ITCH January 2008

Welcome to ITCH - the Ipswich triathlon club hand-out - for January (just) 2008...

A new year, a new season ...
... and a (slightly) new format.
Let me know whether it works for you - comments and content to itch@ipswich-tri.org

Club open events 2008

We're planning to hold the Culford Triathlon on Sunday 27th July but Dave won't be taking entries until we have everything confirmed with the school, so please be patient. Please think twice about entering this yourself (unless, of course, you're new and have never done it).

Also subject to final confirmation, we're planning to hold the Junior Triathlon on Sunday 24th August, and the Duathlon on Sunday 21st September.

Don't forget that you provide assistance at one of these events as an obligation of membership - so pencil in the dates now.

Training sessions planned for Thursday nights & Saturday mornings
Thursdays
Evening runs currently planned between now and March include:

  • Jan 31st - 5-6 mile Town run.

  • Feb 7th - Shell garage run.

  • Feb 14th - Dales run.

  • Feb 21st - Derek’s speed work.

  • Feb 28th - Dave’s house run (5 mile round top end of town)

Arrive at Greshams in good time to change, to be able to hit the road at 7:00pm.

NB - Swiss Tony is trying to reschedule his balls session for some time in February so one of these might change.
Saturdays

Saturday swimming has started again at Woolverstone pool. The dates for your diaries are:

  • February 2nd, 09th, 23rd.

  • March 1st, 08th, 15th.

  • April 12th, 19th, 26th

  • May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th.

Remember to arrive in good time to be changed and in the pool by 9:00 am sharp for a good workout.
 If you want to be on a ring round list for notification of changes at short notice then let Steve dB have your number. Steve is on 07795 564322.
   
Notices on website & mailings that you may have missed
   
30-01-08 Have you renewed your membership for 2008?
 You should by now have received - and hopefully returned - a membership renewal form from Simon.  If you've overlooked it, do it now! If you have lost the one Simon sent you, download a copy from the club website.  Please note that we have reviewed subscriptions for 2008 and they are now Seniors £15, Juniors £5 and Family £20.
19-01-08

Woodbridge 10k on 18th May already filling - entry form at www.woodbridgeshufflers.org.uk

17-01-08 Swiss ball session postponed - Tony has had to postpone the swiss ball session planned for tonight (Thursday 17th Jan) at Greshams, following some problem with rooms.
The intention now is to have the swiss ball session in February.
08-01-08

Waveney & Norwich events both open

(Note that there is also a Norwich Junior event on 5th July, and a Sprint event on 6th July)

Please make sure that when you are asked for your club that you enter as "Ipswich Triathlon Club", not just as "Ipswich" otherwise it gets difficult to find people in the results amongst other Ipswich clubs such as Jaffa, Ipswich Bike Club etc.
Other news & club notices
Coaches We need to have coaching resource to retain our Clubmark.  Are you a level 1 or level 2 coach?
 Adrian Green is still wanting to find people interested in training up as a L1 coach. If there are enough committed individuals interested, he'll ask about a dedicated members-only coach-training day.
(Let Adrian know by e-mailing juniors@ipswich-tri.org or contact Adrian on 01379 388855.)
Championships
  & ITCH league		 The committee has confirmed that we will use the Norwich Standard ("Olympic") triathlon as our club championship race.

he committee has also adopted the ITCH League but it is still mainly for fun, to give a focus for training, and to help increase the presence of the club in the region.  There will be no prizes for league results, just a warm glow for seeing how much you've improved - or avoided slowing down with age! Your ranking will be based on your best four relative results chosen from eligible events - weighted according to the distance.

These eligible events will include five sprint events and five standard ("Olympic") events - all to be reasonably local.  Waveney is already in there, as are Norwich and London.  This is your very last chance to suggest other local events - for example the Harwich double on 21st & 22nd June (see below)? Or the Hadleigh & Wattisham on 19th April (can somebody send me Lee's mailing - it hasn't reached me)?

There will also be two eligible middle distance events - slightly further afield but both already entered by club members: the UK Ironman 70.3 in Wimbleball, and the Vitruvian in Rutland Water.

Finally, you can count any long ("Ironman") distance event provided you can supply full results from which we can calculate your ranking.  This includes events such as the Norseman as well as WTC-registered Ironman events.

While not compulsory for the club championship, you are expected to wear club kit at Norwich.  Club kit must be worn for any result to count toward the league.
The Harwich double Harwich are putting on two triathlons this summer.

The usual sprint distance event (300m swim, 24k bike, 5k run) will be held on Saturday 21st June with a start time of 16:00. As with last year included in the entry fee will be a post race celebration meal (hog roast and buffet or veg alternative).

For the first time we are going to stage an Olympic distance event on Sunday 22nd June, start time 15:00. I think we have one of the best courses on offer. The swim is in the sea, within Dovercourt Bay which has very little tidal flow. Best of all there is a great big lighthouse off shore which is the main marker for the swim. No excuses for not seeing this navigation mark!

The bike is 40k on mainly quiet country roads with a few undulations to make it a little interesting. The run is along the promenade. Almost completely flat for a fast finish. Plenty of sea views if you have the time and energy to observe.

With a modest entry fee of £30 on line payment at no extra charge and a relaxing afternoon start, book early to avoid disappointment.

Dennis Warner

On line registration and information packs at  www.harwichrunners.co.uk/triathlon - let me know if you're doing these. They are strong candidates for the ITCH league.

Kit & discounts

 Now might be a good time to look at what kit you want to buy.  The committee has agreed to review the way in which discounts are applied to club kit.  Under the current scheme all items of kit are discounted which means that the more kit you buy, the more you benefit from the subsidy.  An alternative being discussed would be to, in effect, award discount vouchers to club members - with additional discount vouchers being earned by doing things like organising training sessions or fulfilling their volunteering obligations.  A scheme like this should mean that everybody would get a discount on at least one item of kit.
Petition A decent No. 10 petition, of relevance to us all - see http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/cycle-drive/sign
(from Nick Collinson)
Charity & other local events
Cycling ICA Time Trial series 2008

The Ipswich Cycling Association hold a series of 10 mile time trials on Wednesday evenings throughout spring and summer. These are a great way to get a high intensity workout, with the added motivation factor of being a race.

These are low key races, but with accurately measured courses, proper timekeeping and results. For those new to time trialling, you turn up at least 30 minutes before race start at the race HQ. Sign on and pay your £2 entry fee and you'll be given a number. Riders start at one minute intervals so your race number is the number of minutes after the official start time that you'll start. Make sure you're on the start line when it's your turn. Then all you need to do is ride as fast as you can for 10 miles.

The race HQs are all pub car parks, so it's polite to buy a drink in the bar after the race.
The series starts on Wednesday 9th April and continues to 6th August without a break. There are three courses, at Stowmarket, Crowfield and Henley. For further details see http://www.ipswichbicycleclub.co.uk/ and click on Events in the side bar.

(from Dave Copland)
"Muddy Marvel" 5
Neil Payne of the Newmarket Cycling & Triathlon Club has highlighted The Lode 'Muddy Marvel' 5, on 2nd March 2008 at Lode near Cambridge. The race is organised by Newmarket Cycling & Triathlon Club and the main aim is to raise money for a local charity. This time proceeds will be going to Cambridge Mencap.

 More information on the NC&TC website www.newmarketcyclingtriathlon.co.uk - I also have an entry form which I can forward on request.
Run/bike event
Rendlesham		 World Property Centre Rendlesham Forest Challenge. A 20k Run/Bike event for teams of two in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

Sunday March 9th 2008, 11.00am Rendlesham Forest Centre off B1084 nr,Woodbridge,Suffolk

 Competitors take turns to run or cycle. Swap from run to bike as often as you like but stay within 10 metres and finish together. minimum age 17.

 Entry fee is £25 per team +£5 on the day.

 More information, entry forms and online entry available on our website www.runbikeevents.com or email info@runbikeevents.com.
Turing Trail Relay

The 2nd Turing Trail Relay takes place on Sunday 16th March 2008.  This team relay event is run on mainly opposite riverside footpaths from Ely to Cambridge (Jesus Green) and back to Ely. Stages range from  5.0 to 6.2 miles and vary from country trail to mixed terrain.
These attractive and interesting footpaths were once used for running by Alan Turing, founder of computer science, whilst at King's College, Cambridge . more info) at   www.turingrelay.co.uk
London 10k St Elizabeth Hospice, Ipswich, have bought 24 places for the British London 10k run on Sunday 6th July and are looking for runners to take part. It starts at 9.35am, registration fee is £29.50 and they ask if you can raise a minimum of £300.
See www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/fundraising
Great East Run
(BEER!)		 Elgood’s Brewery GREAT EAST RUN 2008

The 2008 event is on 17th February 2008 starting at 1100hrs from the Bungay Sports Centre, Bungay, Suffolk.
2008 heralds the ninth running of this prestigious 20Km event and as in past years, we are not resting on our laurels. We have made additions to this Gold Grade event that will help continue to make this race one that you remember for many positive reasons (and maintains our Gold Grade Race status)
This year we have three main sponsors: Elgood’s Brewery from Wisbech Cambridgeshire, B1st Sports & Leisure, sports retailers based in Beccles, Suffolk and ASDA.
All finishers will receive a quality specially engraved GREAT EAST RUN medal and goody bag containing amongst other items a bottle of our title sponsors beer.
We have set a limit on entries of 700 so we advise you to register before the day as entries are flooding in and we wouldn’t want previous participants such as yourself to be disappointed.

Entry forms from www.greateastrun.org.uk

Captains Corner
Men's captain Steve de Boltz...
Men's captain Steve de Boltz...

Our men's captain is Steve de Boltz

What ho bingo’s, 2008 is upon us and most of us I bet have had one too many mince pies over the festive season, so now that the weather is cold, wet and miserable what a perfect time to start getting in shape for that big race you planned this year. If you go out pounding the streets on these dark nights just think how nice it will feel in the spring when it’s brighter, warmer and dry.

Well done to all those who have been racing in various disciplines such as the cross country and cyclo cross, it’s not easy dragging yourself along to such events when you could just as easily stay in bed on a Sunday morning and watch the repeat of Match of the day. The one cross country that I’ve made it to so far at Woodbridge was very well attended by the club, and with our teaming up with Newmarket makes for a good atmosphere. The tea and cake after the race are the most rewarding you can have anywhere on the planet.

Whatever you’re up to this year let’s make membership count and get some racing done. We’re a triathlon club so let’s get some triathlons done, whether you’re a complete novice and this year will be your first race or you’re a seasoned campaigner and you want to beat those personal bests, let’s get out there and show our colours,

It’s a great feeling to be racing with fellow ITC members and we all support each other. Our club is known for supporting our strongest athletes to our weakest and when the finish line is a long way off it’s really good to have your club behind you encouraging you in.

And remember ‘EYE OF THE TIGER’ all of you, not just Derek.

Good luck for 2008.

Steve can be contacted on 07795 564322 or stevedb@btsgroupuk.com

Ladies' captain Kate Stannett...
Our ladies' captain is Kate Stannett...


 

Our ladies' captain is Kate Stannett.

Sorry ...

... that I haven't seen many of you about - I've been tied up training for the Thames Meander, which is in a few weeks time - but I hope to start seeing more of you as soon as the torture is over!

Meanwhile, ladies, feel free to drop me an e-mail or phone me for a chat.

Happy training, Kate

Kate can be contacted on 01206 298888 or kate@ipswich-tri.org

Race report

Simon Lockwood

Simon Lockwood dresses for his Christmas tree
...before getting on top of his Christmas tree.

 The Mud Run

well as you can see white was in this christmas and as i did the mud run in tuc,s last year and got away very clean i thought ill escape any unsightly stains this year!didnt put my money on a false start and frantic rush to keep my front row line up,hit the water full spread "splat"thats the end of my most favoured training tops :0(,race under way,to get were i wanted i had to make a unsporting decision i climbed over a fellow mud man and pushed him into the mud so i could climb over him opps!but my plan worked and with the last 150 yards to go im 3rd and within grasp of 2nd when my mud skimming luck run out :0( id found solid mud until this point then the mud bit back and sucked like a granny with a boiled sweet,in the end i dragged 10th place out,gutted after coming 7th last year,and id trained heavily in the build up having 2 mud packs a week to the usual 1 ha ha.like antony said in last year write up "you have got to do this".honestly the burn you get from this is so intense from resting heart rate to max in 30 secounds,i promise you will see stars before your eyes for the whole 5. 1/2 minutes

Phoebe Collinson

Phoebe Collinson models the red & black...

Phoebe Collinson models the red & black...

 Club kit

Please remember that club kit is ordered through my mum Heather by e-mailing kit@ipswich-tri.org or by ringing 01473-620651 - not by e-mailing ITCH. Our address is 14 Spindler Close, Kesgrave, Ipswich, IP5 2DA.

IMPORTANT - the last meeting of the committee agreed to review prices for 2008. This isn't to say they will automatically go up but you might want to get orders in sooner rather than later.

Click here to download the current price list - including availability as at December 2006 - as a PDF file.

John Wankowski still offers - Everything you wanted to know about bicycles but were too afraid to ask....

Several people have expressed an interest in help with simple bike mechanics e.g. puncture repair by the side of the road, simple gear adjustment, checking tightness of headsets etc...

I would like to organise a session to help others to have the confidence to perform these activities.

I realise this may not be a session for everyone, as it is probably for those who hope their bike will work (and someone else might fix it for them....), and not those inclined to stare longingly at pages of tool catalogues.

Could anyone recommend a venue where this might be best held, as I doubt that Greshams would be unhappy with the idea of bikes in the bar, and I have problems getting more than two people in my garden shed where I normally act the grease monkey.

I am available to either run a session on a Thursday night (instead of going running) or another night of the week if there are enough takers.

Please contact John Wankowski by e-mailing John.Wankowski@et.suffolkcc.gov.uk

Facebook – Reminder that Adrian Green is kicking off a “facebook” area. If you want to be invited to join, e-mail Adrian at juniors@ipswich-tri.org giving your e-mail address - or you could try visiting http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=659230818&k=56GZP3P4T3T1ZDMHQ162 - and once it gets off the ground we’ll add a link from the formal website.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - woefully in need of updating but in the meantime please see also www.britishtriathlon.org and www.ebta.co.uk for triathlons.

For details of mid-week cycle time-trials, see Nik Bestow article in June's ITCH..

For running events, see http://www.suffolkathletics.org.uk/ - most members are eligible to enter for "county championship" events. Remember to tick the box, and wear your club kit.  We have had quite a few age group podium places over the years - especially in the longer events.
We also usually do fairly well as a team in both the cross-country and Friday Five series.

CROSS COUNTRY

We have just found the dates on the Stowmarket Striders website:

The Suffolk Cross Country League is a series of six races run during the winter months. All are approximately five miles on multi terrain track and fields. We need at least seven men & three women (of any ability) to finish each event to enhance our chance of winning the league and going forward to the finals!  You must be wearing club kit.

All races are on a Sunday and start at 11am costing £3 per person payable on the day (to my knowledge at time of writing).  Entries on the day only.

Series Venue Date
Framlingham XC Nr Castle [map] 28th October 2007

Waveney (New)

t.b.c.

4th November 2007
Bungay XC Broome Heath [map] 18th November 2007
Woodbridge XC Woodbridge Rugby Club [map] 9th December 2007
Stowmarket XC Haughley Park [map] 20th January 2008
Bury XC Nowton Park 3rd February 2008

The results are held and distributed by the SCAA (Suffolk County Athletics Association).

If you at all interested in the cross-country, please contact Steve Robinson - e-mail his new address steve.mirella@keme.co.uk or telephone 01284-760392.

Juniors - Steve is still trying to get this confirmed but usually juniors are free & do a two mile route - girls aged 11-16, boys 11-15.

FEBRUARY 08
03 Bury St Edmunds XC (Suffolk league) - Nowton Park
03 Great Bentley half marathon - see www.gbrc.org.uk - incorporating 2008 Essex Championship.
16 Thames Meander ultra-marathon - see www.thamesmeander.com
17 Elgood’s Brewery GREAT EAST RUN 2008 (Bungay 20km) - see www.greateastrun.org.uk

MARCH 08
02 Lode 'Muddy Marvel' 5 - see www.newmarketcyclingtriathlon.co.uk
09 World Property Centre Rendlesham Forest Challenge - see www.runbikeevents.com.
16 Turing Trail Relay - see www.turingrelay.co.uk

APRIL 08
13 Flora London Marathon - see http://www.london-marathon.co.uk/ - club places went to Simon Lockwood, Sue Hargadon & Charlie Stannett.
19 Hadleigh & Wattisham Sprint Triathlon - see http://www.hadleighhares.co.uk

MAY 08
09 ICA Time Trial series 2008 begins
11 Waveney sprint triathlon
26 London 10k - "a stunning route through central London" (is this a lazy person's London marathon?)

JUNE 08
08 Fritton Lake triathlon
15 UK Ironman 70.3 Wimbleball Lake, Exmoor - see www.ironmanuk.com
21 Harwich sprint triathlon (4.00pm start) - see www.harwichrunners.co.uk/triathlon
22 Harwich standard/Olympic triathlon (sea swim) - see www.harwichrunners.co.uk/triathlon

JULY 08
06 Norwich Standard triathlon
THIS IS OUR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP RACE
Visit http://www.entrycentral.com/index.php?raceID=100057 to enter.

06 London 10k - run for www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/fundraising if you can't make Norwich?

AUGUST 08
09 & 10 London triathlon - the organisers have promised me that they'll add Ipswich to the recognised clubs on the entry form "drop-down" list at www.thelondontriathlon.com - if you have already entered any of their events please revisit your registration details and make sure you've identified your club membership.

SEPTEMBER 08
06 Vitruvian middle distance - see www.pacesetterevents.com
07 Ironman UK - see www.ironmanuk.com

Small ads

For Sale

Garmin 205 - "Continuously monitors your speed, distance, pace and calories burned and tracks your every movement with GPS. Receive detailed post workout analysis on the PC with the included Training Centre. Multi Sport capability lets you switch between sports without having to reset the unit so can easily be used on the bike too."
Brand new in the box. Bargain at £90 o.n.o. Contact Laura on 01449 771274

SNUGG Lite men's wetsuit for sale.Size medium (to fit 68 - 73 kgs / 172 -182 cms tall swimmer).
Good condition - only used 5 times. £65. Telephone Mike on  01728 660034 or 07960653322.

Quintana Roo Tequilo frame for sale, 53 cm. 2004 model - 7005 aluminium with carbon forks, royal blue with white bubbles.  Never been used as I brought this frame to build my bike but it was never completed.  Immaculate condition as it has only been out of its box three times. £310 or near offer. Call Emilie Fisher on 07921 905 502 for more information - see below for some wheels to finish the project!

Trail-A-Bike, 3 speed, red.  Fits child age range approximately 4 to 8 years.
Quick Release fitting to a special rack (included) makes this bike much more convenient and easier to handle than the cheaper 'clamp to seat-post' style.
OIRO £80 - Louise Tanous tel 07973 772814 or 01787 224161

New Balance W834GR "D width" UK size 7 - test-driven only, never even got hot let alone sweaty! Still in box. £20 or offer - Kate Stannett - e-mail shepherdess@btinternet.com or ring/text 07729 318844.

Massage - Jackie Chubb has a regular room at Rede near Bury St Edmunds, available any time.
Open to members & non-members but booking is essential on 01284-789576 or 07985-496918.

Wanted

Race reports
ITCH - the Ipswich Triathlon Club Handout - is our mostly monthly newsletter. It is designed primarily for reading on-line but paper copies can be sent to members who genuinely have no access to the internet.
Articles are welcomed from all members - e-mail them to itch@ipswich-tri.org or send them in the post to
Charlie Stannett, Red Lion Cottage, East Bergholt, CO7 6TB.