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Home Contacts Calendar 10km Series Super Series Blister Results & Ladders Sydney Runs +Maps |
Blister Edition #64: November - December 1996
Journal of SYDNEY STRIDERS ROAD RUNNERS' CLUB INC. (Founded 1980).
P.O. Box 679, Crows Nest NSW 2065, AUSTRALIA.
Circulation 400.
Opinions published in this journal, whether expressed by members or non-members, do not necessarily represent the official policy of the club.
Advertising Rates
Full page $100 per issue, ½page $50, ¼page
$25. Classified ads: Single edition $5, full year $25.
Last Race Wins 10k Series for Amanda Dawson
A stunning score of 42 points when it really mattered
(in the double-points Race 10) was enough for Amanda Dawson
to win the handicap competition of Sydney Striders' 1996 10k Series.
And that victory, of course, brings with it a ticket to South
Africa, courtesy of series sponsors, South African Airways.
Going into Race 9, Amanda trailed Andrew Segula by
a seemingly unattainable 25 points, and when both registered modest
scores it looked as if Andrew might have it sewn up. But Amanda
put everything into a last-race effort, to win overall by 6 points,
127 to 121.
Darren Goodsir, Stephen Guy and Robi Russell took
3rd, 4th and 5th places, but
were never close enough to seriously worry the two leaders.
In the outright comps, Chris Truscott and Clara Vucetic
registered relatively comfortable wins in their respective divisions,
although Amanda Dawson's name featured highly on the outright
list too.
Full 10k report by Series Director John Hamilton
inside.
Club News : Outstanding Achievement Awards Presentations 1997
by Jim Screen
The 1997 Awards Dinner will. be held at the Waverton
Bowling Club on Thursday 6 March 1997. Pre dinner drinks at 7.00pm,
dinner at 7.30 pm. Diary the date now. All Striders plus partners
are welcome to attend.
This social function holds a special place in the Sydney Striders as it gives us the opportunity to congratulate the winners of the Club's three special awards:
Watch for further details in a special circular
coming your way soon.
Membership Renewals :
A reminder from the membership director
Striders are reminded that all memberships (except,
of course, Life Memberships) fall due for renewal on December
31st, regardless of the date you joined the club.
A personalised renewal form will be forwarded to
everyone. Please make sure you check, and if necessary correct,
the details on the form, and send it in with your remittance.
Renew early! and ensure you continue to receive your
Blister 5 times a year.
New 10k Courses Wanted
from John Hamilton
If you know of a 10k course which could be added
to the club's 10k race repertoire, please contact John Hamilton
on (H) 9484-4773 or (B) 9378-5768.
Business Plan Review Sub-Committee
by Jim Screen
In August 1993 a Business Plan was presented and
accepted by the Club at an Extraordinary General Meeting. The
plan which covered the period from 1993 to 1996 contained some
innovative ideas and expectations which dealt with the expected
growth of the Club and the direction the Committee of the day
thought the Club should take. In some areas the plan was achieved
and in others less success was apparent. A Sub-Committee was formed
to review the plan and put forward some recommendations which
will help guide the Striders to the year 2000. Work has progressed
and it is expected that some concrete suggestions will be available
for discussion in the new year.
One of the areas to be considered is the Club's Logo.
The Sub-committee is confident that this very important issue
will be resolved satisfactorily. In the meantime however, 2 articles
appeared in Blister 62 which you are all encouraged to read again
to refresh your memory. This current issue contains letters received
from Club Members on the matter. We anticipate being able to provide
clear policy for your consideration in Blister #65.
As always, it is very important that ALL Striders
make their wishes known as regards the direction the club should
take. There will be ample opportunity to discuss any proposed
changes, but in the meantime have a think about what you want
YOUR club to be like and then write in and tell us!
Gemenis-Cruickshank Award: Nominations Invited
Nominations are invited for the club's premier award
for 1996. The Maria Gemenis-Cruickshank Outstanding Achievement
Award, inaugurated in 1982, will be presented at the annual Awards
Dinner on March 6, 1997, to the Strider who, in the opinion of
club members, has registered the finest running achievement (or
achievements) of the year. Nominations to the club's P.O box,
preferably including some details of the nominee's 1996 achievements.
Voting papers will be mailed to all members during February.
Club Committee Minutes
summarised by John Turner
For members' info, these were the main items discussed at October's Committee meeting:
Athletics NSW Affiliation
from Chris Robb
You may not be aware that Sydney Striders are affiliated
with Athletics NSW. What does this mean? It means you can compete
in inter-club track events as well as the winter cross country
races without paying the extra cost that would normally go to
the club. Instead you pay only the NSW affiliation fee of $50
for summer or $60 for the whole year (year begins 31st March).
For more details, call the club office on 9959 4269
or Ahtletics NSW direct on 9552-1244.
Quote of the Month: Oct '96
supplied by Jonathon Trope
"Are you Charles' son?". Unidentified friend
of Charles Coville, addressing recently-joined Strider Richard
Briscoe, aged 32.
Club Calendar Errata
Please note the following correction to Calendar
#82, mailed to members in October:
The Palm Beach to Manly 30k race is correctly dated Saturday 4 January, but the 6 subsequent Sunday dates on that
Calendar are all incorrect by one day. Corrected
dates are January 12, 19 and 26; and February 3, 10 and 17.
An updated Calendar to be mailed to members in December
(possibly with this issue of The Blister) will correct this error.
Palm Beach to Manly: Transport Arrangements
The annual Harbord Diggers' Palm Beach to Manly 30k
race starts at 5 am on Sat 4 Jan 1997. Striders usually meet in
Manly's Wentworth Street car park around 3.45 to 4.00 am to organise
car pools and taxi-sharing to the start at Palm Beach. Manly-Warringah
Taxis estimate the fare to Palm Beach at about $35-$40 - sounds
a lot, but when you consider the alternatives it ain't much, shared
between 4 passengers. If you're leaving your car in Manly, remember
street parking restrictions start at 8.30 am, and you must buy
and display a ticket in most off-street car parks from 9 am. Don't
risk a fine!
Striders in Training:We're Back!
After a long absence, the "Striders in Training"
feature makes its reappearance (later in this edition of The Blister).
It's a feature which aims to keep members informed about training
groups they can join, other than official Striders' events. These
training groups vary a lot in terms of their distance, their formality
or informality, their venues, and their arduousness, but one thing's
for sure - if this listing is to be of any use to club members,
it will need constant updating with information and feedback from
YOU ALL!
We'd be most grateful to hear of additions, corrections
or deletions - contact Kevin O'Kane, who has kindly arranged
the re-birth of "Striders in Training", on (H) 9449-1435.
Tailford Literary Award Nominations Invited
Nominations are invited for the 1996 Tailford Award
for literary excellence. The fifth annual Tailford award will
be presented at the annual Striders' Awards Dinner on March 6,
1997, to the Strider who, in the opinion of club members, wrote
the best contribution to this magazine during 1996. Nominations
should be sent to the club's PO Box, and must unambiguously refer
to any article from Blisters 60 to 64 inclusive.
Voting forms for this award (and for the club's premier
trophy, the Outstanding Achievement Award) will be received by
members in February or thereabouts.
Aust. Corporate Games, 15 Mar '97: Helpers Wanted
from Amanda Dawson
Sydney Striders are looking for volunteers to help
out in the running section of the Australian Corporate Games next
March. They will be required from 7.30am for a couple of hours,
with their duties involving registration, drink tables and marshalling.
If you would like to help the club, please contact
Amanda Dawson on (W) 9438-1833 and indicate your time preference.
Congrats All Round!
It has been the pleasant duty of Club President John
Turner to write letters of congratulation to no fewer than 3 club
members in recent weeks.
To George and Lynn Herisson, on the birth of a daughter,
he wrote: "Welcome to young Claudia Annabelle. All your fellow
Striders join me in this. We're always happy to see our Strider
'family' bring more new members to the 'starting line'…"
When Mike Ward's wife Margaret gave birth, also to
a daughter, John wrote: "…To the new family member,
on behalf of all Striders, welcome, Emily Margaret. In due course,
may you keep up the traditions of your illustrious parents in
becoming another of our most valued Club people. Mind you, you'll
have to be pretty good because they've set a high standard to
live up to…"
And when Sandy Street recently achieved the distinction
of becoming a Senior Counsel, he also received a letter of congratulation,
including these words: "…Naturally, we expect this elevation
to so lighten your earthly contact that your swiftness across
the (Comrades') ground, if not yet on water, may henceforth be
mightily enhanced!…"
We're sure all club members echo John's sentiments,
and offer warmest congratulations to George, Mike, Sandy and their
families.
(An extra word about the 2nd of the 3
events mentioned above: The Blister editors express their heartfelt
appreciation of Margaret Ward's TOTAL refusal to allow the (very!)
impending birth to prevent her from packing and mailing Blister
#63. Little Emily Margaret had no choice but to delay her world
premiere because the Wards believe that The Blister Must Go Through!
We won't forget what you did for this magazine, Margaret!).
Best Wishes, Annette!
Glad to hear the news that Annette Screen (wife of
Club Vice-President and Secretary Jim Screen) is making a strong
recovery from her recent serious illness. We're sure all readers
will join us in wishing her all the best for the future.
John Young our Fastest City-to-Surfer
Blister #63 recorded Chris Truscott as the club's
fastest City-to-Surf finisher for 1996 in a time of 46:42. We
have since discovered that in fact this distinction should go
to John Young, with his time of 44:55. Phenomenal run, John!
Blister #63 Errata
The article "Benson Takes Off" (Blister
#63, p 26) was in fact written by Chris Truscott, not by
his brother Peter. It was a sequel to one he wrote in 1995 entitled
"Benson prepares for take-off". The editors apologise
for any misunderstanding.
Blister #65 Deadlines
Deadline dates for the next Blister: 21 Feb for photos, graphics, disks in Apple Mac format, and anything which requires scanning or re-typing; and 28 Feb for all other contributions, including PC-format disks and those submitted via email.
Striders and Email
Approximately 40 Striders with Email access are now
on our online mailing list to receive occasional club updates
from Kevin Tiller and Blister updates from the editors. Please
notify Kevin Tiller to be added to (or, indeed, deleted from!)
the list. Please note also that Graham Butler's recent acquisition
of email facility means that all 4 Blister editors can now receive
your contributions electronically (E-addresses page 2).
Club Uniforms
Club uniform prices and info now live on the inside
back pages. See pp 42-43 this issue.
Not a Pretty Sight
The editors apologise for the cramped look of certain
pages in this Blister. With HEAPS of material and pics, we figured
aesthetics might have to be compromised a little to fit it all
in. Not a lot of white space on some pages, but tons of reading!
PB (President's Blarney)
by John Turner
We've got lots of champions in our Club. There are two types of 'champion'. Most people think of 'champion - the winner'. But I want to talk about the other type. Have you noticed how one enthusiast makes all the difference? The person whose constant keenness is infectious? They tend to be focussed individuals - people who maintain a strong belief in the relevance of their cause, even if the going gets tough.
They 'champion' it - usually by their quiet persistence, rather than noisy statements, which impresses others and creates a following over time. Without our own 'champions', Striders wouldn't be half the Club it is. Charles Coville was our original champion. He was at the centre of a small group who believed long-slow-distance training in groups on a Sunday morning, followed by a gathering around a self-help breakfast, was the best way to bring average runners up to marathon fitness. He, more than anyone, was responsible for the 'help each other' attitude that pervades Striders even now. Charles was also the champion of Striders Lane Cove Half Marathon, still our best remembered community event.
But he was not alone. Dr. Irwin Light, for example,
was and still is the 'champion' for helping Striders understand
that few running injuries need not keep you off the road entirely
- not a matter of toughness, just good sense about the temporary
nature of most strains and the importance of mental attitude to
exercise.
Some of our former champions we don't see so much
of any more, but most of them are still Club members and therefore
still part of the Strider 'family'. I'm thinking of Alex and Brenda
Hamill, Nick Reed and Alistair Mackie, who were the originators
of Striders' participation in swimming/cycling sports, i.e. triathlons
and duathlons. They were my inspirations, and I know many more
who owe their wider interests to those pioneers. And who can forget
the dedication of the late Bret Nichols who organised our best
Picnic Relays and actually originated 'The Equaliser'.
There are lots of others. Certain races have always
had champions of the enthusiastic leader kind - for example, you
can't go past Mike Ward and Brian Colwell for Brindabella, (both
achieved their ten time finishers trophy this year); Wendy Downes
practically owns Brisbane Water Bush Bash and the Royal National
Park Ultra, and before that, was the driving force behind the
dear departed Three Ports Race; Joanne Cowan had a long-standing
monopoly on Canberra Marathon where she was both its champion
and 'the' Champion for many years. And our best performances in
the City to Surf were when super-enthusiast Scott Crawford pulled
all our teams together. Overseas, Alf Field draws Striders to
the Two Oceans in Cape Town, and he along with Jonathon Trope
and Dick Bartlett get us going back to Comrades time after time.
But it's not just the races that bring out Strider
champions. Sue Hill, in my view, has been the Rock on which participation
by women in Strider events has been built. Other women have subsequently
gone further and faster, but Sue remains the steady, consistent
and kindly force behind so many of their successes. Down at grass
roots level, I can think of no-one recently who has done more
for beginner runners than Kevin O'Kane with his Marathon Training
Group.
Our 10K Series, Striders' most worthy contribution
to the community since our Lane Cove Half died of natural causes,
is a credit to the organisational enthusiasm of many people, notably
Jonathon Trope, Mark Fiore and, most recently, John Hamilton.
Our results and membership database, now so ably managed by Kevin
Tiller, was for many years dependent on the loyal persistence
of Ian and Edwina MacArthur. Then there were Graham and Barbara
Firkin whose catering for Strider internal events had no peer.
And lastly, this journal 'The Blister' has been a hothouse for
the best kind of Strider champions. The present production manager,
Steve Cornelius, has been involved for years one way or another.
So was John Ayliffe. Roger Rigby carried the burden almost single-handedly
for about five years. But the names that come through as the longest
serving and most durable contributors to Striders' high standard
publication are current editor Graham Butler and printer Brian
Tailford.
Champions all. Members with infectious enthusiasm.
Our Club thrives on members who 'champion' their cause and thereby
bring enjoyment and fresh horizons to those who follow their lead.
Long may it last.
Keep on Striding! John Turner, President
London-Brighton: a Note
by Steve Cornelius
If you're considering running the London to Brighton ultra described in David Sill's article above, you might like to contact me before you go. An English friend of mine, Dave Beattie, besides being one of nature's gentlemen, has a vast store of knowledge and experience of this classic race, and would be more than happy to share it with any member of Sydney Striders.
Dave, who I originally met at uni in England in
the 1960s, has run the London-Brighton so many times I've lost
count, usually finishing in the top 10 and sensationally winning
the race in 1990. His club, Crawley AC, is a habitual winner of
the team trophy. In addition he was born and brought up in Brighton,
worked for years in London, and lives in the Gatwick area very
close to the race's half-way mark. He's the guru of the London-Brighton,
knowing every inch of the route. Ask me for his phone number -
and don't leave home without it!
UK Road Runners' problems
[Eds' note: We are grateful to David Sill, currently
based in England, for sending us this extract from the [UK] Road
Runners' Club magazine, dated 2 March 1996. David comments: "Does
this remind you of anything?"].
"We have been seriously concerned at the decline
in membership and have agonised over what should be done to encourage
the many road runners not even aware of our existence to join.
Many years ago we tried advertising for membership
through the athletic press. Membership certainly improved but
then declined as advertising ceased. The argument in those days
was perhaps we were trying to attract the wrong sort of runner.
But what is the wrong sort of runner? Surely we should represent
the whole spectrum, from the slow to elite, from club orientated
to lone soloist and from the shortest distances run to the longest.
This has always been our avowed aim.
We have decided to advertise in the athletic press
once again and also to take a long hard look at ourselves, including
the newsletter cover, the club stationery, leaflets explaining
what the club has to offer and finally even the club's logo which
has been with us since our very beginning. The last move brought
forth the greatest passion, many council members feeling that
we should modernise and update how we appear and many others horrified
that we should even think of changing the logo. We spent money
commissioning new designs, and considerable time debating them.
Whether we change any of these things is still undecided
but the bottom line is we need to attract new members, we need
the help of the younger generation if we are to survive.
Signed: John Legge,
Chairman, Road Runners Club (UK)
Nipple Protectors
from Jonathan Trope
A funny thing happened at a STaR when Geoff Caban
noticed I was wearing a "band" around my chest and asked
Breeda Kelly if she knew what it was. Quick as a flash, Breeda
said "It's a nipple protector", whereupon Geoff, who
suffers terribly from the dreaded bleeding nipple syndrome on
long runs, dashed up to me and asked where he could buy one. When
I said "It's a pulse rate monitor" he was most put out!
Is Fat the Fuel of the Future?
By Fiona Pelly (Bsc Dip Nut Diet APD)
As we all know, both carbohydrate and fat can be used as fuel source during exercise. Up until now the emphasis has been on the performance enhancing effects of carbohydrate. However, it now appears that the role of fat has been underestimated. The latest research is showing that dietary fat may have more or a role in exercise performance than we have previously thought.
It appears that by manipulating our diet we can influence
the proportion of fat and carbohydrate that is burnt. As we get
fitter, we become more efficient at burning intra-muscular triglyceride
(fat stored within the muscle). It seems that we can train the
body to burn this fat more efficiently during exercise (ie fat
adapt). This in turn will help to decrease our reliance on muscle
glycogen. But remember most well trained individuals store enough
glycogen for around 1.5 - 2 hours of continuous exercise, so most
events will not benefit by fat adapting. It also appears that
fat adapting is only of benefit for events over 3 hours (eg. Ironman,
ultramarathon, 3 hour+ marathon)
You are still best training throughout the year on
a high carbohydrate diet. In the week before your event begin
with following a 3 day low carbohydrate, high fat regime, then
carbohydrate load for the 3 days immediately prior to the event.
Many of you will instantly say this reminds you of the 'old' method
of carbo loading were the aim was to deplete the muscle of carbohydrate
before the carbo load. Yes, this method is similar, however it
is not necessary to train hard during the 'fat load' period. In
fact it is still necessary to taper your training to ensure maximum
fuel storage.
Another interesting finding is that fat ingested
during exercise may also enhance performance for endurance activities.
The only types of fat that seems to have this effect are known
as medium chain triglycerides (MCT's). MCT's are absorbed and
metabolised as quickly as glucose unlike most other fats. It appears
that the best performancing enhancing effect occurs when the MCT's
are combined with glucose. This is probably because the MCT's
act as an addition fuel for the muscle.
MCT's are not found naturally in food and are presently
sold to those with gastrointestinal problems who can't digest
normal fat. They are also very expensive! It does appear that
some companies in the US are manufacturing sports bars and gels
containing MCT's and these are just starting to appear on the
Australian market. The best solution would be to provide MCT's
in a sports drink so that fluid requirements can be met at the
same time, however it may be a long time before a palatable solution
can be found!
My apologies to Benny who lives in Hong Kong who I mentioned trained in Bangkok. At least the climatic conditions are fairly similar!
[Fiona Pelly is a Strider and professional Sports
Dietitian, contactable on 9888 3638].
Ironman Athlete Can Injure Heart
from the Internet via Ann Potter
New York (Reuters): Researchers have found biochemical
evidence of heart injury in some athletes who competed in an Ironman
Triathlon.
They say 6 of 23 participants in the gruelling competition
had elevated blood levels of a protein (troponin) produced by
heart muscle in response to injury. 2 had increased levels in
2 different types of the protein, similar to levels observed in
people who have heart attacks. In addition, ultrasound images
(echocardiograms) of the heart showed abnormal heart motion in
five participants, which the researchers say may also indicate
heart injury.
"We found that those who finished faster (who
did the best) showed evidence of the biggest damage. And those
who did not do well time-wise did not have any increase in their
troponin, or did not have any significant changes in their echocardiograms,"
said study lead author Dr. Nader Rifai, associate professor of
pathology at Harvard Medical School.
Before and after the triathlon, Rifai and his colleagues
collected blood samples from the 23 racers, none of whom had any
evidence of coronary disease. The samples were analysed for troponin
T and troponin I, which are sensitive chemical indicators of heart
cell injury. Echocardiograms were also administered before and
after the competition. None of the participants prior to the race
showed blood or echocardiogram signs of heart damage.
"The question is, what does it all mean? We
don't know at this point," said Rifai, who presented the
findings this week at the American Heart Association's 69th Scientific
Sessions in New Orleans. "… For the first time, we know
for sure that ultra-endurance (prolonged exercise) causes myocardial
(heart muscle tissue) injury in some athletes. But we don't know
if it's transient damage or will persist to cause problems in
the future."
"We also don't know at what level of intensity we start seeing the damage. These are all issues that we will be working on the future," Rifai said. Rifai and his Boston colleagues note that the physical demands of an Ironman Triathlon are far more strenuous and sustained than the type of physical activity that health experts consider good for the heart.
In this particular type of event, participants swim
2.4 miles in the ocean, ride in a bicycle race for 112 miles,
and run a full marathon - 26.2 miles. Rifai points out that exercise
routinely results in biochemical evidence of skeletal muscle injury,
apparently without long-term effects. But whether this holds true
for heart muscle remains to be determined.
"Certainly, we don't want people to get the
idea that moderate or even intense daily exercise is harmful,"
he said.
Quote of the Month, Nov '96
"Chris Truscott knocked off Clara Vucetic on
the final race." (10k Series Director John Hamilton, describing
the exciting events of Race 10 in his final report on the series).
Sydney Striders' 1996 10k Race Series
by John Hamilton
BEEP...BEEP...BEEEP...BEEEEP...BEEEEEP...
Whoa! What! 5:00 blares the red of the alarm
clock digits in amongst the dark of the early, early morn!
What day of the week is it ??? Saturday ??? Why's
the alarm going off ???
Oh yea, it's a 10k Race day - goodie, goodie! Spring
out of bed - as much as one can spring in the early, early morn!
Don the familiar green and white tracksuit, race downstairs and
quickly eat up a bowl of cereal and scull a glass of fruit juice.
Brush the teeth. Kiss the wife goodbye. Out the door. No sign
of life in the street - it's quarter past five in the morning
and all the sane people in this part of the world are asleep!
There are lights at the top of the street (like the ones at the
end of the tunnel), they get closer, and I recognise them as belonging
to Mark Fiore's car - my lift. Quickly I run to the corner, thereby
saving Mark 50 metres driving. I jump in Mark's car and we're
off.
Mark takes every known back route to North Head,
and all of a sudden we're there. It's a two man show this fine
morning, a new course, and a whole lot of fun! Like the precision
team we are: up go the recording tables, out comes the recording
gear. Mark dashes off to mark the course (Mark's good at marking!),
etc. The first runners arrive and we've soon got 79 runners raring
to go! In between, the drinks have been iced and the Gatorade
prepared with all the finesse of a cordon-bleu chef. It's 07:00,
and in the Sydney Striders' tradition of starting races on time
regardless of Joanne Cowan just landing at the entry table, and
the Vucetics circling the entry table in their Ford Capri, the
familiar words "take your marks, go" (or words to that
effect), shatter the air at North Head, and the runners are off
to enjoy a pleasant and scenic 10k run crossing over 60 speed
humps.
After the runners have gone, Mark and I prepare the turning point, half way drinks, the finish line and the finish equipment. During all this we applaud the runners who pass, cajole them to go better and faster, and enjoy the expressions of pleasure on their faces (10k Race Team members don't have to be masochists but it sure helps!). No sooner is all ready at the finish line than John Young comes charging towards it, followed by Darren Benson, and third Chris Truscott. Marlies Laaper led the women home in this event. And so began the 1996 10k Race Series!
Come May, and the election of a new Sydney Striders
Committee, the 10k Race Series baton was passed from Mark Fiore
ably assisted by myself to Ray Potter, Derek Smith, and myself.
This new 10k Race Team presented the remaining six 1996 10k Races
and achievements and trivia are splashed across the pages below.
The 1996 10k Race Series ended with a most moving
moment when the first disabled runner took part in the last 10k
Race - look for the 10k Race Moving Moment elsewhere in The Blister
for details.
The 10k Race Series attracted fields from 79 to the
largest ever of 134 runners. Four 10k Races attracted over 100
runners.
Gross revenue was $6,845, expenses were about $500
and runs for cancer earned the Oncology Unit of the Royal North
Shore Hospital $900. So Sydney Striders benefited to the tune
of $5,445 from the 10k Race Series.
Outright 10k Series leaders at the half way point were Chris Truscott (1st male) and Joanne Cowan (1st female). At the end of the 10k Race Series first to sixth placings were:
1st: Chris Truscott (1st male)
2nd: Clara Vucetic (1st female)
3rd: Andrew Hallam (2nd male)
4th: Amanda Dawson (2nd female)
5th: Joanne Cowan (3rd female)
6th: Andrew Smith (3rd male).
Some trivia (Outright 10k competition)
Female trivia first:
Male trivia:
Dream trivia now:
More trivia (Handicap 10k Competition)
What's happened to last year's Handicap finalists?
What does that tell us about what happens to Handicap
finalists ??? The 10k Race Handicapper catches up with them!
Our oldest runner:
Frank Dearn ran 7 races earning 34 points, and came
back from injury during the 10k Race Series to finish strongly!
Good on you Frank!
Ten 10k Races run:
Rod Lovel was the only Sydney Strider who did it!
for 36 points.
Nine 10k Races run:
Clara Vucetic for 52 points;
Chris McLean for 47 points;
Andy Hallam for 44 points; and
Jo Vucetic scored the minimum 2 points for every
race run! Good on you HandBrake!
Handicap 10k Race Results
1st: Amanda Dawson with 127 points.
2nd: Andrew Segula with 121 points.
3rd: Darren Goodsir with 96 points.
4th: Stephen Guy with 89 points.
5th: Robi Russell with 74 points.
Congratulations Amanda! Amanda won the Handicap 10k
Race on the last run!
Amanda took her time from 48:43 at the end of 1995
to 47:18 in race 3 to 44:25 in race 7 to 43:49 in race 8 to 43:44
in race 9, and then 42:23 in race 10! Amanda's last race result
was a PB; a 1 minute 21 second improvement against last race;
and a 1 minute 25 second improvement against Handicap! A sensational
effort!
Before closing though I must thank a lot of people,
whose help made the 10k Race Series what it was this year. They
are:
10k Race Team:
Ray Potter - 10k Race Computer Director;
Derek Smith - 10k Race Gear Director;
Stephen Jackson - 10k Race Measurer; and
Sporting Spectrum & Chris Robb - Club Manager.
10k Race Hosts:
Dick Bartlett; Tina Campbell; Paul Russell; Robi
Russell; Sarah Entwistle; and Chris McLean.
10k Race Past Officials:
Mark Fiore; Jonathon Trope; and Scott Crawford.
10k Race Helpers:
Carol and Cameron Osborne, Sharon McGann, Robi Russell,
Sue Clark, John Whealy, Peter Truscott, Chris Truscott, Steve
Cornelius, Dave Ritchie, Phil Boswell, Chris Gunns, John Turner,
Graham Butler, Peter Dwyer, Kirsten and Nick Themsen, Lesley Maher,
Jim Donovan, Joe de Gabriele, Joanne Cowan, and any others I may
have missed. I also must thank:
The 10k Race Sponsors:
South African Airways; Australian Runner and Athlete;
Gatorade; and The Runners' Shop. All the sponsors
made a valuable contribution to the 10k Series, and we owe them
our support.
Lastly, I must thank a most important group who make the events what they are: THE RUNNERS
Without you, there's no race! and for your enjoyment,
here's the 1997 10k Race Calendar:
| Venue | ||
| The Domain | ||
| North Head | ||
| Shelley Beach | ||
| Meadowbank | ||
| Lane Cove | ||
| North Head | ||
| Marsfield | ||
| Shelley Beach | ||
| Meadowbank | ||
| Lane Cove |
See you there! and please bring a friend so he or she can participate
in the joy of running the Sydney Striders' 10k Races. 1997 10k
Race entry fees remain the same as in 1996: $5.00 for Sydney Striders
and $8.00 for their guests, and 10k Races 5 and 10, the charity
ones, $7.00 for Sydney Striders and $10.00 for their guests.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a hell of a Happy New Year.
Postscript
from John Hamilton
I think it's time I thanked those who helped me gain the 10k Race Directorship. Jonathon Trope, my Campaign Manager worked tirelessly in the lead up to the elections for this Sydney Striders Committee position and never wavered in his belief that I should have this prestigious position. Scott Crawford, Campaign Fund Manager, added oomph when needed, and Mark Fiore made sure nothing stood in the way of me gaining the Directorship. With a Campaign Team like this behind me there was no way all of the other candidates, traditional at the elections to the Sydney Striders Committee positions, were going to beat me to this position!
Thank you Team, you'll keep!
10k Race Moments
Brought to you by sponsors SAA
by John Hamilton10k Race Moment One:
A 10k Race runner made a pit stop during the first
10k Race at North Head only to find a dead body in the bushes!
The 10k Race Team were relieved to learn it wasn't a participant
and the Police from Manly where left to solve the mystery.
10k Race Moment Two:
Chris McLean, an elder statesman of the Sydney Striders,
noted the body suit upon an attractive female runner who had finished
well before him in the last 10k Race and said "where can
I get one of those body suits and do they come with the body because
I sure need to replace the body I've got!". (PS: Chris; I,
and several Sydney Striders, can assure you that anything you
replace will be an improvement!)
10k Race Moment Three:
A greying, balding, genteel member of Sydney Striders
greeted the 10k Race Computer Director one race morning with "the
results are wrong!*@!", and Ray exchanged in a shaken but
friendly tone "well how are you this fine morning?"
10k Race Moment Four:
Robi Russell kept the 10k Race Computer Director
awake at nights worrying about 10k Race Handicap Results! (PS:
The 10k Race Results have been checked three times, and for some
runners, more than that.)
10k Race Moving Moment:
Another first for the 10k Race Series was achieved
at the last 10k Race at Lane Cove when the first disabled runner
took part. Nick Gleeson, from the Achilles Running Club, accepted
the 10k Race challenge, and with the assistance of Rozanne Green,
completed the course in 69:08. As Nick approached the finish line,
runners turned to watch and encourage Nick to finish strongly
with a tremendous round of applause, and Nick responded magnificently
with a strong 100m sprint across the finish line - a most moving
moment and, really, what running in the Sydney Striders is all
about, encouragement and camaraderie.
(PS: I know there are many Sydney Striders who have
considered themselves "disabled" on the morning of a
10k Race, and run. Some let the 10k Race Team know it (naively
in the hope of a favourable adjustment to their 10k Race Handicap),
and some let all who'll listen know. However, you don't count!
and the 10k Race Team show no favour or fear in its allocation
of 10k Race Handicap.)
South African Airways Random Draw Prize
The winner of the random draw prize (a ticket to
South Africa flying SAA) was not known at the time of going to
press, and will be announced in Blister #65.]
Kev's Korner 1
from Kevin Tiller
There are those who are really quite fast
There are those who are generally passed
Some want to run, Only for fun
But only one gets to be last!
Members of the Month
by Sarah Entwistle
Congratulations to Chris Truscott and Dawn Tiller,
who are both invited to see our uniform team Peter Truscott and
Amanda Dawson at at the next STaR to collect their prizes.
October 1996: Chris Truscott
Living proof that not all Striders are ëultraí
freaks, Chris started off October with a dazzling performance
in the 3 Ports Race, winning both 12k run legs in very impressive
times.
The following weekend, Chris then blitzed the Melbourne
Half Marathon with a 16 sec Personal Best to finish 4th overall
(and 3rd Australian). His time of 70.06 also puts him in 2nd place
on the Striders Half Marathon ladder behind Phil Garvin who ran
69m way back in 1987.
That makes Chris our fastest half marathoner for
9 years! Chris also recently clocked some great times on the track
- his best ë96 results are below:
Recent Results
| 3 Ports, 2 x 12k run legs | 40.03 WINNER
40.17 WINNER |
| Melbourne Half Marathon | 70.06 (4th) 16s PB |
| Brooks Triathlon, Kurnell - 5k run | 13.50 Fastest run split (team) |
| 3000m | 9.09 |
| 800m | 2.03 |
| 1500m | 4.10 |
November 1996: Dawn Tiller
Training with a babycart must be the way to faster
times judging by Dawnís performances over the last couple
of months. Establishing herself as the Stateís leading
female distance and bush runner, Dawn was not only first female
across the line in the inaugural Mt Wilson to Bilpin 35k bush
run in October, she also gave the guys a run for their money,
finishing 15th overall (of 100+ finishers).
Dawn followed up this outstanding performance with
a sizzling one at Brindabella in November by finishing first female,
10th overall out of 84 finishers, and second Strider (Kelvin Marshall
was first), as well as posting the 3rd fastest female time on
record.
This of course is all just a warm up for Dawn and Kevinís trip to the States in December when they will be competing in an 80k trail race in Houston, Texas. Good luck to you both, and show those Yanks what bush running is all about.
Recent Results
| Mt Wilson to Bilpin, 35k | 2.52.13 (1st female) |
| Brindabella, 47k | 4.29.08 |
Kelvin's Korner
That's Kelvin, not Kevin. The club's Ultra runner
of the Year has been winning things again! Quote from the Coffs
Harbour press under the headline "Marshall strides to ultra
victory": "Sydney Strider Kelvin Marshall made his 5th
long distance race of the year a winning one with an all-the-way
victory in the 14th annual Bananacoast Ultramarathon
over an improvised out-and-back course on Sunday. Marshall, 31,
had competed in the Brisbane Waters Bash over 47km on Saturday.
Marshall crossed the line in an excellent 6:50 to join an elite
group to break 7hrs for the 85km".
And from the Gold Coast Daily Mail "Two Tambourine
Trek titles in a row for Marshall [who] battled the heat and hills
to win his second consecutive Tambourine Trek title on the weekend.
Marshall completed the 68km mountain race from McIntosh Is to
Mt Tambourine and back in 6:13. Tough conditions took their toll
on competitors. Marshall's time was 37 minutes slower than his
course record of 5:36. 'But it was an outstanding performance
considering the unusually hot conditions', said race director
Ian Cornelius. 'The Tambourine Trek is one of the toughest courses
in Australia."
Congratulations, Kelvin, on flying the green and
white flag so successfully.
An Olympic Opportunity?
From Sarah Entwistle
Hereís your chance. According to an article
in the October issue of US Triathlete magazine, USA Triathlon
(USAT) is looking for elite athletes, such as runners and swimmers,
to commence training for the US team to compete in triathlonís
debut in the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Hereís the hitch. Individuals interested in
being considered for the USAT team must meet the following standards:
1,500m swim time of 17:30-18:30 men and 18:30-19:30 women; 40k
bike time of 0:55-0:58 men and 1:00-1:03 women; and 10k run time
of 30:30-32:00 men and 34:30-36:00 women.
The applications will be reviewed along with those
from full-time professional and amateur triathletes. Three men
and three women will be selected and given the opportunity to
train at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado from March 1997.
Good luck!
Xmas Shopping Guide
We fully intended to do a full-size feature in this
edition on what Striders would like to receive for Xmas. So we
sent an email message to about 40 club members on our emailing
list, requesting feedback. We received only one, from David Solomon,
who suggests:"How about a pair of younger faster legs? I'm
sure they're available from Darren Benson or Chris Truscott. Just
need one of our good Doctor Striders to do the transplant!"
The North Pole has been notified, David. Hope the
fat bloke in red can fit them down your chimney.
Kev's Korner 2
from Kevin Tiller
"Most people run a race to see who is fastest.
I run a race to see who has the most guts." Steve Prefontaine.
Kev's Korner 3
by Kevin Tiller
Did anyone read about the New York City Marathon
Psyching Team? There was an interview with Maryellen Duane, a
Ph.D. Apparently there are about 75 psychoanalysts, behaviour
therapists, and sports psychologists who work the marathon and
comfort people having a bad day, and spend a lot of time "mothering"
them at the finish (their words, not mine). She says the Psyching
Team is trained to "treat people in a regressive state. Even
if the runners are angry-looking, we say congratulations. They're
hurting inside."
I've got just one thing to say: Where were you
at Brindabella when my wife was disappearing off into the distance?
Striders' Annual Picnic (Or: "Let's get wet in the park")
by Keith White
For the 2nd year in a row, that old jogger in the sky wasn't smiling for the Annual Striders' Picnic Day. We didn't think the weather could possibly be worse than the rather poor show Kevin O'Kane organised for us last year. We were wrong.
It was a bleak, howling, bitterly cold southerly
which greeted Margaret, our son Nicholas and our Basenji (yes
folks that oh so chic, post modernist running hound) Nelson as
we enthusiastically leapt from our warm beds on Sunday 20th October
1996.
In fact, leaping from bed is probably stretching
things as it was the morning after that wonderfully scenic, code
for up and down like a fiddlers elbow, Mt Wilson to Bilpin Run.
However I digress, that is another story altogether.
Not only was it freezing, yes folks there's more
it was also raining and the spot we had approved for our picnic
had no shelter.
And so it was with both vehicles packed to the gunwales
- Bar.B.Q.'s, volley ball, beer, ice, sausages, rolls etc. etc.,
we set off with our hearts full of gloom and our legs hurting
like hell, at least there was no STaR on that morning and we had
had a sleep in.
As we arrived, El Presidente and myself made the
executive decision that it would fine up and so we pushed on as
planned. By now at least it was only drizzling.
Finally a few - very few stout of heart Striders
started to trickle (like the water down my back) in. We formed
two somewhat informal teams, "The Archilles Tendons"
and "The Stress Fractures", got the Bar-B.Q.'s set up
and assembled the volley ball kit (which was kindly lent to us
by Sporting Spectrum). Indeed the enthusiasm shown for the volleyball
was a reflection of the general level of keenness shown by most
club members for the day in general, i.e. nobody played, not once
was the ball picked up, just as well as it probably would have
been blown away.
Ivan Freys deserves particular praise. He spent an
enormous amount of time and effort organising the orienteering
courses. Thank you Ivan. I'm sure the five or six people who participated
also congratulate you! I suppose all up, 15-20 people would have
dropped by through the morning.
A few relays were run with the result being a dead
heat between "The Archilles Tendons" and the "Stress
Fractures". Some, Breeda for example, even backed up after
the Bilpin Run. I fortunately, as the host, didn't have to put
myself through that agony.
And of course, at about 1.00pm as we were packing the grossly over catered-for sausages, rolls, wine, beer etc. our earlier prediction that it would fine up, came to pass. The sun came out, the wind dropped and the weather turned into a very pleasant afternoon.
Sorry for the lack of photos - I couldn't keep the
rain off the lens.
Pocket Rockets are Back
by Sarah Entwistle
Thank God theyíre back. Those whoíve
already experienced them know just how good they are when you
need that quick burst of energy. And those who havenít
just donít know what theyíre missing. Pocket
Rockets are finally back in the country, reformulated and
repackaged to help you go faster and longer than ever.
These are no ordinary Squeezies. Pocket Rockets are
designed to give you the ultimate boost when you most need it,
e.g. halfway through that bloody bush run. Theyíre STRONG,
so use them sparingly.
Formulated in ìcollaboration with world class
athletesî, new Pocket Rockets contain 25 grams of a delicious
carbohydrate gel in chocolate or new lemon lime (new flavour tastes
great), and now includes caffeine as well as natural guarana plus
a mix of amino acids to maximise performance.
Pocket Rockets are offered to Striders at a special
price of $10 a box of 6 sachets (RRP $15). Please contact Sarah
Entwistle at the next STaR or phone/fax 9360 4516 for emergency
supplies.
Letters to the Editor - "Two racing singlets"
Dear Sir,
I refer to the articles in "The Blister"
issue no.62 concerning the subject of the club logo.
I have two racing singlets, one with the old logo
on it and one with the new. Every time I run in a race, especially
an overseas event, I find that I don the one with the old logo.
It is more visible and identifies me as an Australian runner.
You might say that I have voted with my feet. I would like to
see the return of the old logo - both on the front and back of
the racing singlets.
When I refer to the old logo, I refer to the words
"Sydney Striders" in the old font. I don't have any
strong feelings about the cheetah. It doesn't appear on my old
racing singlet, so it probably is a side issue.
Might I suggest that the Committee call a referendum
on the subject and then abide by the wishes of the majority. This
clearly is an emotive issue and should not be decided by the Committee.
Yours in less fleetness of foot, Alf Field
Letters to the Editor - "In defence of the
logo"
Dear Striders,
In defence of the logo: I think itís GREAT.
It is modern, stylish, and relevant. It is also so vastly superior
to the antiquated and ugly writing of the old logo, I find it
hard to believe there is even the remotest consideration of reverting
to the old style.
Just ask any graphic designer - and these are the
people who know about these things - and they will tell you that
style of writing was almost out of date when the Striders first
adopted it 15 years ago. If we do continue to use it, itís
not exactly presenting the progressive, more youthful image that
the Club is desperately trying to promote to attract new, younger
members, is it?
And what exactly is the debate about? Do members
really hate the new design? Are they afraid of change (they write
books on how to deal with people like you)? Or are they simply
complaining about the word ëSydneyí not being prominent
enough?
If the latter is the case (which I suspect it is),
and a significant percentage of the members feel so strongly about
it (of which I have significant doubts), the sensible approach
would be to go back to the designers to adapt the new logo to
represent ëSydneyí more strongly, and not take the
retrograde step of embracing the ëoldí. After all,
even monoliths like Telecom manage to update their logo!!
The new logo was presented to the Committee at the
time along with a number of other designs. We chose the one we
liked best and one which we felt would be most recognisable as
ëthe Stridersí in Sydney, which is where 99.9 per
cent of us run 99.9 per cent of the time.
And in case you are wondering why I personally rarely
wear the Striders logo, old or new, itís because I donít
like the gear. I hasten to add that this is absolutely no reflection
on our uniform manager, Peter Truscott, who is doing a great job.
It is simply that our supplier does not seem to be able to provide
attractive, up-to-date gear for women. We are addressing this
issue and hopefully will soon be able to offer you a few new fabrics
and designs.
Regards, Sarah Entwistle
Letters to the Editor - "Old and New"
Dear Sir,
It has been over 10 years since my last contribution
to The Blister, but I feel compelled to write after having read
the articles by John Turner and Charles Coville in Blister #62.
My views may tread on a few toes, and for that I apologise up
front. I would like to emphasise that my quoting of various sections
of John's article is not directed at him personally, as he (I
assume) was relating comments of the committee in 1993.
In essence, I agree with Charles - what was wrong with the old logo? I don't care that the cheetah isn't an Australian native animal - associating the club with a symbol of excellence is more important to me. Most corporations would kill to have their image associated with the word "Sydney" during the next 4 years, yet our new logo hides it!
The old logo sends out such a strong, clear obvious image, yet we are told the new logo was derived by:
All of this symbolic jargon is terrific if you are
a marketing student and can spot the concepts employed. As for
self-taught marketers like myself, our instinct tells us to keep
the message simple so that anyone can understand it, and
therefore have a greater impact.
The points about the old logo being "musty with
age" and "a bit monochrome" are ridiculous, as
Charles rightly points out with reference to the like of IBM and
Coke.
Peter Cookson's London Marathon article on page 20
of the same issue of The Blister states: "The Striders' logo
drew a good response. I was wearing the T-shirt which has Sydney
Striders in clear letters front and back, and I had welcome encouragement
throughout the race". Hard to improve on that statement!
John rightly points out the committee is elected
to manage and make decision, and having served on the committee
for two years I appreciate this is a difficult task. However,
changing the club's image is perhaps outside any committee's responsibility
and should instead be by way of a referendum.
Sincerely, Brian Tailford
Letters to the Editor - "StaR Times and Uniforms"
Dear Sir,
I would like to comment on a number of issues in
the club which are an ongoing debate.
1: STaR start times: I never cease to be amazed why
the club continues to restrict membership to people who like to
get out of bed at 5-ish on Sunday mornings. I'm sure those who
don't join our club, especially the younger ones, find it a strange
decision too.
2: Club uniform and colours: There was a time when
you could recognise a clubmate on a distant horizon by the distinctive
stripe and the green and white shorts. Sadly no more. Members
can wear almost any shorts they want. When you see a club group
running together you are lucky if any two are wearing the same
uniform or even the same shade of green. The identity built up
so proudly over the years is diluting. It's sad that Australians
don't have much sense of tradition.
I agree completely with what Charles Coville wrote
in Blister 62 about the club name and how it is presented. When
a group of us go to the Gold Coast Marathon with our new uniform(s),
who are we? Similarly the Cheetah has been an integral part of
the uniform and logo forever. It looks superb! It's really sad
that the fastest creature on land faces extinction in our club.
Finally, I've looked through the last three Blisters. The old uniform with the word "Sydney" appearing prominently has not been the official uniform for about two years. Yet in those three Blisters there are 9 shots of club members in the old uniform and only 5 in the new. The members must be proud of the old uniform.
Sincerely, David Sill
Letters to the Editor - "Emblazoned"
Dear Sir,
I first became aware of Sydney Striders not because
of advertising, or word of mouth, or the Half Marathon, but because
of constant exposure to the name emblazoned on the back of green
and white singlets gradually (and sometimes quickly) disappearing
in front of me. While I have no objection to the club having a
"logo" in its present, or some other, form, the fact
remains that, unless you know what it says to start with, the
present logo is not readable if you are more than a very short
distance away. To me, the name of the club and its logo are quite
separate, and their display on the uniform should serve different
functions. We should not lose sight of the advertising benefit
in having our name in large letters on the front and, more importantly,
on the back, of our singlets.
At a recent STaR, I observed a member rummaging vainly
through the uniforms looking for a singlet with the "old"
lettering, and then walking away, disappointed, without a club
singlet. Those who travel to distant events have often spoken
of the buzz they get when the name "Sydney" in large
print triggers an enthusiastic response from spectators or other
runners. Members draw as much pride from "Sydney" as
they do from "Striders", and I feel that the uniform
should reflect this. Like most others, I usually wear my "classic"
singlet when I run out of Sydney. I find this always draws a few
responses along the way. On the few occasions I have used a "new"
singlet, I have yet to receive one word of recognition.
While there appeared to be valid reasons at the time
for a change, I feel that a return to something like the "old"
singlet has much to recommend it. So long as visibility is not
compromised, I would have no problem with changes of material,
styling, font etc., to keep the uniform smart and up to date.
P.S.I like the new shorts with the cheetah on the
back, though.
Sincerely, Kevin O'Kane
Letters to the Editor - "Pathetic attempt
at humour"
Dear Female Striders,
As one of the supposed editors of this magazine,
I would like to apologise for Nick Themsenís pathetic attempt
at humour with ìBecause we are menî in the last issue.
The publication of this piece, which was stolen from
someone elseís equally pathetic mind, was obviously a conspiracy
by the male members of the Blister team, whom I would have thought
should have known better.
Rather than lower myself to Nickís level with
a ìBecause we are womenî reply, I will simply say
that, like the old logo, this sort of humour is ugly and antiquated
and completely out of touch with modern attitudes. It is also
likely to cause mass resignation by female members.
In fact, I would like to assure female members that
the Committee strives to make the Striders a club of equal opportunity,
and this sort of out of date chauvinistic behaviour is abhorred.
So, grow up Nick. No more of this boring, beer swilling, old-fashioned male macho stuff. This is 1996 in case you hadnít realised.
Regards, Sarah Entwistle
[Steve Cornelius writes: I should take most of
the blame. There was no conspiracy. It was 1.30 am, my judgment
wasn't exactly razor-sharp, and I was paying no attention to content
and heaps of attention to its word-count: JUST right to fill the
final space on the Blister's final page. It hadn't actually struck
me as a possible source of either humour or offence; more whimsical,
really. I'm very sorry for any offence it caused, and will try
to use more acceptable fillers in future. Even at 1.30 a.m.]
[Nick Themsen writes: I'm a member of a joke-club on the Net
and occasionally forward a copy to Steve to be used as a "filler"
when we're putting The Blister together. It was not intended to
offend anybody or express a particular chauvinistic attitude.
On the contrary. The most important persons in my life are all
women, so please accept my apology for trying to be amusing unsuccessfully
.I would however, like to receive a copy of "Because we are
women" for my collection!]
Letters to the Editor - "Crafty little blighter"
Dear Sir,
I was reminded of the picture of Scott Crawford "worrying"
penguins on the Antarctic continent recently when running through
Lane Cove River Park last week as a duck ran out from behind a
bush and, for no apparent reason, chased me. The crafty little
blighter had waited until I was past before giving chase so that
to anybody watching, it at least looked like it was successfully
seeing me off - which of course was not true - I just needed a
spot of speed work at that point. On my return down the same track
I did establish that the reason he had chased me was to show off
to his partner and young brood of ducklings, who were hidden in
a grassy area behind the bush.
Whilst hardly a close encounter worthy of much note
it set me thinking that all Striders must at some time have been
chased by all manner of matter, whether animal, vegetable or mineral.
I thought it might be interesting to hear from fellow Striders
of such encounters, and maybe the editor could give a Close Encounters
award to the best tale......? (p.s. you may have to filter out
tales of spear wielding Zulus from some of our Comrades)
Regards, Peter Cookson
[Eds' note: Top idea. We invite such tales from
our readers. Being of limited means, however, the prize will necessarily
be modest - perhaps one of those tasteful "three flying ducks
on the wall" sets popular in years gone by?].
Letters to the Editor - "Our Fellow Striders in Waikikamuukau"
[Eds' note: Extracts from a letter to Jonathan
Trope from New Zealand's Nelson Striders, who attended the Sydney
Marathon. See elsewhere in this issue for details of Nelson Striders'
open events for 1997.]
Dear Jonathan,
We had a great time in Oz. Very different to every
other time we've been over but was certainly the medicine we require.
Thank you for your hospitality in Sydney - we really
enjoyed your company - just a shame we couldn't have squeezed
in more. Please pass on our thanks to the Sydney Striders for
making our group so welcome at Homebush Stadium, I know it was
well appreciated by the Kiwis. We thoroughly enjoyed the marathon
and I think the tour party will be bigger next year. I personally
have some unfinished business with that course which I'd like
to settle sooner rather than later……
We had a great run on Sunday - up along the hill
tops between Nelson and Richmond. The views were absolutely amazing
and we finished off in a Strider's back garden eating croissants
and drinking coffee. The sun was shining and there wasn't a cloud
in the sky. Damn shame to be living in paradise!
Last night our Striders pack was almost up to 50.
We've introduced a walking group now which started off with 10
so we expect that to grow even larger over the next few weeks.
Our target is 15 regulars by Christmas…….Look forward
to seeing you in Nelson soon.
Regards, Graeme and Averil West.
Letters to the Editor - "Father, I cannot
tell a lie"
Dear Sir,
I suppose I'd better come clean. It was MY fault
that plain green and plain white shorts were approved as official
club uniform items as alternatives to the traditional green and
white halved ones. Mea culpa.
It was a couple of years ago I think, and committee
were insisting the club's marathon championship be awarded only
to a runner wearing the full official uniform. I said I didn't
see why members should be forced to wear shorts with inbuilt underpants
which chafed intimate parts of the anatomy. I'd never worn the
awful green and white ones, since I regarded jockettes as a fashion
item and preferred to buy those featuring loud colours and startling
designs.
Against all my prior expectations, somehow I managed
to persuade the committee. Or perhaps they voted for my proposal
just to stop me whingeing. Anyway, one way or another, plain green
or white passed into club policy.
I didn't say this at the time, but I also loathed
the traditional shorts because they were objects of derision to
members of other clubs, who often referred to them as "jester's
pants". I figured my delicate sensibilities couldn't handle
any more mockery than I already got for my spindly legs, crap
marathon times and silly hat, so I damn well wasn't going to make
it worse by wearing ludicrous shorts too.
There, I've said it now. Bring on the flames.
Sincerely, Steve Cornelius
Letters to the Editor - "Not a bloke, could
be a feller"
Dear Sir,
I certainly agree with the editors of Blister 63
that Tina Campbell is "demonstrably not a bloke". Here
in the bleak north of England they have things they call "fells".
These are steep hills out in the countryside which many people
choose to run up. These runners are called many things (which
is not surprising) but one of the names is "fellers".
If Tina were to come over here she would not be a bloke but she
could be a "feller"!
I was interested to read the article about "penguins"
(slow runners) in Blister 62. However, it was cruel of the editors
to show a picture of a pack of penguins in Blister 63 with Scott
Crawford at the back of the pack! You'll probably be hearing from
his lawyers.
Sincerely, David Sill
[Hmmm. It wouldn't be the first time. Ed.]
Letters to the Editor - "Bag versus Kerchief:
debate re-emerges"
Dear Sir,
Why should we blindly accept your assertion (Blister
#63) that the difference between Blokes and Sheilas is demonstrable?
A few editions ago, you couldn't even distinguish between a bag
and a kerchief.
Yours, Fauntleroy Cholmondeley-Fortescue.
Letters to the Editor - "Worst-case scenario"
Dear Sir,
I am writing to complain about the appalling number
of clichés habitually used by your contributors and correspondents.
Basically, at the end of the day, mainstream Striders will have
to own the problem. It will require an attitudinal paradigm shift,
a back to basics approach, a new mission statement, to ensure
a can-do empowerment situation. The ballpark bottom line is that
the worst-case scenario would envision a fallback position to
a damage control situation syndrome. Why can't we resolve to de-emphasise
the negatives to bring about a sea change in our core values vis-a-vis
our Blister writings?
You're either with me or against me.
Sincerely, S.W. Bag
Sill-E Quote
from David Sill via E-mail
This was in the June edition of Ultramag: "We
don't stop playing because we get old; rather we get old because
we stop playing" - George Bernard Shaw.
Musical Quiz Corner
by Terry McIver
Answers Blister #63 questions were: (1): John Lennon;
(2) Priscilla White; (3) Cat Stevens; (4) The Eagles (known as
Stoned Ponies when with Linda Ronstadt); (5) Mick Nesmith's mother
(Mick was the tall one in the Monkees who could actually play
the guitar and sing).
Once again David Sill got maximum 5 points. That's
3 times in a row, and David wins a dinner for 2 at Waverton chip
shop (on condition he pays his own fare from his home in England
to claim it).
Tina Campbell got 3¾ points, losing 1 for putting
"Stone Ponies" instead of Eagles. She accuses me of
"getting bloody picky with the spelling". I'm picky
with punctuation too - she lost another ¼ for an apostrophe
in "Cat Steven's".
David Ritchie got 4½ for omitting the first
syllable of "Priscilla", a bit like calling himself
"Vid Ritchie". He writes: "If I am wrong on any
of the above, I'll sue 'cause my Mum reckons I'm never wrong".
Fine. See you in court.
Now for 5 more: (1) Who is Herbert Khaury better
known as? (2) Who is Gordon Sumner better known as? (3) What was
so unusual about Sandie Shaw (who had a hit in the 60s with "Puppet
on a String")? (4) Who was known as the 5th Beatle?
(5) Who is Ronald Wycherley better known as?
Good luck everyone. I'm slowly running out of easy
questions, so I think I may get the Chop.
PS: In answer to Tina's question "How many mm
of rain fell during Woodstock?", it was 6.25.
Nelson Striders (NZ)
Sydney Striders members considering a trip to the Shaky Isles during 1997 might like to consider running one of these races, staged by our Trans-Tasman friends the Nelson Striders:
Details: Averil & Graeme West, PO Box 129, Nelson
NZ. Phone (0011-643)-548-3132 or 548-3655, Fax 548-4932.
Fat Ass 54
from Kevin Tiller
Kevin writes: "I will be seeing Dave Sill in the UK and we are planning on the following race: THE FAT ASS 54 MILER (Sevenoaks to Farnham). It starts with the statement "Firth's Tenth Frisky Filthy Formidably Fabulous Feckless Fight the Flab Fat-ass Fifty Four Finally Finishing in Farnham" It also says "no support, no awards, no wimps". The declaration includes "I know and therefore will not complain that the North Downs are neither flat, paved nor lit and that in the month of January the weather could become a little inclement making shoes muddy"."
Just can't wait for your race report, you two.
Striders' WebPage
by Steve Cornelius
If you have World Wide Web access and haven't visited
Striders' Webpage recently, I suggest you drop in there for a
look. It's brilliantly maintained by Kevin Tiller, near his homepage
at http://www.ozemail.com.au/~tiller/striders.html. You'll find
club histories, race results, Blister highlights, and much more.
In addition to Kevin's own homepage, there are links
to 4 others belonging to Striders' members. Stuart Greaves presents,
among other things, an impassioned item about gun control in the
wake of the Port Arthur massacre; Jim Donovan demonstrates his
expertise on the subject of public transport and challenges you
to beat his record for long URL names; and Chris Smith givesprominence
to this year's City-to-Surf, the cartoon character Dilbert, and
some interesting thoughts about Microsoft.
There's also a link to Nobby Young's homepage, which
my Internet connection totally refuses to find every time I try,
although Kevin swears it works for him (OK, we know the Web's
anarchic, and long may it remain so!).
Just a few of the Striders who are out there on the
cutting edge of third-millennium technology - pay them a visit
soon!
(Dawn and) Kev's Korner
"His IQ drops 50 points every time he laces
up a pair of running shoes." (Dawn Tiller talking to a friend.….)
Run the Length of Africa!
from David Sill
The latest Runners World magazine had a little bit
about the Africa run that Carl Barker was talking about. "Running
the length of Africa, from Alexandria in Egypt to Cape Town in
South Africa (over 6000 miles), is a daunting proposition, but
that's the aim of Run for Africa. A team of runners will set off
next August, aiming to run 45 miles a day - no mean target, as
the terrain includes desert, mountain and jungle - and arrive
in Cape Town in February 1998. The run is being organised in conjunction
with Save the Children and Save the Rhino International. The team
is looking for two more runners if anyone is interested".
Kev's Korner 4
by Kevin Tiller
The first online membership payment by credit card
from the Striders internet Web page has been processed! Congrats
to Vic Taylor - as a retired gentleperson your grasp of technology
is showing up those young whipper-snappers.
Striders in Training
Listing maintained by Kevin O'Kane
Re-introducing a list of venues where Striders train.
Advise Kevin O'Kane (B) 9283-3355 or (H) 9449-1435 of details
of any other regular running, cycling, swimming, walking etc group
which Striders might like to join. In years gone by, this feature
used to be one of the most popular and useful of all Blister items.
If you spot errors or omissions, DON'T ASSUME SOMEONE ELSE WILL
LET US KNOW! It's YOUR training list - YOU keep us updated!
| Achilles Running Club: Assisting disabled walkers and runners. Sundays 8.00am. Contact Chris Robb 9959-4269 | Wendy Downes, Chris Robb, Rozanne Green | Hyde Park near St James Station, Elizabeth St, Sydney |
| Equaliser A.M. Group: 12k or so, Wednesdays 5.30am. Contact Kevin O'Kane 9283-3355 | Keith White, Breeda Kelly, Kevin O'Kane | Acron Oval, Acron Rd, St Ives |
| Equaliser P.M. Group: Up to 14k. Wednesdays 6.00pm. Contact Mike Ward 9957-3566 | Mike Ward + ? | Wyatt Reserve, Wyatt Ave, Belrose |
| Lane Cove River Runners: About 10k. Tuesdays and Fridays 5.45pm. Contact Mike Ward 9957-3566 | Mike Ward, Amanda Dawson, Scott Crawford, Rod Lovell, George Lisson | Lane Cove River Park, Fullers Bridge entrance, Fullers Rd, Chatswood West |
| Marathon Training Group: (Resumes late January). About 10k. Thursdays 6.00pm. Contact Kevin O'Kane 9283-3355 | Kevin O'Kane + ? | Waverton Bowling Club, Woolcott St, Waverton |
| Veterans' Track: 3000m or 5000m. 6.00pm Thursdays | Various members, infrequently | Hensley Athletic Field, Corish Circle, Pagewood |
Striders' 10k Ladder
data supplied by Kevin Tiller
10k performances recorded before joining Striders
could not be printed owing to space constraints. Notify Kevin
Tiller of all errors and omissions but please refrain from abusing
him - it's unlikely to be his fault.
| Name | Venue | Date | |
| John Sauer | Intervarsity | 0490 | |
| Phil Garvin | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Chris Truscott | Woy Woy | 0396 | |
| Godfrey Franz | Striders | 0593 | |
| John Young | Marsfield | 0796 | |
| Darren Benson | Lane Cove | 0396 | |
| Geoff Cox | Harrow UK | 0489 | |
| Wayne Stanton | Botany Harriers | 0486 | |
| Stephen Jackson | Revesby | 1992 | |
| Chris McLean | Centennial Park | 0292 | |
| Ray Doran | Muscular Dist'y | 0690 | |
| Paul Russell | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| John Hamilton | Centennial Park | 0790 | |
| David Sill | Mini-Mosm'thon | 0887 | |
| Andrew Hallam | North Head | 0495 | |
| Christopher Dwyer | Marsfield | 1994 | |
| Jeff Gissing | Mini-Mosm'thon | 0789 | |
| Terry McIver | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Andrew Smith | Domain | 0696 | |
| Steven Holland | Sri Chinmoy | 0795 | |
| Warwick Selby | Centennial Park | 1990 | |
| Malcolm Satchell | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Joanne Cowan (F) | Lady Macquarie | 0492 | |
| John Hodges | Sportscene 10k | 0587 | |
| Philip Hugill | North Head | 0896 | |
| Anthony Wolfenden | Manly | 0895 | |
| Kevin Tiller | Manly | 0593 | |
| Brian Colwell | Randwick Botany | 1989 | |
| Richard Briscoe | Meadowbank | 0996 | |
| Alan Kaplan | Mini-Mosm'thon | 1995 | |
| Scott Crawford | Sportscene 10k | 0589 | |
| Charles Coville | Centennial Park | 0390 | |
| Jonathon Marsden | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Mark Fiore | Centennial Park | 0991 | |
| Alistair Mackie | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Stephen Urwin | Striders | 1992 | |
| Marlies Laaper (F) | NSW Champs | 1993 | |
| Grahame Murphy | Domain | 0696 | |
| Peter Truscott | Woy Woy | 0396 | |
| John Ayliffe | Banksmeadow | 0590 | |
| Mark Robinson | Marsfield | 0794 | |
| Jonathan Trope | Meadowbank | 0996 | |
| Jonathan Worswick | Marsfield | 0496 | |
| Alex Whitworth | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Nobby Young | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Alf Field | Centennial Park | 0890 | |
| John Sutherland | Domain | 0493 | |
| Terry Rose | Centennial Park | 0991 | |
| George Lisson | Meadowbank | 0996 | |
| Mike Ward | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Phillip Barrow | Manly | 1994 | |
| Rod Lovel | Meadowbank | 0996 | |
| Steve Cornelius | Lane Cove | 1989 | |
| Philip Boswell | Domain | 0895 | |
| Harvey Blue | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Tony Crosby | Mini-Mosm'thon | ||
| Peter Cobley | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Ivan Freys | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Gavin Morisset | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Raymond Potter | Domain | 0696 | |
| Dick Bartlett | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Paul Mandl | Domain | 1991 | |
| John Turner | Australia Day | 0188 | |
| Andrew Segula | Meadowbank | 0996 | |
| Peter Dulson | Domain | 0696 | |
| Hugh Spencer | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| David Ritchie | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Tina Campbell (F) | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Graeme Hansen | Toronto Canada | 0595 | |
| John Whealy | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Steve Hitchcock | Mini-Mosm'thon | 0792 | |
| Graham Firkin | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Dawn Tiller (F) | Melbourne | 0493 | |
| James Howard | Domain | 0696 | |
| David Smitheram | Marsfield | 0496 | |
| Stephen Lloyd | Striders | 1989 | |
| Alan White | Combination | 0791 | |
| Joseph Vucetic | Marsfield | 0496 | |
| John Hawkins | Striders | 0492 | |
| John Walker | Domain | 0696 | |
| Peter Corte | Domain | 0696 | |
| Derek Smith | Meadowbank | 0996 | |
| Andrew Harrison | Meadowbank | 0996 | |
| Peter Hammerschmidt | Meadowbank | 0996 | |
| Hakan Parsson | North Head | 0896 | |
| John Shepherd | North Head | 0896 | |
| John Preston | Centennial Park | 0390 | |
| David Solomon | North Head | 0896 | |
| Matthew Hammond | Manly | 0595 | |
| Kevin O'Kane | Australia Day | 0188 | |
| Robert Inglis | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Graham Butler | Body & Sole | 1092 | |
| John Plummer | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Darren Goodsir | Meadowbank | 0996 | |
| Bruce Murray | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Graeme Nyland | Manly | 0695 | |
| John Ross | 2 day | 0190 | |
| Ian Whitfield | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| David Fahey | Lane Cove | 0891 | |
| Paul Lunsmann | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Jeffrey Lie | North Head | 0996 | |
| Alex Hamill | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| George Herisson | Meadowbank | 0996 | |
| Steve Zolessi | North Head | 0896 | |
| Clara Vucetic (F) | North Head | 0896 | |
| Ian MacArthur | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Tony Hoban | Marsfield | 0496 | |
| Charles Reis | Meadowbank | 0996 | |
| Roger Rigby | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Geoff Taylor | Centennial Park | 0890 | |
| Tony Hatch | Domain | 0696 | |
| Sally Taggart (F) | North Head | 0896 | |
| Craig Thom | Striders | 1196 | |
| Keith White | Meadowbank | 0996 | |
| Susan Griffith (F) | Mosman | 1990 | |
| Benny Hagberg | Lane Cove | 0290 | |
| Brian Tailford | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Ron Daly | Centennial Park | 0291 | |
| Alan Phillips | Sportscene 10k | 1989 | |
| Phil Madden | Mini-Mosm'thon | 1995 | |
| William Thompson | North Head | 0896 | |
| Michael Wilson | Meadowbank | 0996 | |
| Merri Mack (F) | Mini-Mosm'thon | 0793 | |
| Joe Degabriele | North Head | 1995 | |
| Neil McPherson | Meadowbank | 0996 | |
| Cathy Dunworth (F) | Marsfield | 0496 | |
| Richard Hannan | 10k series | 0695 | |
| Amanda Dawson (F) | Meadowbank | 0996 | |
| Peter Butcher | Mini-Mosm'thon | 1994 | |
| Mahmoud El-Khansa | Marsfield | 0496 | |
| Rosalind Lloyd (F) | Mosman | 0790 | |
| Paul Kotala | Shelly Beach | 0992 | |
| Tony Byrne | Lane Cove | 0396 | |
| Peter Cookson | Domain | 0696 | |
| Brian Taylor | Centennial Park | 0390 | |
| Fiona Pelly (F) | Meadowbank | 0996 | |
| Barney Gordon | Domain | 0696 </ |