mileage, but I would always run fairly fast (till I hit the hills). I’d average about 20-25 mpw in Summer and 25-30 in winter, occasionally a bit more.
Track sessions were typically 3 miles of effort e.g. .6×800, 5x1k, 4×1200,     8-12×400,  Pyramid session.
Also, a fair bit of speed work in the summer e.g. 6×200, 4×400.
One of the best sessions was at Cricklefield on the old cinder track, in preparation for the Essex Champs  800  –  3×440  X 1 lap jog, 54.5, 53.5, 52.5.  The outcome – just beat 2 minutes and never made the final!  It just goes to show that in athletics, “even the best laid plans  ………..”

Favourite Sessions: 

Probably the staple diet sessions e.g. 6×800, especially when I was running well.

Who are the most Famous Athletes you Trained with or would like to train with:  

I’ve trained with Neil Coupland  (13.30 5k, 28.06 10k) and Pete Lewis (1.47 800) at Southampton, Adrian Mussett (Colchester) and Andy Catton (whenever possible), Roger Mills (pre race walking days).

The athletes I would most liked to have trained with regularly were the Ilford athletes of the 80’s e.g. Andy Catton, Derek Coates, Gary Webb, John Batchelor, Roy Gill, Brian Meadows, Kark Hick, Adrian Gilham,  Andy Etchells, Andy Nichol, John McKenzie etc. What a special time, with so many quality runners. It must have been really uplifting to train in that kind of atmosphere.

Other bits:

I have a bit of an Ilford A.C. family.  As well as son Robert, my wife and younger brother Joe  ran for the club.  Pat was a swimmer and Joe a footballer, but they both won District and Essex Schools championships and ran for Essex at the English Schools in Blackburn, 1967. Pat ran 800 and Joe  ran 1 mile. Both were just out of the medals.  Pat ran for England Schools against Canada and France in Ottowa and Toronto as part of the Canadian ‘Expo 67’. She also won the 800 against France at Annecy.

Joe made the final and came 6th.  He went on to play professional football at Spurs, QPR, Orient and Peterborough, but never ‘made it’. He emigrated to Australia and played there, his claim to fame being that he scored the winning goal in the Australian cup final.

How would you improve the sport?

  1. Really value coaches. Provide appropriate training for them, support them and help them to develop.
  2. Ensure the athletes work hard, but also make sure the sport is fun and enjoyable. This is important in so many walks of life. My philosophy, metaphorically speaking, is that you will run well when you are laughing. So, coaches, as many of you no doubt do already – make your athletes work but make the sessions as enjoyable as possible.

 

Favourite Athlete or Sportsman:

  1. Trevor Brooking. Not just because he is my football hero, nor because he has shown loyalty in a profession that is devoid of it, but because he is a thoroughly good human being. (P.S. Some of you may not know that although he came from Barking, he went to Ilford County High School, so we can claim a bit of him as an ‘Ilfordian’)
  2. Andy Catton. Whereas Trevor Brooking had the luxury of a professional sports career, Andy achieved the heights that he did whilst undertaking a demanding full-time job in the City, managing a family with four very active children, and an athletic club! A great friend and a remarkable man. (And if that doesn’t get me a pint, I don’t know what will)

What other sports do you follow:

Football (Come on you Irons).
Cricket – big Essex fan. As a youngster I’d always go to the games at Valentines Park.
Rugby Union.
Also, an active Kayaker, mostly on the river Stour.

Best Country Visited:  
Italy

Favourite Food & Drink :
A ‘Sunday roast’ (in winter) and a pint of Adnams IPA

Favourite TV Shows:
History and Geography programmes

Last Film Seen:
Trautman (the story of German POW Bert Trautman)

Last Book Read:
Birdsong (Sebastian Faulks)

Favourite Band Singer:
ELO (and Andrea Bocelli)

Last Album Bought or Downloaded:
Buddy Holly re-mix (with London Symphony Orchestra)

Last Concert Attended: 
ELO at Wembley

Any Pets: 
Freddie (Yorkshire Terrier)

What are your aims for next season:
 To still be here.

Tell us a Joke: 
There are three kinds of people: Those that can count and those that can’t.

Essex youths cc champs 1965. Keith Phillips, Roy Snow, Steve Richardson, Alec Tiffin, Tony Nixon

Southern youths cc champs 1966

Essex Jun. 2k sc 1966. 2nd Peter Fulcher, Chelmsford

Essex 1500 1974.

Essex Vets 1500 1991

Up The Hammers

 

 

  1. You forgot to include Ernie Forsyth in the 80s training group and also the Essex vets road relay silver medal team of McKenzie, Nixon, Catton and Forsyth 1996.

Ah, how could I forget that race! We decided we would front load the team to ‘Fly the flag’ for Ilford and leave Ernie to ‘fend for himself’ on the last leg.
John ran the first leg really well and brought us in a close 3rd, I just took us into the lead and Andy really extended it.
So, it was all down to Ernie!
Well he almost delivered the win. Whether he was lifted by the support or just plain ‘running scared’, I don’t know, but he had a great run and held on to the lead till just before the end. Ernie’s finest hour.

 

  1. Seriously though how do you think that our athletes can once again achieve the heights that we enjoyed in 70s and 80s.

It will be very very difficult to match the 70/80’s team, but it can be done, if,
a) Our youngsters keep on developing
b) We train really well and regularly
c) We bond as a team, like the 80’s team did
d) We can attract some more quality runners.
Team spirit is a key factor.

 

  1. We currently have a great crop of youngsters, what advice would you give them for future success.

Ron Greenwood used to famously say ‘simplicity is genius’. So, don’t try and over complicate things. Enjoy the sport. Enjoy the friendships. Look forward to training with your mates. Have a laugh, but train seriously and maximise your ability. You will have good times and almost certainly not so good times, but consistency is the major key to success, so in the bad times just ‘stay with it’. (Also see below).

 

  1. Seeing as your average weekly mileage over your career was around 15 miles a week (being generous there) why do you think you were able to produce such great times and performances, especially as a veteran ?

The career average miles may be correct(?), but when I was running regularly, I would average about 25 in Summer and 30 in Winter. A lot of that was good quality running which is vital, especially if you are not going to do high mileage. That was exactly the same for me as a veteran. I also did circuit training as both a Senior and a Vet which helped enormously with leg strength. I remember Fred Plum (Pam’s coach) saying that if you could Military Press your own bodyweight you were ‘strong’, and I could do that without ever really doing any weights. I also learned a lot from Mike Smith in Southampton. Mike coached a 400m runner at every Olympics from 1964 to 2012 and so was a man to be respected. I’d had enough of running at the time but wife Pat badgered me to do something, so I joined Mike’s circuit training group in a church hall in Southampton. What was striking was that there was no fancy gym equipment, just harness’s and chairs. Yet at the end of the session really top quality athletes e.g. Todd Bennett, Iwan Thomas had done a multitude of exercises, had worked, and I mean really worked, every muscle in their body and were in a heap on the floor. Watching those top athletes in that church hall working so hard really brought home to me that it’s not always what you do that matters, but the way that you do it.
So, the circuit training, at my peak, contributed to my high(ish) level performance. However, the key factor was probably just physiology – I didn’t weigh much, had good lung capacity and was ‘relatively’ strong.

 

  1. I see you went to Southampton for 9 years (What was the transfer fee?) Why was that and did you train with another club in that area during that time? And how come you returned?

No transfer fee and I didn’t go by choice. I’d just finished a DMS & Personnel Management course at Salford University and couldn’t get a job at home but got one in Southampton. Having said that, I really liked Southampton and Chandlers Ford where we lived.

I stayed with Ilford for a couple more years but felt obligated to join Southampton & Eastleigh, which I did, and switched to 2nd claim Ilford. Alec Tiffin continued as my coach and it must have cost him a fortune in telephone calls. I enjoyed Southampton immensely, and what was interesting was that most of the middle-distance group joined in and followed Alec’s sessions. However, although I enjoyed Southampton, I really wanted to get nearer to home and was happy when I got a job in Ipswich, moved to Stratford St Mary, Suffolk, (+ by then, 2 children, Robert & Paul), and re-joined Ilford 1st claim.

 

  1. What’s happened to your son Rob who used to be a regular at Ilford AC races ?

Robert did a Chemistry degree at Birmingham Uni, and then got a research/Lab job with AstraZenica in Loughborough. He lived in Nottingham and joined Notts AC. Astra Zenica then closed the plant, and Robert changed career and trained to be a Primary Teacher at Leicester Uni. He’s now teaching in Abu Dhabi (+ Teacher wife Louise, and 2 children).  He’s not running these days – he’s put on too much weight, although he does play 5-a-side football. He still wears his Ilford vest if he ever goes for a run. His 7-year-old son Oliver likes to run and already has his Ilford vest!

 

  1. What are your best ‘Veteran’ athletic achievements?

Winning Essex vets1500 a couple of times and the Essex V60 cross country.

Topping the UK V70, 5k and 10k road and Parkrun rankings, and also 1500 in 5.18.5 aged 71 (the only track race I did).
The 10K (40.00) was probably the best age-related performance. It was 50 seconds faster than the next V70, UK cross country champion Bill Sutherland from Inverness. (Andy and I almost went up to Inverness for those championships, but it was too much hassle! I regret it).
I also won the Essex vets 1500 a couple of times.

I never joined the British Masters association and never did any BMAF Championships.

 

  1. Current training schedule? I’m not running at all. Zero miles. I haven’t said I’m retired, but at 72 I don’t think there is going to be a comeback.

Over the the two previous years I’d run 5 miles three times a week on the country. I never ran on the road if I could avoid it. I mostly run on grass along the Stour valley. All runs would include hills, some big hills, that I would try to run up fairly hard. I would also always pick up the pace on the way home, and run the last 600m pretty quick, as though it were a race.

 

  1. What was your full time job when you were in your prime and how did you fit your training around that?

I worked in Hampshire and then Suffolk in Education & Children’s Services. I usually trained 4 times a week, including track sessions, so there was no real issue, although fitting in training around the children’s activities could be a problem. They both played football from 8 to16 and Pat and I always went to their matches, so it could sometimes be complicated. Robert was more of a footballer in his early days – the leading goal scorer in the Suffolk and Ipswich league in his age group most years. He had no great skill, other than putting the ball in the net, but tremendous reactions/speed. Younger son Paul was a significantly more talented footballer (played for Suffolk schools) but preferred fishing!

 

  1. Your 5K And 10K Road times are very impressive ! What date and where were they achieved?

5K  15.10, Felixstowe Promenade, 24/03/86.
10k 31.54 Nike Grand Prix, Battersea Park, 12/03/86.
I think the 5k is very good, but the 10k is substantially less so.
I’ve never been a great enthusiast for road racing, apart from road relays – they were always exciting. I can only remember running 4 10k’s – Ilford (twice), Southend and Battersea Park.
What many people don’t really remember is that going back i.e. pre metrification and UK road ranking lists, racing was much more varied than it is now. You had famous races over distances of 4,5,6,7,8,9 and 10 miles! Then ‘metrification’ and ranking lists arrived, and races became, more or less, standardised at 5k,10k half & full marathon, with the odd 5 mile.
My best road race was actually one of those odd distances, the Newbury 9. I came 3rd in 45.07 on a tough course around the Greenham Common USAF base. It was also a fascinating race because it took place at the time of the women’s peace protests and their peace camp went nearly all the way around the course. I’ never been cheered so much! Quite surreal!

 

  1. Have you ever run a half or Full Marathon? If so what times and where?
    I was unwisely persuaded by Andy to run the Roding Valley, without the appropriate training. I did two 13 mile runs and thought that would get me round, which it did in 71.34. I attempted the 1976 Harlow marathon but dropped out at 20 miles with a knee ligament injury. This was also ill advised. I had done just two 20 mile runs in training. I had previously done a 25-mile charity run with Frank Gamwell (Essex 20 mile champion) which was ok, but it actually gave me a really false awareness i.e. running the distance and racing the distance are two very different things. Both races confirmed what I already really knew – you shouldn’t do distance races unless you are prepared for them.

 

  1. Favourite Park Run and PB from that ?

Fastest is 19.13 (aged 68) at Great Cornard, Sudbury. Favourite course is Chantry Park, Ipswich – really great grassland running, but hilly and not fast. I ran 19.23 there. Felixstowe prom is great (in the summer) if you want to run fast times and have a dip in the sea after.

 

  1. What is your worst Injury?

Lateral knee ligament injury in 1967, the day after coming 14th in Southern Junior Cross country as a first-year junior (Parliament Hill). It was a real ‘downer’. It kept me out of action for months, probably because I came back to running too soon, several times!

 

  1. Did you, or do you, do any strength and conditioning or core training?

    I only seriously did this one winter/spring in Southampton and it did make a big difference (see 4, above).

To add to the significance of this, in the Spring Mike Smith called me to see if I would step in for someone who had dropped out of SCAAA team to race 3k at Oxford university. I had done very little running at all in the winter, but I ran 8.45. I put this down to the fitness generated by the winter of intensive circuit training, including a lot of lung bursting exercises. Mind you, don’t misconstrue this; Running is more important than circuit training, but circuit training, without any doubt, definitely helps. It’s ‘essential’ for sprinters, ‘important’ for middle distance runners, and ‘helpful’ for distance runners.

 

  1. Did you or do you have a stretching regime?

I never really did so when I was younger, but now I try and stretch regularly and have a routine that starts with the head and works down to the calf and achilles.
Sprinters do this all of the time, middle distance runners most of the time and distance runners not enough of the time. They should do so, it helps prevent injury, but always first make sure you’re properly warmed up first.

 

  1. In your heyday did you follow a particular diet?
    No. I used to eat all the wrong foods e.g. pastries and pies and was always ill. I didn’t know I had Coeliac disease which was causing all the stomach problems. It was diagnosed when I was 31 and I’d fully recovered by 32/3. As a result, as Andy Catton observed, most of my best times were set in my mid-thirties. Now I don’t just have the necessary gluten free diet, but generally eat much healthier than I did when I was younger.

 

  1. Your enthusiasm while watching races with Ilford AC Runners is fantastic – have you always been like this? Keep it up it’s Inspiring to hear!

Yes, I’m afraid I have. As far back as our youth team track and road relay days we would always be out on the course/track supporting and cheering on our club mates. Hopefully I’ll be able to support for a few more years yet. Now Pam has retired we’ll probably form a supporter’s club.

 

  1. I remember in 1998/99 you coached a Colchester Harriers Runner Richard Gaine – how did that come about?

Dave Wright at Colchester Joggers had seen me at a few races and tried to get me to join. Knowing that was not on, he got me to just come down and run with them on a Friday night. After a few runs and a few beers and general chat about running I joined them 2nd claim. They were so open, welcoming and inquisitive about training and asked me if I would help with coaching. So, I coached what was a talented group, including Richard who became a good friend, and also Essex V40 cross country champion. The group got better and better over the next two years and the notion that they were joggers was laughable. Within a few years they went to the National Road relay at Sutton Coldfield and finished 18th, 1 second behind a very strong Basildon team. If ever you see Dave Wright, ask him about the race, and then stand back! Nothing sets him alight more than that race. He was, as Robert was, certain he got the Basildon guy on the line. Anyway, I coached all of the team, except Adrian Mussett. Richard was very good but wasn’t the best natural talent in the group. Adrian Mussett excepted,Tim Bartrum was the most talented and went on to come 3rd in the Essex CC champs, at Woodford, behind Nick Wetheridge and Neil Bangs.

 

  1. Please describe in your opinion how Ilford AC has changed over the years you have been a member. I find this difficult to answer because I am not at the club a lot. What I know hasn’t changed is that there is a lot of talent in the greater Ilford area that doesn’t always come into athletics and so the links with schools and the press side of our activities need to be a key focus. (some really good stuff lately).
  2. What’s happened to all your trophies?
    Most were returned for subsequent winners. Others are in the loft.

 

  1. Who was your Greatest Rival in the Club in your Prime?
    Roy Gill and Andy Catton. At that time John Batchelor was ‘out’ with a long-term injury

 

  1. Can you remember the first time you met Sir Andrew Catton ? Did you become friends straight away ?

It’s odd, but I really can’t remember. You’ll have to ask Andy, but I think it would be around 1970? There is also something uncanny to add to this this. Andy and I have been friends for about 50 years but it wasn’t till this year that we discovered we were brought up just a mile away from each other. Andy in Barkingside and me in Newbury Park!

  1. Greatest Local Essex Runner? (Male and Female)
    Eamon Martin (edges it over Rob Denmark) and Sally Gunnel.

 

  1. You used to organise the ‘The Constable Country 5 Mile Race’ out in Stratford St Mary years ago in the early 90’s and the entrants were of the absolute cream of Essex Runners at the time. How did you manage to attract such a high quality field? Very few clubs are as strong as they were in the eighties and even the best clubs are not as strong as they were in the eighties.
    As far as I can make out the Constable Country 5 was the original ‘Friday 5’ in the country. The idea partly came from the Colchester Joggers Friday night club run and the drinks sessions afterwards. Some great evenings, so I thought I’d take the idea into a formal Friday night race, which as many will know, spawned a whole plethora of Friday 5’s. The race itself was secondary to the social side but, probably because of that, it just ‘took off’. Paul Spowage (Colchester Joggers) won the original race. I’m not sure of the exact sequence thereafter, but Andy and Derek Coates jointly won it and set a new course record of about 25.20? Amin Kokai then appeared and took it just below 25, and then Adrian Mussett took it down to 24.48 (I think). There was some really high class running, but the social part was even better. As for your other observation/question, ‘why is athletics not as strong as it used to be’ – I’m not sure. It could be there are now more sports and activities that people can do? It could be that athletics is too tough? It could be that work is so much more demanding for people these days and they ‘don’t have the time’? It could be athletics just doesn’t have the glamour of other sports. I really don’t know, but probably it’s a mix of all of those.
  2. Tony you already answered this to me directly, but looking back, how disappointed were you never to knock that half a second off your 3000sc time to have a sub 9min clocking?
    I bet this Q is from Gary Floate. My 9.00.4 steeplechase best was done at Crystal Palace running for SCAAA v Wales v Combined Services v British Police. Roger Bean, who was running for the police, had won in Prague the week before in 8.38 so was favourite, but I felt really good and was right with him and comfortable with 600m to go. As we passed the shot putt circle Geoff Capes shouted out “Go on Roger, you can beat that little squirt”. I was about to take the race on, but now I just wanted to make sure I won. So, I sat for another lap and just as we went by the shot putt circle I took off and won comfortably. Had it not been for Capes I’d have gone earlier and I’m sure I would have got under 9 minutes. Disappointing, but such is life!

 

  1. In your prime, who would have won a 1500m race between you and your son Rob?
    What a question! Never ever thought of that before, but I think that if it was slow Robert would definitely have won – he’s run 22.7 for 200 and I couldn’t cope with his basic speed. However, if it was fast I might(?) have won. Overall, I think if Robert hadn’t been plagued with injuries he certainly would have been much better than me up to and including 1500..

 

 

 

 

  Pam Jones  

May 232020
 

Name
Pam Jones

DOB
7/7/1936

Date joined
July 1950

Personal bests

Track
400m 59.7
800m 2.17
1500m 4.49.7
3,000m 10.49.2
5,000m  20.05 W45

I did run a few 10,000m on the track but since my move results have gone missing.

Road

All road times are as a vet.
There were no road races for ladies until I was 40, so I have put age at the time of the race

5k                  19.17 W53   Barking park
5 miles          32.17 Victoria park short course
5 miles          32.52 W59 Pitsea
10k               39.49 W49 Hyde park
HM               86.14 W47 Bath (Flat)
HM               86.53 W48 Roding (Hilly)
25k              1.44.35 W45 Mitchum
20 miles       2. 24.31 W47
Marathon     3.16.56 W48
                     3.28.46 W57
                     3.35.27 W60 1st in age group

First club race
Was probably a hurdle race on the track.

Favourite race
As a junior hurdles and relay
As a senior The Cabbage patch 10 miles

Notable performances.

Winning the English schools hurdles title I was unbeaten in 1952 winning the Essex Southern National and the English schools hurdles.

Winning the Southern and National junior cross country  titles.

Representing Essex on the track and cross country I was the oldest lady ever to be selected one year for the inter counties  I was 47. I also ran for Essex in the inter counties 20 mile champs.

Being selected for England in the cross country International and winning my age group several times.
Competing for GB in the European and World championships where over the years I had many successes. It was at one of these championships I met Rob who became my coach after my husband Dave was unable to continue due to ill health.

Biggest disappointment
Not being able to run road races until I was in my 40’s

Typical weeks training
Varies so much as each decade has been different.
When I started running under 15’s we’re not allowed to run further than 150 yards. We were all sprinters in my group.
We trained Tues Thurs and Sunday on the track.
I did Wednesdays with Fred Plumm on hurdling technique. Fred was to be my coach for the next 50 years.
As I didn’t grow to a great height 5ft 2ins my hurdling career ended when the hurdles became too high for me.
I then moved to middle distance, running 400 and 800 in our league races and Essex and Southern champs. I had more success at 800 winning the Essex title
Training for these distances was speed/endurance
I was introduced to cross country when the cross-country girls were short of a B team member Phyllis Perkins spotted me and I was roped in to cross country which I immediately fell in love with. I moved from Cross country to road running and combined the two.
A typical week training in the 80’s and 90’s would be
Sunday 10 miles at Hainault with the group
Monday am before work 5 miles with Harvey our border collie
Tuesday am 5 miles with Harvey
Pm track session which covered at least 5 miles 4 laps warm up 4×100 strides then 4×200 then whatever Fred had planned for the evening.
It could be anything from 12×400 6×800 a pyramid we always jogged between reps
We did a lot of criss crosses after our session anything from 10 to 20 then 4 laps cool down.
Wednesday 10 miles on the road before work
Thursday am 5 miles with Harvey before work
PM track session as per Tuesday
Friday am 5 miles with Harvey.
Saturday Race or 10 miles at Hainault with the group.

Favourite session
12×400 track. Road  mile reps with Dave round the PLA ground off the drive in Ilford.  We did 6×1 mile one evening all practically flat out !!

How would you like to improve the sport
I would like to see a life time ban for drug cheats. Grass roots athletics should receive more funding to nurture our young athletes.

Favourite athlete
Emil Zatopek

What other sports do you follow
West Ham football
The Raiders ice hockey team

Best country visited
Finland

Favourite food
Sunday roast

Drink
Used to be wine now it’s Tea?

Favourite TV
Any crime drama The Yorkshire Vet. SAS who dares wins and Bake off

Last book read
I’ve read 26 books in lockdown. The Salt Path. When breath becomes air were memorable ones.

Favourite singer
Drake Freddie Mercury. Frankie Boe,

Favourite groups.
Elbow. Queen, Keane

Last concert
Last year at Langtons with the club

Any pets
Unfortunately no pets
I would love to have another dog

 

Joke
Why was 6 afraid of 7
Because 7 8 9

 

Can I ask Pam how she got into athletics in the first place please and what made her choose Ilford.

Between the age of 12/13 I suffered from aching legs. As a teenager my Dad had Rheumatic fever twice. He was bedridden for a year. Mum was worried I had inherited this. A visit to the doctor confirmed all was well, the doctor suggested I take up a sport.
I enjoyed school sports days particularly the running, so athletics was decided on.
I lived in Collier Row at the time, Dad took me along to Essex ladies one of the nearest Clubs. I jogged round feeling really self-conscious, but nobody spoke to me.
I was too shy to initiate a conversation I came home a bit disillusioned. The next nearest club was Ilford so the next week we arrived at Cricklefields. No sooner had I arrived, when a lovely lady called Madge Merry put me with a group of girls the same age as me. The club were so welcoming and the friends I made then are still dear friends today.

Could you ask in which race she represented Essex when she was 47

I represented Essex in the Inter counties cross country aged 47

I understand that you were club president at one time Tell us a little bit about your Speech. I believe it was a club record.

A record I’m not particularly proud of.
I was very nervous at the thought of standing up to speak to a large group of people. To settle my nerves, I consumed a bottle of wine, which was fine. I stood up, thanked everyone for coming and that was it – 45 secs a club record !!

The photos are great but can you give us the approximate dates and locations of each photo in order plus name of the others in them. We obviously recognise Robbo

  1. Hurdle training at Cricklefields with my coach Fred Plumm 1952

2 With Robbo in Alicante 2018

3 Crossing the finish line with Richard Pitcairn Knowles in the European cross-country Champs. Toruń Poland 2019

4 Winning England W60 team 2002 ( I always had to run in an age group 5 years younger as the W60 age group wasn’t introduced until I was 65.

5 Competing in the Home countries International in the W65’s age 71

6 European Track 5,000m presentation 2008 Ljubljana

7 An Essex league cross country. L to R Kay Franklin, Flo Conneally, Me, Cheryl Macdonald, and Sharon, in the front Robin.

8 The National cross-country trophy 1960’s. Phyllis Perkins Muriel Critchley Me Joan Dryden.

9 Training at Cricklefields 1960,’s with My husband Dave.
It was unusual for me to be running with Dave on the track as we trained in different groups.

Happiest moment in my running career.

This is a tough one as I have so many great memories over the years.
The English schools was a big thrill for me as it felt like a mini Olympics.
I had to win the race twice as one runner didn’t start the first time. We didn’t hear a recall gun so all but one finished the race. We walked straight back and ran again.

Being selected for England the first time was exciting. I didn’t know there was a Home countries international so getting a letter through the post with the Invitation was a real surprise. I was so nervous I barely slept the night before but all went well and I scored in the winning team.

I have lots of very happy memories travelling with Dave to the European and World Champs.

Worst injury

I haven’t had any significant running injuries that stopped me running.
All my injuries were self-inflicted. One particularly bad one where I fell out of the loft and crushed my sciatic nerve. The pain was so Intense I couldn’t sit or stand I could only lay flat on my back. After a couple of weeks with no improvement we made an appointment with Sharon. My sister drove us there as she had a front seat that went flat as I couldn’t sit up. I arrived at Sharon’s on a Zimmer frame. Sharon worked wonders on my injury we went 3 times a week, I can’t remember how many weeks but thanks to Sharon I got back on my feet again. This did leave me with back problems. I had a MOT with Sharon every 2 weeks thereafter.

Have you always been good at making bread pudding and please share with the readers your recipe.

The bread pudding recipe was handed down to me by my Dad. Not sure why Mum didn’t make it but it was Dad’s speciality. Unfortunately like the Coca Cola Ingredients it’s “top secret” and can only be passed down to the next generation.

Of all the medals you have won which are you most proud off

I am most proud of the medals I fought hard for. The English schools, my first London marathon age group win, especially as I never trained for marathons. My marathons were run on my normal training regime I fitted them in to my normal racing programme. I had to race a BMAF 5k champ the weekend after London one year.

Have you met or trained with any sporting legends

I met the USA Olympic team when they came to White City for a meeting on their way back to the States. I still have all their Autographs. I trained in the same group as Kim Webb who competed for GB in the marathon.

As you have said you are only 5ft 2ins tall. What size running shoes do you wear?

Surprisingly large compared to my height 6.5

Please describe how you think Ilford has changed over the years.

The basic formula is very similar now to how it was in the 50’s and 60’s
We concentrated on the track entering Essex Southern and National events. We travelled far and wide to compete in these events.

When road running became more popular and road races were more prolific the club combined the two doing well in both.

We had a very good social scene during these years. However, we did have some lean years where we didn’t have any teams on the track or cross country. I think the tide turned when Ian started scouting in local schools we gradually had some youngsters to work with and between Ian Tom Gary and Wayne we have a budding track and cross country and road team.
Park runs and the Harriers Wednesday group changed the numbers of runners we had joining and Rob’s group has grown considerably.
Billy and Robin have made sure the harriers are thriving, and Sharon is doing a great job on the social side.
We have come full circle into 2020 with much the same format as when I joined the club.

Favourite park run and why

I have only done a few park runs I would say Barking parkrun is the fastest but I like Valentines for the social meet up in the cafe afterwards

Do you still have any running ambitions? And will you still compete at the European and World masters championships in future.

I don’t have any ambitions at the present time. Not sure about competing in Euros and World champs it depends where they are and if I could be competitive enough.

I see you support the Hammers so who is your favourite West Ham player of all time and why

Favourite player of all time Bobby Moore as he was a member of the World Cup winning team in 1966. Special mention to Trevor Brooking for being a real gentleman.

What has your training been in the current lockdown.

My exercise has been mostly walking as originally, we could only go outside to exercise once. I was walking because I could stay out longer. I didn’t observe the 1hour limit as I was only seeing a few people out and about. My 5-mile walks became an exploration of all the footpaths and fields around Frinton.

If you could run a relay with Ilford ladies all at their prime what would be the distance what three ladies would join you and which former president would hand over the gold medal. Or would you feel sorry for our current president who hasn’t had any opportunity to hand out prizes.

The distance for my all-time ladies team would be 4×400
I would definitely be the slowest in this team but I loved 400 relays

1st leg Pat Nixon nee Bailey a great 400/800 runner
2nd leg me so the other two can make up the deficit
3rd leg Brenda Ford another fab 400 lady
Last leg Phyllis, who was one of the gutsiest runners I have known. Really Wendy Cearns should run my leg as she would be 3 secs faster.

Dave would be the ex-President handing out the medals.

We know you as a nice lady. I’m sure you told me a story once about getting in to trouble in training as a youngster at the club care to elaborate.

It wasn’t trouble as such, but Fred told me when I was an adult how he always knew that if anyone was going to pipe up when we were in our junior group it would me me to put him on the spot about whatever he had said or given us to do !!
I would question why !!

Who do you think would win an arm wrestling competition between Wes and Ernie?

It would totally depend on which arm Ernie decided to use as currently one arm is out of action therefore I think Wes would have a slight advantage at the moment.

Many of us fondly remember your husband Dave. Did you meet Dave at the club, and can you tell us about his achievements please.

I met Dave at the club in 1958 I was seeing someone else at the time, he wasn’t Interested in athletics, so we went our separate ways.
Dave asked Fred if I was free and that was the start of our relationship. We married in December 1958

Dave trained extremely hard he wasn’t a natural athlete so had to work hard for his goals. He had a marathon best of 2hrs 48. Dave was Welsh and competed regularly in the Welsh track champs where he finished third one year in a very competitive 6-mile championship. He ran for the club in the London to Brighton relay where places were coveted, and a trial was held to determine the team. He was Club secretary for a number of years and cross-country captain for a decade.

Dave was fanatic about not missing a days training and got up out of his sick bed once ( he had the flu) to put on a hoodie and run round the block!, He was very supportive with all my exploits and always gave me very sound advice. Dave coached our group for a number of years before Rob took over.

Wales v England in the World Cup final on TV.
Me (Billy) on one sofa with the flag of St George and a nice big pot of English tea and Satha on the other sofa with the Welsh flag and cakes.
You had to sit with one of us and cheer on England or Wales who would it be.

Well that’s easy. If it’s the football World Cup I would be sitting with you Billy, as I always support the England football team.

If it is the Rugby World Cup I would definitely be on Satha’s sofa as Dave wasn’t as Interested in football but was an avid follower of the Welsh rugby team as am I.

  Krystle Balogun  

May 172020
 

Name:  Krystle Balogun

Born:  17 January 1987

Date Joined  Late May 2013 after Coach Ian Gains persuaded me to join.

Personal Bests:
100m: 13.0 ,
200m: 26.22,
300m: 42.61,
400m: 59.25,
800m: 2.18, 
1 Mile: 5.22,
5k: 19.40,
5Mile: 32.00,
10k: 40.17

 

First Club Race: 1st June 2013, Orion Harriers Forest 5 in Epping Forest. Came 3rd female.

Favourite Race: My favourite race was the 200m Essex and Eastern Indoors in 2018 at Lee Valley.
It was the first time I had chose to race this distance, i didn’t know how to run it, and my coach Nat said there was no pressure, just doing it to get some more experience in this event.
Nobody including me expected to actually medal, and with how bad my stumble at the start was, but i managed to push hard on the last bend and came 2nd place and went on to win the 400m later on. 

Notable Performances: Newham 10k 2013 1st Place,  Essex & Eastern Championships, Essex Championships, Essex County Relays.

Biggest Disappointment:  I would probably say last year while representing Essex, I pulled up in the 400m with 120m to go due to my Achilles Tendon, hopping to the finish line in slow motion. Paid the price for not resting it before and prolonged my recovery.

Typical Weeks Training:
Sunday: Gym,
Monday Rest day,
Tuesday: Track,
Wednesday: Gym
Thursday: Track,
Friday: Light Stretches,
Saturday: Track

Favourite Sessions:  150, 200, 150, 100, 300m, 150, 100, 50

How would you improve the sport Invest more money into Athletic Clubs so they have the right equipment and better facilities to help Grass Root Talent. 

Favourite Athlete or Sportsman: Our very own Legend Pam Jones is always top of my list, Kobe Bryant, Shelly- Ann Fraser Pryce 

What other sports do you follow: Football and some Boxing

Best Country Visited Tasmania had an amazing time, beautiful scenery, fresh food, great memories, fully recommend going.

Favourite Food & Drink : BBQ glazed Ribs, Enchiladas or Fajitas. Vodak +Cranberry, Oreo Milkshake, 

Favourite TV Shows:  killing Eve, The Simpsons, After Life, 

Last Film Seen : Birds of Prey Harley Quin 

Last Book Read : You are a Badass by Jen Sincero

Favourite Band Singer:  Jill Scott, Nao, Childish Gambino, Nas

Last Concert Attended:  Childish Gambino at the O2 last year.

Any Pets:  No unfortunately, but love dogs

What are your aims for next season Improved reaction out of the blocks, shave some more of my times to compete in races, address injuries properly not to mask them.

 

 

1) Now tracks are closed during lockdown What running training do you now do?
While the Tracks are closed, I’ve been taking run routes around parks, taking my cones and marking out a distances to still get Sprints in, finding hills and inclines to run up for strength and workouts at home or on an open field.

 


2) What exercise regime do you do in the gym and favourite and least favourite exercises? What gym are you a member of?
I’m a member of a Strength & Conditioning Gym called Edge. Favourite exercise is Cable twists or plyometric jumps over hurdles. Least favourite id Burpees. I do strength training, and polymeric work at my gym.

3) What is your normal day job? And does your employer realise you are a potential athletic superstar and allow time off for your training?
A job I had in the past wasn’t supportive and made it very difficult. I wouldn’t say “normal”, but my main job is currently a Teaching Assistant in a primary school. Once a week I’m a Softball Girls Coach based at a secondary school. Rest of the time I fit in Fitness Instructing and some Sports Modelling so try to find the right balance around training.

Lol my school kids love the fact I do athletics and are always challenging me to a race on the playground lol. Luckily with school hours, I finish early enough to train with my coach and team in the evenings. Having weekends free, allows me to be able to have the freedom to compete in races or morning training sessions.

4) How many Essex County Medals have you won?
How many Essex County Medals do I have? I literally had to trace back and work this one out lol. I believe its 18 when including relays.

5) Before joining Ilford AC were you a member of another athletics club and how did you meet Iain Gains so he could persuade you to join Ilford AC ?
Before Ilford Ac I just trained myself and ran around the park and local area. I was a Run Club leader for Nike Stratford. I sometimes trained at Mile End Track, with Tower Hamlets Distance team “RunFast” and some Kenyan Athletes there, only if I finished a shift early enough or had the day off.

It’s funny because I met Mr Ian Gains (Gainsy) at Victoria Park in early April 2013. I had entered the Annual Victoria Park 5mile Open on the day, last minute, so I was panicking lol. I was with my brother Aaron who had trained and ran for Ilford Ac in the past, and Ian spotted him and was having a conversation about athletics. He didn’t really pay too much attention to me lol, it was only when he asked Aaron why he was here, that Aaron told him he was here to watch me run. I remember asking him what advice he had for running this route, and he said, “it’s a relatively flat course, and to run with your head, not your heart, as that’s what gets you into trouble” lol. Then my brother wadded in and said but run with everything, when you start to see that finish line lol. A few days later Aaron was training at Ilford, and Ian saw him and said he’d seen my times and I should join the team. I kept ignoring it, because I just ran for fun, but after a month of Ian hounding Aaron about me, I thought I’d give it ago and see if I’d like it. And the rest is history lol.

So, I’m very thankful to him and my brother for pushing and seeing that potential in me. I’ve been given a lot of opportunities and met some amazing people through doing so. Apologies for the essay but you asked lool.

 

6) Why no Hill sessions in your training programme ?
I would do hills, but my team and coach struggle to get down to Hainault Forest. I do strength training in the gym and like to have a 3rd day of track training in the week, as there isn’t a lot of opportunity to access the track. Since Lock down I have discovered hills and inclines closer for me to venture to so will implement them more and discuss with my coach a plan of action that works.

7) what was your last race before lockdown and how did you get on ?
My last competition was Essex & Eastern Indoor Champs in February. I won the 200m which I was happy about, as I wasn’t sure how my Achilles Tendon would react on the bends at Lee Valley. I died in the 400m as my legs just felt fatigued lol. I did a 60m Open on 1st March to just see reaction. Before the lock down I was supposed to be opening my outdoor season with Woodford Open.

8) In a couple of years’ time you will be a Female Veteran Over 35 so any long term plans for that ?
Long Term plans for Vets? If this lockdown has taught me anything, it is I shouldn’t plan that far ahead lol. Would I love to represent and get some international medals? definitely. Depending on my circumstances and if no major injuries in 2years, I will. For now, my focuses are on the races just in sight.

9) Have you met or trained with any athletic/running Legends ?
Mo Farah, Laura weightman, Steve Cram, Lynsey Sharp, Perri Shakes Drayton, Tessa Sanderson, Cameron Vandenburgh, Rio Ferdinand, Ian Wright, Dwaine Chambers, Jo Pavey, David Weir, Montell Douglas, Anyika Onuora. Jo Mersh, Paula Radcliffe, Asha Philips.

10) Do you subscribe to Athletics Weekly ? Or Runners World?
Nope. I don’t subscribe to Athletics Weekly, I’ve advertised in it lol, but it’s so thin now and I find it quite pricey for what’s in it lol. Runners World I’d buy if I needed something to read on a plane journey, but not on a regular lol. More information online now.

11) What’s your opinion of Park Runs and have you done many?
I think Park Runs are great, I don’t have anything against them. When I started off running it was around parks. Anything that encourages all ages to give it ago, enjoy as a family and helps with their health physically, mentally, as well as socially, is a plus. I’m all for supporting physical activities, I’ve only ever done one I believe run by Park Runs, but I focus on shorter distances and track now.

12) What is the First running related thing you want to do when the Athletics Lockdown is over?

First thing I’ll do once the track is open is run on it, see my team, get a solid session in, set the hurdles out, spend a few hours at my second home, never taking it for granted again, as I’ve missed it and the atmosphere lol.

 

13) Did you love running at school, and at what stage did you realise you were actually very good at it?

I did run at school and was the fastest in my year, but it wasn’t really seen as much of a big deal, and none of the girls in my year were fussed about sport so wasn’t really a competition lol, unless it was sports day lol. When I was in secondary school, I mainly played football outside of school. My year was the first to be able to choose PE as a GCSE, and I regretted choosing it over History, as the teacher was a wannabe popular kid, bit of a bully, who was never supportive or encouraging. I dreaded going into his lessons and didn’t bother with it again until a couple of years after finishing University. I was 26 when I ran my first Cross Country lol. It’s so important to have coaches or teachers who are passionate about what their teaching, as it can leave a lasting impression.

 

14) Are you keeping in touch with your fellow athletes at Ilford during Lockdown?

Yes a few of them, mainly through Instagram, WhatsApp.

 

15) Who is your favourite Boxer / Football team?

Muhammed Ali aka: “The greatest”. Football teams, I manly just like watching the Euros and World Cups. Barcelona, Portugal, Brazil. My family are Tottenham Supporters

16) Which 3 famous people would you invite to a dinner party?

 Only 3? Well if I’m allowed celebrities who have died too, it would be 1: Prince or Janet Jackson, 2: Will Smith, 3: Kobe Bryant

 

 

 

  Jak Wright  

May 092020
 

Name: Jak Wright

Born:  04/09/02

Date Joined:  I started training in July 2017 and joined officially in mid-September 2017

Personal Bests:

Track:

400 – 56.9

800 – 2:05

1500 – 4: 11.81

3000 – 9: 08.26

Road:

Mile – 4:39 ( virtual time trial!)

2 mile – 10:20

3 mile – 16:41

5k – 16:55 (virtual time trial!)

First Club Race:  u15 Essex XC relays. I was 2nd leg with Farris Patel and Aaron Samuel and we came 2nd for the silver medal.

Favourite Race:  Mini marathon, the last 3 miles of the London marathon course on the morning of the actual race. Doubles up as the London borough championships and the British 3 mile championships, with 6 runners chosen from each region. Fast course and very competitive with a great crowd. I also love a championship 1500.

Notable Performances:  Essex 3000m champion (3rd in the 1500m the day before), 3rd in the Essex XC champs, Essex League win at writtle college, 33rd at Southern intercounties.

Biggest Disappointment:  Either 276th at my first English schools XC in Leeds, or 173rd at my first UK intercounties in Loughborough (lost my shoe twice). I can’t seem to do well in the big XC races.

Typical Weeks Training:  generally something like this

Summer:

Mon – Rest day/easy run, core/strength workout

Tue – Track session (short reps, long rec)

Wed – Steady run between 4-7 miles, core/strength workout

Thu – Track Session (short reps, long rec)

Fri – Steady run between 4-7 miles

Sat – Track session (usually specialised to each discipline, 3×1k was a staple for me)

Sun – Long run (10+ miles)

Weekly mileage : 35-40

Typical track sessions consist of 6×500, 8×400, 12×200, 3×700, etc with recovery ranging from 3-5 min

Winter:

Mon – 5 mile easy with core and strength workout

Tue – Track session (high volume, short recovery)

Wed – 5 to 7 mile steady / 3 to 5 mile tempo

Thu – Track session (high vol, short rec)

Friday – 5-7 mile steady

Saturday – Hainault hill session (consists of 12 hill reps of varying lengths with some being all out sprints, jogging between hills and a mile warm up and warm down, 6+ miles in total)

Sunday – Long run (10+ miles)

Weekly mileage: 45-50

Typical track sessions consist of 5×8, 10×500, 14×400, 20×200 with 1-3 min recovery.

 

Favourite Sessions:  8× 400 3mins rec in the summer and the 4, 6, 8, 1k, 8, 6, 4 pyramid with 2 mins in the winter.

Who is the most Famous Athlete you Trained with or would like to train with: 
I haven’t ran with many, but I’ve met and spoke to Jake Wightman which was great.
My dad holds the British v40 indoor mile all-time record and  is ranked number 1 in the world for v 40 800, and Aaron Samuels has ran for England winning the SIAB steeplechase, so do they count?
Wouldn’t anyone like to train with any famous athlete? I can’t choose.

How would you improve the sport:  Bring athletics and cross country to the forefront of PE in schools. Glamourising, or focussing media attention/television coverage on to, the sport will encourage more young people to pursue it. I’ve seen it firsthand, no one wants to do the 1500 on sports day (on my sportsday the longest was 200m), the cross country trials are empty as no one shows up, the bleep test has been removed from the school curriculum. No one wants to run anymore.

Favourite Athlete or Sportsman: Eliud Kipchoges mental strength and dominance over the marathon will never cease to amaze me, but one of my favourite athletes of all time is Hichem El Guerrouj. Definitely the greatest middle distance runner to ever live.

What other sports do you follow: None, but I have been interested in football and swimming in the past

Best Country Visited: Going to Ghana was definitely a life-changing experience.

Favourite Food & Drink: Porridge and Coffee

Favourite TV Shows: Rarely watch TV

Last Film Seen: Thor Ragnarok, I enjoy marvel movies and this one was especially funny.

Last Book Read: The picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Finished it in a day and couldn’t put it down.

Favourite Band Singer: Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys

Last Album Bought or Downloaded: Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino by Arctic Monkeys (on vinyl!)

Last Concert Attended:  Ed Sheerans Divide concert at Wembley

Any Pets:  I have one of the slowest and one of the fastest animals in the world; a tortoise called Oscar and a Greyhound called Luna

What are your aims for next season:  Hopefully I get to race this track season… I’d like to break 3 barriers: 2mins 800, 4mins 1500, 9mins 3000. In XC I’d like to settle into the longer distances and perform well in my last English Schools. I’d also like to race indoors next year for the first time.

Tell us a Joke:  Only athletes will understand this one. It’s a running joke. 

 

 

What made you start running?

Since I was young I have always run with my dad. I would train maybe two or three times a week in preparation for some of the annual raises I did such as the mini marathon, the Westminster mile, the London city mile, and any races with my school such as districts on the track, cross-country districts, and London Youth Games. in the summer of 2017 I run for Havering schools in the Essex county schools 1500m championship. Aaron Samuels was in the race and Gary Floate was in the audience, I ran a decent time for the amount of training I was doing (4:41) and Gary asked my Mum if I would like to come and train with Ilford. I did and the rest is history

Why did you join Ilford AC and what did you know about the club before joining?

As I explained previously Gary float recruited me. I knew a little bit about Ilford since my dad had done some training sessions in the past. Funnily enough I had met Aaron way before he even started running, we attended the same theatre school for about 7 years (I didn’t believe him when he told me he was good at cross-country). I knew three other boys from the club (Bradley, Euan and Arun) who I had run with in the Mini marathon. Euan had already quit before I joined, and Arun now runs for Ealing. I’m still thankful to Brad for showing me the ropes on my first day.

What is your Ultimate Running Ambition?

 Becoming a professional runner. I know I’m a long way from it but I don’t believe it’s impossible and if given the opportunity I would definitely take it.

How did you get into Vinyl Records?

 I received a record player this Christmas. Vinyl records really do fascinate me because it’s how we turn music into something physical; you can hold it in you hand and say “this is a physical arrangement of sounds that I like”, which is not true for digital music. My grandad sent me about 15 of his records from the 50s and 60s, all American rock, lots of Elvis, and very interesting.

Favourite and Worst Cross-Country Courses you have run?

 I’m not the biggest fan of parliament hill. I would describe it as “proper cross country”, but I can never perform well over the sloppy mud and relentless hills. My favourite so far is Writtle college – flat as a pancake and some good memories attached to it including a team bronze at the champs, a team gold at the relays, an individual win at the Essex League, a qualification for English schools and 23rd in the south east intercountys

Is Your Dad (Paul) your coach?

Yes. Whilst my track sessions are made by Gary, Dad oversees my other running and what races I’m doing. I have a lot of autonomy over my training since I know my body, but Dad keeps a watchful eye over my mileage and intensity to ensure I don’t get injured or over train.

Furthest Distance raced?

The Ilford 10 mile, what a mudfest. I just missed out on a medal coming fourth, but was pleased with my run as I didn’t expect to be able to run that pace (6:27/mile) over that terrain.

What is your opinion of Park Run and have you done any? Best performance?

 I think Parkruns can be good for training every now and again. For me, they’re not something I’m invested in, as I see the culture as more of a social, weekly get-together rather than an attempt to run fast which is my primary concern. Regardless, I ran 17:04 at Barking last summer. Before I joined Ilford, I did do frequent Parkruns – however I did not train regularly so recovery was not an issue and I did not have more important races to focus on. Parkrun becomes a problem when athletes would rather attend that than their clubs primary leagues (in our case the Southern athletics league and the Essex XC  league).

How much pre and post training/racing stretching do you do? Do you use a foam roller?

I do a small stretching routine when I wake up, but this is mainly to get me ready for the day ahead and maintain some level of flexibility. I do active stretches before track sessions, and static ones after – same with races. I rarely use a foam roller, unless experiencing some particular tightness which is causing some worry.

What did you do in Ghana?

Well I could go on forever… The aim of the trip was to volunteer in a rural school in the Volta region of the country. I spent most of my time making bricks, and eventually a wall, to separate the school from an adjacent cemetery. I also spent a day teaching maths and English to students aged 8-12. I travelled with my school; 10 other students and one teacher. On the weekend we travelled north to a waterfall and  the rainforest – truly breathtaking sights. It was a life-changing experience, which I hope to never forget.

How does you feel about the amazing success the Club has enjoyed this season and in particular the effect that you and your family has had on that success, do you feel extra pressure due to their achievements for the club in their respective age groups. Do you feel that they get full support from the Club and if not , what improvements would he like to see in the future?

It is true that the club has experienced great successes this season; the senior men have rivalled Havering all season, even beating them in an Essex League and narrowly coming second in the relays. This is definitely a sign of improvement and the next step for us as a club is to establish depth in all age groups. My family covers three, and whilst it’s true that we have contributed to many successful outings, I personally do not feel any extra pressure. In my age group, we have a full team and some top-class athletes. In fact, last year they won the Essex champs without me. My younger brother Joseph, however, will rarely find himself in a scoring team and so he might feel more pressure to perform (I believe recruiting young athletes is paramount to continuing the success of our club). My Dad, Paul, has quickly become a vital asset of the senior men’s team, and whilst they have had their fair share of success this season, I am not inclined to think that this success would’ve be transferred onto the track in the southern league. I believe I am well supported in terms of the opportunities I am presented, but Joseph’s age group does not have an athletics league to participate in and must rely on open meets, Dad and myself compete in a league where the club struggles to fill events and despite being able to win races we don’t come close to promotion. In order to support our family (as well as the hardworking coaches, team managers and athletes) we must continue to support the clubs primary focus: athletics.