Daytime Training Opportunities

The majority of weekday club training sessions take place in the evenings but it is clear from Facebook posts and the popularity of the Thursday day time beginners’ sessions that there is scope to offer options for training at other times, during weekdays, particularly during school hours.

The following training options will be offered to club members for a trial period from January to March 2017.

Improvers Course Mondays at 10am
Have you completed the club beginners programme or otherwise able to run 5.5k?

Currently running at or willing to run at a pace of 8min/k (parkrun 5k in 40mins)?

Want to run faster and further?

Improvers is a 12 week course starting on Monday 9 January which will aim to progress Eagles from running 5.5k to running 10k and to provide an introduction to speed work. There is no requirement to attend all the sessions but you will make most progress if you do and you will also be expected to do “homework” outside the Monday sessions as part of a training plan for 10k. The length of the sessions will necessarily depend on the distance being run that day but you should allow from about an hour to 1 ½ hours. Most sessions will meet at Blondin Park with a bag drop at The Fields, 295 Northfield Ave and there will be occasional socials after some of the sessions.

More information will be provided in a Facebook post each week.

For those who would like a target race, there is a 10k race on Saturday 1 April in Richmond Park – entry fee £18.70 (inc admin fee). It is well-organised but unfortunately does not provide a discount for club affiliated members. https://thefixevents.com/run-richmond-park-5k-and-10k-race-4-2017

Daytime Osterley Track Fridays at 10am
“Track” may sound hardcore but it is one of the easiest sessions for people of different paces to join in together because everyone stays in the same place rather than being strung out in a continuous run.

Come along and do that intervals session in your training plan; try out track sessions suggested for Tuesday track; or simply come and find out what it’s all about and get some ideas for your own track sessions from one of the more experienced Eagles there.

Meeting time and place Fridays 10am at Osterley track, Osterley Sports & Athletics Centre, 120 Wood Lane, Isleworth, TW7 5FG. There is a Track fee (£2.80) payable at reception before coming on the Track. There are also lockers available for a refundable £1.

More information will be provided in a Facebook post each week.

National Cross Country Championship Entries

We are now taking entries for the National Cross Country Championships which take place at Wollaton Park, Nottingham on Saturday 25th February 2017.

Under 17 Women Championship (5K) at 11.00 am
(Ages 15 & 16 years as at 31st August 2016)

Under 15 Boys Championship (4.5K) at 11.25 am.
(Ages 13 & 14 years as at 31st August 2016)

Junior Women Championship (6K) at 11.45 am
(Ages 17, 18 & 19 years as at 31st August 2016)

Under 13 Girls Championship (3K) at 12.15 pm
(Ages 11 & 12 years as at 31st August 2016 (11 years on the day of competition)).

Under 17 Men Championship (6K) at 12.35 pm
(Ages 15 & 16 years as at 31st August 2016)

Under 15 Girls Championship (4K) at 1.00 pm.
(Ages 13 & 14 years as at 31st August 2016)

Junior Men Championship (10K) at 1.20 pm
(Ages 17, 18 & 19 years as at 31st August 2016)

Under 13 Boys Championship (3K) at 2.05 pm
(Ages 11 & 12 years as at 31st August 2016 (11 years on the day of competition))

Senior Women Championship (8K) at 2.20 pm
(Age must exceed 20 years as at 31st August 2016)

Senior Men Championship (12K) at 3.00 pm
(Age must exceed 20 years as at 31st August 2016)

If you would like to run, please e-mail chair@ealingeagles.com by Sunday 8th January 2017 with the following information:
Full name
Date of birth
EA number

Do Some Good With Your Old Shoes!

Have you got an old pair of trainers which you no longer need? Do you need an excuse to buy a new pair?

Ealing Soup Kitchen are in desperate need of more pairs of trainers for their clients. Unfortunately foot health is a big problem for homeless people, and a good pair of shoes can make a huge difference to someone in need.

Ruth Dixon Del Tufo, owner of one of the best names in the club and general all around good egg, will be at the social next Wednesday at the New Inn with a bag to collect in any old shoes you want to donate.

As they are for people to walk in, not run, they don't need to be in racing condition, but please make sure they haven't got the soles hanging off or holes in - the idea is to help people keep their feet warm and dry. Please tie them in pairs by the laces as that will make life easier for Ruth and the people at the Ealing Soup Kitchen. 

Go on, do someone a good turn this Christmas with something you no longer need but could make a massive difference to them. 

And Merry Christmas! 

Met League XC Information - Wormwood Scrubs - Saturday 3rd Dec.

Race times - 
1.55pm - Senior Ladies : 6km
2.35pm - Senior Men : 8km
(Please see course maps below)

Location - Wormwood Scrubs, W12 0HU
There are toilets, showers and changing rooms available.
Hot drinks and refreshments will be available in the TVH clubhouse by the track.
Wormwood Scrubs is a 15 mins walk from East Acton station
(Please see map below)

Meeting Point -
The juniors will have been running earlier in the day and will have set up a flag tarp so please look out for this.
If you can please try to arrive 30 mins before your race starts so we can ensure that numbers are distributed in good time.

If you have not run Met League before, or indicated that you might be running on Saturday, please make a note of your EA number as we'll need this for the declaration sheets.

Finally, please remember to bring a WHITE Eagle top and safety pins.

Middlesex Masters Cross Country Championships

The Middlesex Masters Cross Country Championships will take place on Sunday 19th February at Berkeley Fields, Berkeley Avenue, Greenford, Middx, UB6 0NZ

Please note the age requirements:

Ladies - 35 and over

Men - 40 and over

Race details are as follows :-

10.30am : Men 40-59 (9km approx)

11.15am : Men over 60 and all women over 35 (6km approx.)

Athletes should come to the event ready changed as there are no changing or shower facilities. Toilets in the clubhouse. No spikes to be worn in the clubhouse.

If you would like to run, please e-mail chair@ealingeagles.com by Sunday 29th January with the following information:

Full name

Date of birth

EA number

Mobile number if you would like the time sent to you by text

Whether county qualification is by birth (B) or residency (R). Residency qualification is obtained by having nine months continuous bona fide residence in the County immediately prior to the date of the race.

London Marathon Ballot Deadline Looming!

Below is all the information regarding the London Marathon ballot.

IF YOU WISH TO APPLY FOR THE BALLOT PLEASE EMAIL RACE@EALINGEAGLES.COM CONFIRMING YOU MEET ALL THE CRITERIA, YOU AGREE TO THE CONDITIONS STATED BELOW, AND PROVIDE THE DETAILS OF YOUR POINTS.  THE DEADLINE IS THURSDAY 1ST DECEMBER 2016.

As affiliates of England Athletics, Ealing Eagles receives a number of places for the Virgin Money London Marathon (VMLM) each year. These places are available to members via a club ballot.

BALLOT CRITERIA

Members who wish to enter the club ballot for places in April 2017 must meet following criteria at the time of the ballot (Dec 2016):

• Be a fully-paid member of the Ealing Eagles Running Club since the start of the membership year of the ballot (1st May 2016)
• Be an England Athletics member (for those who run with more than one club, you must have been a first-claim member with the Ealing Eagles from 1st May 2016)
• Have been a member for at least 12 months as at 30th November 2016
• Have been entered and rejected from the public ballot (proof of rejection required)
• Have not won a VMLM place via the Ealing Eagles club ballot in the last three yearly ballots
• Are not eligible for a Good for Age entry, which can be guaranteed directly with the VMLM organisers
• Did not run in the previous years VMLM (i.e. 2016)

POINTS SYSTEM

This year, we are trialling a points system relating to being an active participant of the club. Below are the categories which you can earn points in. You can earn points from any or all of these, we only ask that you volunteer at least twice.

• Tail Run (1pt each, max of 5pts) - It is the tailrunners responsibility that their tailrun is recorded on the website and to contact the committee to request that the schedule is updated if they step in at the last minute
• Volunteer at Ealing Eagles Sessions/Events (1pt each, min 2pts, max 10pts) - For example Ealing Eagles 10km, 10/20 mile training runs, beginners groups, leading or assisting at coaching sessions, Summer League, XC, etc.
• Compete in Summer League, XC Sunday or Met League (1pt each, max 5pts)
• Compete in Club Championship Events (1pt each, max 5pts) - Excluding Summer League and XC Sunday or Met Leagues
• Compete as an Ealing Eagle wearing the club vest in any other race (1pt each, max 5 points) - Excluding parkrun

For the 2017 ballot, the qualifying period is 1st May - 30 November 2016, therefore a minimum of 8pts (including 2 volunteer points) is required to qualify.

For the 2018 ballot, the qualifying period is 1st December 2016 - 30 November 2017 and a minimum of 15pts (including 2 volunteer points) will be required.

Members must also agree to the following in advance of winning a ballot place:

• Pay the VMLM entry fee
• Continue to be an active participant in the club training sessions, especially the longer Sunday runs throughout the period leading up to race day
• Write a short news article or blog for the club website every 2 weeks during the marathon training and once after the race
• Wear an Ealing Eagles vest on race day (high-fives to the cheer squad are optional)

EALING EAGLES CLUB BALLOT ENTRY FOR VMLM 2017 CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY 1st DECEMBER 2016

IF YOU WISH TO APPLY FOR THE BALLOT PLEASE EMAIL RACE@EALINGEAGLES.COM CONFIRMING YOU MEET ALL THE CRITERIA, YOU AGREE TO THE CONDITIONS AND PROVIDE THE DETAILS OF YOUR POINTS

Eagles Christmas Party!

Get your tickets to the hottest party in town! 

Take a look in our newly created social events shop, and buy your tickets now for the Eagles Christmas Party 2016! 

The party this year will once again be at the Union Bar at Chiswick Park and there will be fun, food, music, dancing, and booze. 

Tickets are £25 each and will be on sale until Sunday 11th December - make sure you get them before they all go! 

Junior Section Volunteers Wanted

A small but dedicated team led by Kelvin Walker, Jennifer Watt, James de Vivenot and Lisa Dumais have been running the first ever Junior Eagles sessions for the last couple of months.

It has been a huge success so far and they want that success to continue.

For that to happen they would love some more volunteers.

The 'Running Jumping Throwing' sessions run on Mondays in Elthorne Park at 7pm and an endurance running session is currently being trialled on Wednesdays in Lammas park from 6:30 (so you can still do club run!).

If you would like more information or to sign up regularly or ad-hoc please contact any of the Juniors leaders, or contact the Eagles Coaching Coordinator (Ben Cale) on Facebook or at coaching@ealingeagles.com.

Weekly Training Sessions w/c 21st November

We continue this week with our winter routes. Please make sure you listen to the run leaders at the start of the club run sessions and remember to wear your hi vis apparel as it's now getting dark by the time we set off.

Check Facebook for further details on all our training sessions, or email info@ealingeagles.com if you have any queries.

Monday: 7.30pm Club run, using the winter routes. Meet at Ealing Green with the option of either 3.75 or 4.75-mile run routes. **Please note that due to fading light in the Autumn and Winter months we request that runners wear hi vis clothing**

Tuesday: 7.30pm Track and strength session at Osterley. Please check on Facebook for updates of session details closer to the day.

Wednesday: 7.30pm Club run, using the winter routes. Meet at Ealing Green with the option of either 3.75 or 4.75-mile run routes. **Please note that due to fading light in the Autumn and Winter months we request that runners wear hi vis clothing**

Thursday: 7.30pm Hills with Richard - please check Facebook for the details closer to the day. 

Sunday: 9am 10-mile informal club run setting off from Ealing Green. Please check Facebook to see whether this will go ahead/possible pacing groups, and please note there is no tail runner.

**This route can also easily be made into an 8-mile run by meeting the runners at the entrance to the park on South Ealing Road at approximately 9.10am**

London Marathon Ballot

Below is all the information regarding the London Marathon ballot.

If you wish to apply for the ballot please email race@ealingeagles.com confirming you meet all the criteria, YOU agree to the conditions stated below, and provide the details of your points.  The deadline is Thursday 1st December 2016.

As affiliates of England Athletics, Ealing Eagles receives a number of places for the Virgin Money London Marathon (VMLM) each year. These places are available to members via a club ballot.

BALLOT CRITERIA

Members who wish to enter the club ballot for places in April 2017 must meet following criteria at the time of the ballot (Dec 2016):

• Be a fully-paid member of the Ealing Eagles Running Club since the start of the membership year of the ballot (1st May 2016)
• Be an England Athletics member (for those who run with more than one club, you must have been a first-claim member with the Ealing Eagles from 1st May 2016)
• Have been a member for at least 12 months as at 30th November 2016
• Have been entered and rejected from the public ballot (proof of rejection required)
• Have not won a VMLM place via the Ealing Eagles club ballot in the last three yearly ballots
• Are not eligible for a Good for Age entry, which can be guaranteed directly with the VMLM organisers
• Did not run in the previous years VMLM (i.e. 2016)

POINTS SYSTEM

This year, we are trialling a points system relating to being an active participant of the club. Below are the categories which you can earn points in. You can earn points from any or all of these, we only ask that you volunteer at least twice.

• Tail Run (1pt each, max of 5pts) - It is the tailrunners responsibility that their tailrun is recorded on the website and to contact the committee to request that the schedule is updated if they step in at the last minute
• Volunteer at Ealing Eagles Sessions/Events (1pt each, min 2pts, max 10pts) - For example Ealing Eagles 10km, 10/20 mile training runs, beginners groups, leading or assisting at coaching sessions, Summer League, XC, etc.
• Compete in Summer League, XC Sunday or Met League (1pt each, max 5pts)
• Compete in Club Championship Events (1pt each, max 5pts) - Excluding Summer League and XC Sunday or Met Leagues
• Compete as an Ealing Eagle wearing the club vest in any other race (1pt each, max 5 points) - Excluding parkrun

For the 2017 ballot, the qualifying period is 1st May - 30 November 2016, therefore a minimum of 8pts (including 2 volunteer points) is required to qualify.

For the 2018 ballot, the qualifying period is 1st December 2016 - 30 November 2017 and a minimum of 15pts (including 2 volunteer points) will be required.

Members must also agree to the following in advance of winning a ballot place:

• Pay the VMLM entry fee
• Continue to be an active participant in the club training sessions, especially the longer Sunday runs throughout the period leading up to race day
• Write a short news article or blog for the club website every 2 weeks during the marathon training and once after the race
• Wear an Ealing Eagles vest on race day (high-fives to the cheer squad are optional)

EALING EAGLES CLUB BALLOT ENTRY FOR VMLM 2017 CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY 1st DECEMBER 2016

IF YOU WISH TO APPLY FOR THE BALLOT PLEASE EMAIL RACE@EALINGEAGLES.COM CONFIRMING YOU MEET ALL THE CRITERIA, YOU AGREE TO THE CONDITIONS AND PROVIDE THE DETAILS OF YOUR POINTS

Coaches Corner - 30th November

Interested in meeting some of the Eagles coaches?

Well then come along to the Rose and Crown on 30th November at 7.30pm!

You can find out what the coaches can offer you, from little tips to full blown training plans for any event, including your spring marathons.

You can run club run first then pop in for a natter and a beverage. 

The latest Beginners group will be graduating as well so come on down and say hi (Ben might even buy you a pint.....!)!

Don't Forget Your Hi Viz!

The clocks have gone back, the nights are drawing in, we're past Bonfire Night.....and there are people still wearing dark clothing to club sessions! 

You may be aware of the tragic fatal accident earlier this week in which two young Aldershot, Farnham and District runners were hit by a car. Please remember that every effort should be made to wear hi vis clothing or accessories to ensure you are visible when you're out running in the winter months, when visibility is not as good. 

Club sessions are of course run at your own risk, and you are responsible for your own safety, however we do recommend that people make the effort to wear hi vis for club sessions over the winter. This is to help ensure your safety and the safety of other pedestrians, cyclists, or road users who might not see you.

First Aid Training Opportunity

e asked a while ago if there were any existing first aiders in the club who would be willing to use their powers for good at club events - we did get some responses but not many for a club of 700 members! If you missed that note and would be happy to help out, please email us at info@ealingeagles.com. 

We are also looking to arrange a specific one day training course in first aid for sport, if there are enough people interested. If you fancy helping the club in this way, please drop us a line at info@ealingeagles.com. There will be limited spaces available, so you've got to be in it to win it! 

Weekly Training Sessions w/c 14th November

We continue this week with our winter routes. Please make sure you listen to the run leaders at the start of the club run sessions and remember to wear your hi vis apparel as it's now getting dark by the time we set off.

Check Facebook for further details on all our training sessions, or email info@ealingeagles.com if you have any queries.

Monday: 7.30pm Club run, using the winter routes. Meet at Ealing Green with the option of either 3.75 or 4.75-mile run routes. **Please note that due to fading light in the Autumn and Winter months we request that runners wear hi vis clothing**

Tuesday: 7.30pm Track and strength session at Osterley. Please check on Facebook for updates of session details closer to the day.

Wednesday: 7.30pm Club run, using the winter routes. Meet at Ealing Green with the option of either 3.75 or 4.75-mile run routes. **Please note that due to fading light in the Autumn and Winter months we request that runners wear hi vis clothing**

Thursday: 7.30pm Hills with Richard - please check Facebook for the details closer to the day. 

Sunday: 9am 10-mile informal club run setting off from Ealing Green. Please check Facebook to see whether this will go ahead/possible pacing groups, and please note there is no tail runner.

**This route can also easily be made into an 8-mile run by meeting the runners at the entrance to the park on South Ealing Road at approximately 9.10am**

Middlesex Cross Country Championships - 7th January 2017

We are now taking entries for the Middlesex Cross Country Championships on Saturday 7th January.

The race will take place at Hillingdon House Farm with Race HQ at Hillingdon Athletic Stadium, Gatting Way,Uxbridge, UB8 1ES – numbers are to be collected here and changing and refreshments will be available here.

Race details are as follows :-
1.00 p.m. Senior Womens Race – 8,000 Metres (approx) 
Competitors must be at least 20 years of age on 31st Aug 2016. 
1.45 p.m. Senior Mens Race – 12,000 Metres (approx) 
Competitors must be at least 20 years of age on 31st Aug 2016.

If you would like to run, please e-mail chair@ealingeagles.com by Sunday 18th December with the following information:
Full name
Address
Date of birth
EA number
Whether county qualification is by birth (B) or residency (R).

Residency qualification is obtained by having nine months continuous bona fide residence in the County immediately prior to the date of the race.

Southern Cross Country Championships - 25th January 2017

We are now taking entries for the Southern Cross Country Championships which are taking place on Saturday 28th January 2017 at Parliament Hill.

The Seniors timetable is:

12:40pm - Under 20 Women 6000 metres (Ages 17, 18 &19 on 31st Aug 2016)
1:30pm - Under 20 Men 8000 metres (Ages 17, 18 &19 on 31st Aug 2016)
2:05pm - Senior Women 8000 metres (Age 20 or over on 31st Aug 2016)
2:50pm - Senior Men 15000 metres (Age 20 or over on 31st Aug 2016)

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGE - FOR SENIOR MEN ATHLETES, TIMES WILL STOP BEING COUNTED 90 MINUTES AFTER THE RACE START.

If you would like to run, please e-mail chair@ealingeagles.com by Sunday 11th December with the following information:
Full name
Date of birth
EA number

Weekly Training Sessions w/c 7th November

We continue this week with our winter routes. Please make sure you listen to the run leaders at the start of the club run sessions and remember to wear your hi vis apparel as it's now getting dark by the time we set off.

Check Facebook for further details on all our training sessions, or email info@ealingeagles.com if you have any queries.

Monday: 7.30pm Club run, using the winter routes. Meet at Ealing Green with the option of either 3.75 or 4.75-mile run routes. **Please note that due to fading light in the Autumn and Winter months we request that runners wear hi vis clothing**

Tuesday: 7.30pm Track and strength session at Osterley. Please check on Facebook for updates of session details closer to the day.

Wednesday: 7.30pm Club run, using the winter routes. Meet at Ealing Green with the option of either 3.75 or 4.75-mile run routes. **Please note that due to fading light in the Autumn and Winter months we request that runners wear hi vis clothing**

Thursday: 7.30pm Hills with Richard - please check Facebook for the details closer to the day. 

Sunday: 9am 10-mile informal club run setting off from Ealing Green. Please check Facebook to see whether this will go ahead/possible pacing groups, and please note there is no tail runner.

**This route can also easily be made into an 8-mile run by meeting the runners at the entrance to the park on South Ealing Road at approximately 9.10am**

Snowdonia Marathon - In Which Jess (spoiler alert) Actually Runs a Marathon by Jess Hood

Yes, reader, I ran the damn thing.

The eagle eyed amongst you (pun intended) may notice that this blog is missing a week. I actually started writing it, but to be honest it was just another week of physio, test runs, adventures in cross training, and general indecisiveness. Not that this isn't a massively important part of this marathon build up, it's just harder to write up interestingly, and I just don't quite get round to it. Sorry 'bout that.

And so we reached week 18, which seemed a very long time after that first meeting with Coach Mark, and certainly not how I hoped to be feeling - still not sure whether or not I would be running it.

Had a pre-physio test run which went horrendously - hip was sore, felt massively hard work AND my healing Buddha charm made a break for freedom and fell off my wrist. Tried to comfort myself with the experience that all runs in the week before a race are shit, but it wasn't doing anything for my confidence. Was finding it hard to even feel excited about the weekend because I just didn't know what I should do. Was even trying to run a marathon a bad idea? Would I damage myself further and rule myself out of running for the rest of the year? Might it actually all be okay?

Left work early on Thursday for final physio, armed with a card filled with amazingly kind words and encouragement. Physio went well and Kieran told me that if I wanted to run it, then it should be fine. Was told to keep up the glute exercises in any spare moment I had, and that whilst it would probably flare up afterwards, I should just keep doing what I had been doing.

Even with the green light, I wasn't sure, but the time had come to make a decision. Whilst Mark had said that we could go to Wales and it would be absolutely fine if I decided on the day itself that I didn't think I should run it, I knew that if I went then I would at least start. And if I started, I would probably finish whatever happened. If the worst happened, I knew my parents would be at halfway so I would be able to get a lift back to HQ rather than having to wait for the sweeper bus. The taxi was booked. Bags were packed. Decision was finally made.

Arrived in Wales on Friday morning and headed to race HQ in Llanberis to collect my number, and do some obligatory posing with the trophy. Lunched in a cafe where they had run out of pretty much everything (busiest weekend of their year!) but I was able to get a rather yummy toasted sandwich.

Bus driver back to Bangor was brilliant and seemed to know everyone he passed along the route, and don't mind causing blockages and traffic jams to stop to talk to them. #sowelsh. He was also very fluid with the location of bus stops, which worked to our advantage in the end.

Spent the rest of the afternoon "relaxing" at the hotel (sitting still is not my forte) whilst Mark went to see if there was anywhere to get a decent pre-marathon meal in Bangor. Turns out, there was not, so he bought supplies for a carpet picnic - pastas, bread, houmous, and a repeat of last year's secret weapon, the Pot Noodle.

Headed back to my room to do some yoga, stretching and foam rolling, and to get everything ready for the next day.

Now, Snowdonia has a very respectable start time of 10.30am, but out of habit I felt the need to set my race day alarm very early. With good reason as it turns out, as there always seems to be so much to do. Made our way to breakfast where I wished I'd practiced eating hot food before running because, damn, those hash browns looked good. Settled for cereal, which was on top of the porridge & banana I'd already had in my room. Spotted a couple of other runners, including one lady who came over to say hello. If I haven't said it already, I bloody love the running community.

Taxi to HQ was unsurprisingly much quicker than the bus had been, despite the traffic jam which the driver said was "the first I've ever seen in Llanberis."

Unlike last year the weather was clear, so settled myself outside whilst Mark went to check where he needed to go to get up to mile 22. Within ten minutes of arriving I had tripped over my own bag and been trodden on whilst pigeon-ing. It was going well.

Whilst I was waiting, Sarah Mack off of the Ealing Eagles found me. Her boyfriend Tom was going to be cycling round the course supporting, and her dad and Mark both planned to hike up the mountain to support us up the toughest part of the course. Leaving them to discuss this, Sarah and I  went off for a last toilet visit before we all made our way to the start line.

I still wasn't sure how this was going to go, and whether I'd even make it further than the first few miles, but I'd written 5/10/15/20 mile split times for a 4'25 finish on my arm and figured I may as well start with this in mind and see what happened. Sarah said she wanted to try to stay with me for as long as possible, but I suspected it might not end like that. Just after 10.30am, we were off.

After the last few tester runs I'd expected the first few miles to be a bit tricky and uncomfortable, but actually everything felt okay. Bit stiff, but okay. Despite us doing many, many of the same races, Sarah and I had actually never run together. I'm generally a bit of a lone runner, so having a buddy was different and exciting and would definitely help later on. We hit the first ascent and made it to the top strong. At 5 miles I could check on how we were doing compared to my 4'25 finish splits - 90 seconds down, but that had been mostly uphill. So far, so on target.

From Pen Y Pass, it's a glorious downhill. Clouds were low so couldn't really see anything. I dropped a gel and a few minutes later a guy ran past us and gave it back to me. I love tis race. I love where it goes off road and you have to really concentrate on your footing. Hip was still feeling good, but I was careful not to lead with my right foot and put extra pressure on it. Miles were passing so fast and I was still feeing strong.

A check at 10 miles showed we were now 3 minutes ahead of target time. I opened a gel and managed to spray it all over myself, and spent pretty much the next 16 miles of water stations trying to wash it off. Sarah was feeling hungry so we shared a Nakd bar.

My parents were at Beddgelert which is just before halfway, where they had the Marmite sandwich I requested. Last year I'd asked for Jaffa Cakes, but this year I knew something savoury would be better. My mother had delightfully cut it into quarters so I took two and Sarah took two. A lady a few minutes up the course asked "Do you have a sandwich?!" Bonus of experience.

From this point, we hit our second ascent. I had previously claimed I didn't remember this hill, but now I'm not sure how this was possible. After a great first half it was starting to feel quite hard work. After losing massive amounts of boyfriend points for disappearing (loo break apparently) Tom was turning up regularly on the bike which was nice in breaking things up.

Time check at 15 miles showed we were almost bang on time for a 4'25 finish. I knew difficult times were ahead, but by this point I thought that a PB might be in the bag.

At 17 miles, Sarah commented that it sounded like a really big number. It really does. It sounds like you should be near the end when you actually have 9 miles to go. My hip joint  wasn't hurting, but the outside of both hips, IT bands and glutes were starting to tighten up. I was struggling, but running with Sarah was keeping me going, probably faster than I would have been otherwise.

It was around this time Sarah also pointed out, "Is it just me, or is everyone else walking?" Yes they were. Perhaps there was a memo we missed as we kept trudging on.

Waunfawr was busy and I managed to get up on the pavement and then worry about how to get down again. It was like being on a cliff. Made the turn into the last great ascent where we had both agreed to power walk up.

Ironically, I had been looking forward to this point so I could finally get a quick rest before the last few miles. I don't think I realised how little I had left. At a run I had managed to match pace with Sarah, but at a walk it suddenly seemed so much harder. Watching her disappear out of sight was so hard and I knew the last few miles were going to be tough as fuck. For the last few miles I'd been feeling pretty nauseas and it wasn't getting any better. Each step felt like my foot was being nailed to the floor.

Mark was at mile 23 ish where he walked alongside me and made me keep my head up and my chest open to breathe properly. 99% of my body and brain was screaming at me to stop, but the last 1% was reminding me that even if I sat down right there (as I wanted so much) I'd still have to get back somehow.

Starring role on S4C. Looking like I'm about to vomit.

The worst part of this was seeing my average pace slipping and watching my potential 4'25 finish disappear. It's so easy to reflect and say I  should have just pushed on, but at the time I had nothing left. Made it to the top and then when I was finally grateful that the downhill had started, my right knee started hurting. Awesome.

I have to say that the camaraderie at this point of the race was a amazing and despite feeling crap I was so grateful for every kind word received. But the knee was pretty much the nail in the coffin and my watch was already showing my previous time with over a mile to go. I would have cried, but I didn't have the energy.

Literally hobbled down the mountain knowing that it wasn't worth potentially damaging myself further. I was grateful enough about the hip not being a bitch to appreciate this.

Crossed the finish line, not quite so as gloriously as last year, but never so happy as to have bloody finished.

Claimed my water and foil blanket and spotted a dog in a jumper. Feeling a bit delicate, I decided that saying hi to this dog would make me feel 100% better. Asked her mum if it would be okay to say hello, which quickly lead to staffie snogs.  She then told me that lovely Carla was an ex Battersea dog who was very excitedly waiting for her new dad to finish. Love her :)

Made my way back to HQ to collect my bags where I found Sarah waiting for her massage. She hadn't quite made our target either, but still finished in an incredible 4'27.  We're both targeting sub 4 next year so I really hope this race helped us both on that journey. Surely nothing can be that hard.

So, the big question - no regrets?

Mark messaged me after the race saying he hoped I wasn't disappointed. I'm not and I am. On the one hand, I spent the last 5 weeks not sure if I would even start this race. Several times during these weeks I was 100% certain that I wouldn't. To decide not to start would not only be an easy option, but also a sensible one. I definitely wouldn't damage myself any further and I could have happily continued healing.

But it would have been such an anticlimax.

I'm glad I started and I'm ecstatic that I finished. The only disappointment comes from spending a large part of the race thinking that I might actually get a PB out of it, which would have been the greatest of comebacks, only to watch that slip away in the space of 4 miles.

Much like childbirth (I imagine), memories of the pain and struggles during races quickly slip away. Just a few months ago I finished Maidenhead Half in 1:55:03 and was initially delighted at running a PB in spite of a tough last few miles. Within an hour I was kicking myself for not getting sub 1:55.  As a group, runners are rarely satisfied.

Six weeks ago, a finish time of 4:45 wouldn't have seemed worth getting out of bed for. Three weeks ago I couldn't even imagine starting. It might not be the time I hoped for, but it represents a determination to not give up.

No regrets?

Absolutely not.

Revision to Winter Club Run Routes

Following feedback from members, we have decided to amend the club run route. 

The vast majority of comments expressed a preference for a return to a route along the North Circular Road due to the better lighting and feeling more visible / safer. 

We still hold concerns about the crossings at Ealing Green and the car park into the Broadway Centre plus the narrow, dark section when you turned right at the end of The Grove onto The Common towards Warwick Road and this revised route avoids these points. 

The route starts as we do now heading down St Mary's Road as far the zebra crossing by The Castle / University of West London. We then cross over and head down Warwick Road.

Warwick Road is wider, better lit and has less trees (and therefore tree routes) than most of the other roads and whilst there are currently works taking place these should be completed in the next 6 / 8 weeks. 

When you reach The Grange pub at the junction with The Common, the route is the same as the old short / long routes. 

Please see below a link to the new, long, route if you are not sure on the directions above (this may need to be pasted into your browser, there is also a picture of the route at the bottom of this post).

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1422244713

We accept that there will be some people who may not be 100% happy with this route but given the feedback I have received from members we feel this is the best solution. 

Members of the committee have the run the route, start from Ealing Green at 7:30pm, to check the lighting / pavement conditions and felt there were no issues. 

This new route will be used from Monday 31st October. 

London Marathon Club Ballot Places Confirmed!

As affiliates of England Athletics, Ealing Eagles receives a number of places for the Virgin Money London Marathon (VMLM) each year. It has been confirmed that we will have 4 places available for the 2017 event. These places are available to members via a club ballot.

As a reminder, members who wish to enter the club ballot for places in April 2017 must meet following criteria at the time of the ballot (Dec 2016):

• Be a fully-paid member of the Ealing Eagles Running Club since the start of the membership year of the ballot (1st May 2016)
• Be an England Athletics member (for those who run with more than one club, you must have been a first-claim member with the Ealing Eagles from 1st May 2016)
• Have been a member for at least 12 months as at 30th November 2016
• Have been entered and rejected from the public ballot (proof of rejection required)
• Have not won a VMLM place via the Ealing Eagles club ballot in the last three yearly ballots
• Are not eligible for a Good for Age entry, which can be guaranteed directly with the VMLM organisers
• Did not run in the previous years VMLM (i.e. 2016)

This year, we are trialling a points system relating to being an active participant of the club. Below are the categories which you can earn points in. You can earn points from any or all of these, we only ask that you volunteer at least twice.

• Tail Run (1pt each, max of 5pts) - It is the tailrunners responsibility that their tailrun is recorded on the website and to contact the committee to request that the schedule is updated if they step in at the last minute
• Volunteer at Ealing Eagles Sessions/Events (1pt each, min 2pts, max 10pts) - For example Ealing Eagles 10km, 10/20 mile training runs, beginners groups, leading or assisting at coaching sessions, Summer League, XC, etc.
• Compete in Summer League, XC Sunday or Met League (1pt each, max 5pts)
• Compete in Club Championship Events (1pt each, max 5pts) - Excluding Summer League and XC Sunday or Met Leagues
• Compete as an Ealing Eagle wearing the club vest in any other race (1pt each, max 5 points) - Excluding parkrun

For the 2017 ballot, the qualifying period is 1st May - 30 November 2016, therefore a minimum of 8pts (including 2 volunteer points) is required to qualify.

For the 2018 ballot, the qualifying period is 1st December 2016 - 30 November 2017 and a minimum of 15pts (including 2 volunteer points) will be required.

Members must also agree to the following in advance of winning a ballot place:

• Pay the VMLM entry fee
• Continue to be an active participant in the club training sessions, especially the longer Sunday runs throughout the period leading up to race day
• Write a short news article or blog for the club website every 2 weeks during the marathon training and once after the race
• Wear an Ealing Eagles vest on race day (high-fives to the cheer squad are optional)

EALING EAGLES CLUB BALLOT ENTRY FOR VMLM 2017 CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY 1st DECEMBER 2016