Monthly Archives: March 2021

Virtual Racing – for Birthdays’, Guinness and for the Love of Running!

Congratulations to the incredible Kate Potter for completing the virtual Forest of Dean half marathon! Kate completes the Spring and Autumn trail half marathon in the Forest of Dean every year, but for the last 2 years the race has gone virtual. Using a combination of 3 runs a week, including effort sessions, and core strength classes, Kate has been dedicated in her commitment to training.

Kate was met with support at the end of the run from her husband, sister, daughter, grandchildren and RSE running buddies, who were all socially distanced along the finish stretch!

Pauline Tilbury also completed a birthday half marathon this week, alongside running partner Tracey Pitts!

As it’s my 2nd lockdown birthday and we still can’t see friends to socialise, I decided to give myself the gift of 13.1 miles!

Pauline Tilbury

Pauline and Tracey completed their half in 2:23, and were rewarded with chocolate medals at the end! A massive congratulations to both of you, and a very Happy Birthday to Pauline!

Elliot Gardiner is no stranger to virtual races, this month completing the St Patrick’s day 10k dash! Finishing in a time a time of 56:49, Elliot’s run took him up the middle of Cirencester Park, round Big Bertha and down Ewe Pens – those who know the Cirencester Summer Sizzler know this is a tough route! Although Elliot wasn’t too happy with his time, he was rewarded with a well deserved Guinness at the end. Excellent running, Elliot!

Pledge Update – Marching Back to Club

A massive congratulations to all of the RSE members who took part in the March Back to Club pledge challenge! It’s not easy committing to a certain amount of exercise and sticking to a strict plan, especially when it’s featured in a club report each week! Well done to everyone who took part and thank you to the club coaches for organising.

Congratulations also to those who set themselves secret challenges or pledges this month!

Returning to Fitness after COVID

2020 has been a tough year for many and the COVID out break has affected people’s lives across the world – from not seeing family, to losing jobs and to those that have fallen ill with the virus.

Club member Tim Wainwright has spoken out about his experience with COVID, after contracting the disease 6 weeks ago.

I had a slight cough on the Friday night and hot and cold sweats. By 11am the next day, I was getting worse, so my partner booked a test. I already knew what the result would be, and the next day it came through positive.

Tim explained that he was very sick for the next 19 days, and during this time his family experienced some tragedies, including from COVID. He was told by paramedics that it affected people so differently and he had it bad.

I found it hard to eat, swallow or walk – but the NHS COVID team encouraged me to walk so that I could get air into my lungs. At that point, I could barely walk 3 steps.

Weeks later, I’ve been getting better with each day, and this past week I’ve managed to get out for a run/ walk a couple of times. When I first started, my lungs hurt, but I’m learning to control my breathing. I’m really glad and grateful to have come out the other side. I know training is going to be harder this time round and longer to get back to fitness but for now I’m just happy to be back running and doing the thing I love.

I want to thank my partner, Sara, who never gave up on me, even though I felt like I could give up. Also, to my friends and family, for their love and kind messages, which, when I was low, gave me such a massive lift.

We are so glad to hear that you are getting better Tim, and that you’ve been out for some runs. We look forward to seeing you back with the club soon!

Our best wishes go to all club members who have been affected by COVID-19.

Get to Know the Club – Runner Profile

Andy Masser

When did you start running and why?

I needed a new challenge – I’d spent the best part of 2 years at the gym slowly losing weight and I wanted to see physically if I was capable of running on the road. This was slightly more complicated because having suffered a stroke back in 2005, it’s fair to say that the right side of my body finds it more comfortable sitting on the sofa than running. So on Boxing Day morning 2014, I ran a very slow Cranhams Lane, Chesterton Lane circuit and on that day the challenge began between me, running and the sofa.

Why did you join RSE?

I was happy doing my own thing running a couple of times a week. This was until a work colleague convinced me to run a race – the Devizes half -and the minute I got over the finish line in 2016, my whole attitude to running changed. A few months later, a club member (Sarah Gray) suggested I joined RSE, and it’s fair to say that since joining RSE it has been a constant source of encouragement, whether training, running in local races or even halfway round Snowdon – someone always recognises the club vest!

What motivates you to run?

Because I can. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy running, especially in the early morning around the farmland where I used to work 30 or 40 years ago. I love racing as long as I know I’ve done my best, and for that I’m eternally grateful.

Proudest running achievement?

There’s been a few, but emotionally my first marathon, the Manchester Marathon 2017, because it had been a 12 year journey to that point and it meant a lot to me.
It was at this point that I also realised just how good looking I looked in a plastic bag!

Favourite RSE moment?

Race days are always good and probably the 2017 Amsterdam marathon sticks in my memory. It was a great day all round, from the moment my two mates, Mike and Rich, got stuck in the lift at the train station for half an hour before the race. Then seeing all the club members at the Stadium and one or two popping up around the course. Followed by seeing the RSE marathon runners at the stadium at the finish and then relaxing in the stands in the warm autumn sun, waiting for the half marathon runners to finish. It’s fair to say race days don’t get better much better than that!

Joining RSE/ Club Renewal

April 1st is renewal time for membership and also a great time to join a fantastic, friendly running club!

Click the button above to join or renew membership – you will need to complete a form and then will be prompted to make a bank transfer for the membership costs.

If you have any questions please email Tracey Pitts – membershipsecretary@runningsomewhereelse.com

It is less than 24 hours until RSE club sessions are back in action!

Book in for sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays via the RunTogether app!

A new 6 week structure to your effort sessions

Your coaching team are excited to launch our ‘Fitter, Faster, Stronger’ 6 week program.

Starting on Wednesday March 31^st you will have the opportunity to join one of three running groups for the 6 week period, each with a slightly different focus.

Although the sturcture may be a little different we would like to assure you all the things that make training with RSE so special will still be there…

Ideally you will choose your group and book into every session across the 6 week period. You can, of course, pick and choose; however you won’t get the benefits of a co-ordinated program with a dedicated focus…

Sessions will start from The Old Station Car Park in Cirencester where you will be met by your coach/coaches who will then take you on a warm up run to their chosen venue. They will take you through your efforts before returning to The Old Station Car Park to complete your post run stretches.

In order to comply with Covid-19 guidelines sessions will be limited to 12 runners per group.

As always please make sure you book your place via RunTogether (bookings open after 08.00 Wednesday 24th March)

If you have any questions feel free to contact me otherwise we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on Wednesday 31st March…

Kevin 🙂

St Patrick’s Day 10k!

Well done to Caroline Terry, who resisted temptation to spend St Patrick’s day drinking Guinness and instead ran a virtual 10k! Caroline’s virtual run took her from Cirencester, through Siddington and down Quiet Lane. She’ll be receiving a Leprechaun medal to celebrate her achievments – excellent work, Caroline!

Congratulations to any other RSE members who also completed the challenge but didn’t submit their results for the report. Great running by Team RSE!

The March Back to Club!

Our pledgees have been hard at work filling their targets! There’s only 1 week left, and Easter chocolate to celebrate with at the end – Keep going everyone, you’ve got this!

Getting Back to Running Somewhere Else

Your coaching team have been busy putting plans in place, with just over a week to go before the return to club on Monday 29th March.

Monday Running:

Our Monday evening runs will continue with almost the same format as before Christmas with 6 groups of 6 runners of a similar pace.

• Group 1 – Sub 50min 10k pace
• Groups 2 & 3 – 50-55min 10k pace
• Group 4 – 55-60min 10k pace
• Group 5 – 60-65min 10k pace
• Group 6 – Return to Running Group
  • We have amended group 6 specifically for those who are returning to running following injury/illness or have just taken a break during lockdown and are unsure of where they’re at fitness wise.

Your Monday night sessions will be available to book on RunTogether from around 08.00am on Monday 22nd.

Wednesday Efforts:

Our Wednesday evening sessions will look quite different to December though…
Gone are the days of random locations and 30 min efforts sessions. We will be returning to meeting at 6.30 in The Old Station Car Park, running to a venue in town to complete your efforts before returning to the car park to stretch.

In addition to this, we are excited to reveal our 6 week Fitter, Faster, Stronger Plan designed to kick start your running again. You can see an outline of the plan in the image below – full details will follow over the next couple of days, along with booking information – watch this space!

Both our Monday and Wednesday sessions will still be limited in numbers and social distancing must still be maintained, but hopefully it will start to feel as though club is getting back to normal.
We can’t wait to see you all and get running again!

Get To Know the Club – Runner Profile

Becca Wilson

When did you start running and why?

To be honest, I started running for Health reasons after bouts of IBS. Running really helped alleviate the symptoms and was a great release after long days in the office. At the time I was living in London, working silly hours with a long tube commute, so running provided well needed “me” time. I lived close to Battersea Park, Hurlingham Park and discovered some brilliant routes close to where I lived. Ever since then, wherever I’ve lived I’ve always ran. Just love the “me” time and you always come back from a run feeling more positive – admittedly though, some runs are better than others!

When did you join RSE?

In 2016, I decided to move back to Gloucestershire after working in or around London for 20 odd years. I joined RSE but because I was away a lot of the time didn’t run with the club regularly. At the end of 2017/ start of 2018, I became a “regular”, running a few times a week with the club. The friendship, kindness, support, sense of fun the club provided made Ciren home for me.

What I love about RSE is it’s about running, coaching for people of all levels and abilities. The support and enthusiasm from TEAM RSE is second to none.

What motivates you to run?

I work long hours sitting at a desk, staring into a computer so running gets me out in the fresh air. It also allows me to think through the day, consider and resolve anything that’s been on my mind. Running is the best leveller ever and it’s free, healthy and energising. During Lockdown, running and cycling were a saviour. I never get tired of the Cotswold countryside. I love it around Withington, Chedworth and Yanworth – there are hidden gems for routes both cycling and running.

I love Strava stalking to discover new routes. Mind you, I am navigationally challenged – that’s coming from the daughter of a navigator!

Proudest Running Achievement?

My proudest running achievement was definitely Loch Ness. It was my second marathon in 2019. I adore Scotland and after completing my first marathon, I thought, I can do this. Certain people egged me on, namely Tosh!

I trained a lot with Fatima, who came up to support too. On one long training run we were running around the Duntisbourne but somehow got lost. It was getting dark and we ended up in “The Colesbourne”. Her boyfriend came to collect us, completely baffled how we had ended up there. Naturally we both had a Rioja, which is renowned for its post long run benefits!

Loch Ness is a stunning route, hilly and a smaller event. You start in the middle of nowhere and on a clear day, there are views to the Moray Firth. It was tough but getting over that line I couldn’t stop grinning. I’m doing it again this year for Tosh.

Favourite RSE moment (social/ race/ etc.)?

There are so many favourite RSE moments.

One of my favourite events is the Cotswold Way, competing in teams and getting out into the gorgeous countryside. I love the recces that we do; they’re great fun .

In lockdown, the coaches and their challenges were great fun. I was on furlough and I can’t tell you how these helped through those very strange times.

Saturday morning runs, where you discover new routes or revisit favourite ones. I really miss these, they just set you up for the weekend. Followed by brunch at Somewhere Else, comparing routes, times and a catch up – which sometimes goes on into the afternoon and a cheeky prosecco!

New Route Suggestion – Siddington to Preston

Where does that hole in the fence go?

If you are looking for an interesting, local route, take a look at the hole in the fence opposite South Cerney Road in Siddington. This interesting little path takes you past a heli-pad and through some woods. You’ll need to stick to the path, as either side is private property, but the route is quiet and picturesque. At the end of the path, (safely) cross the A419 opposite Dobbies, go straight across the field and take a left for a trail route that ends up in Preston!

Every year, RSE supports the Hope Trail Festival in Plympton, where proceeds go towards the Dartmoor Search & Rescue team. This fantastic event involves relay teams or solo runners completing laps of a 5 mile (hilly) course over a 24 hour period – from 12 noon Saturday to 12 noon Sunday. There’s also a mini run for kids, which covers 2.4km. Hope 24 have announced that they will be going ahead in July 2021, virtually and on site! For information on their roadmap for 2021, click here.

Since the event’s formation in 2014, RSE has entered some competitive… and some less serious runners! The goal is always to have fun, no matter what your motivation is.

The solo event is always a highlight, with previous club members Laura Butler and Jackie Day completing the challenge, and current club members, Caroline Terry, Gareth Roberts (2nd in the men’s solo event) and Richard “Ryo” Taylor reaching incredible mileage! When the event went virtual in 2020, Elaine Chapman, Gareth Roberts, Nadine Brown, Ellie Taylor and David Witnall also challenged themselves to run the miles around Cirencester!

Elaine and Ben Chapman have competed in the event, one way or another, every year since it’s beginning:

Hope 24 is one of the highlights of my running year. We just love it as a family, and when we arrive at the campsite, we get a feeling of home. There is just something about it – a warm, friendly, supportive atmosphere, everyone there is happy to be there. I’ll always remember our first Hope – rocking up in the dark and the rain with a 5 year old and a 2 year old, we must have been mad 😂. I had never run an event like this before, but we took to it quickly and soon loved it. Preparing for my first night run, I remember being a bit terrified, but also exhilarated. My first thought was that my mum would go mad if she knew what I was about to do.
It’s such a wonderful event, brings together all types of runners and there is something for everyone.

Elaine Chapman, Club Captain

It’s safe to say that RSE members who have run at Hope 24 always return with lots of anecdotes – who could forget the competitive 5 person men’s team, which finished with only 1 runner (Animal) and a hopping Dave Witnall… or Sallie Clatworthy breaking records for how many photos could be taken in a 5 mile run… or the RSE members who had a little too much to drink before a 24 hour running event!

If you would like to join the RSE team in 2021, contact Elaine Chapman for more information.