The official newsletter of Yellowwood Park A. C.

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In this edition…….In this edition…….

Words from the ChairWords from the Chair

Club Captain’s CommentClub Captain’s Comment

Comrades 2010Comrades 2010

Running Matters with MegzRunning Matters with Megz

Time Trials with KalmanTime Trials with Kalman

Ducting and Diving: Gary’s 1Ducting and Diving: Gary’s 1stst Trail Run Trail Run

Time Trial Achiever (none this month)Time Trial Achiever (none this month)

Happy BirthdaysHappy Birthdays

The last word….snippets and triviaThe last word….snippets and trivia

The Yellowwood WarblerThe Yellowwood Warbler

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November 2009

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E-mail the editor

View 2009 time trial and race results

Complaints Dept

Chairman’s E-mail

 Greetings all The talk amongst most runners at the moment is the speed at which the 5000 novice positions for next year comrades was completed-only 27 hours and that's the entries for next years comrades closed. However the question is how many of the 20000 entrants will actually get to the starting line in PMB? The concern is that many entered for sentimental reasons and once the hype is over will they actually get the running shoes dusted and put in the hard training that is needed for this amazing but daunting race?. For those novices in our club that did not enter in time it has been suggested by some quarters close to the comrades association to keep training and do your qualifying marathon  as who knows what the CMA may decide if the final tally in April is much fewer than they had hoped it would be. Watch this space!! Can you believe its November already,which means the silly season is almost upon us and from a running point of view the club is going to be very busy over the next 6 weeks. For the ballies in the club the vets 21km takes place this Sunday the 8th Nov.A difficult but enjoyable run around the bluff. For those not so old yellowwood park always man a table at the 18km mark so come and support our older generation. As this is virtually the last table you can sleep in till 5.45 and meet Fred at the table around 6.15am.  The following week-15th Nov is the Stella 15km and this will be a club run. Our last club run was the south coast marathon/half marathon and was well attended so come along and enjoy a nice breakfast after a run round Glenwood. One weeks break and then 13 of the club (and their families) are going to the berg to tackle the Sani 21 or 42.For those of you who have attempted this race before you know how difficult it is so a special good luck to Sandra Barry and Garth who are doing the full marathon-all the best guys!! December will be just as busy as November. On the 6th  is our own Bearingman 15km and as usual Fred has been busy behind the scenes and everything is on track for another excellent and highly organised race. The t/shirts i hear are again stunning so a big thank you to Dave Bassett and The Bearingman Group for their loyal continued support. With so many races being cancelled due to lack of sponsorship we are very fortunate to have the backing of BMG - long may the association continue!!

Words From The ChairWords From The Chair

The following week will be the Westville Christmas 15km. This year yellowwood park will be doing something very special at this run. We will be launching our comrades campaign which is to dedicate this years comrades to Mike Sutton's Godchild-Kristi Hannah who was shot two years ago in JHB in an attempted hijacking and left seriously paralysed and confined to a wheelchair. Kristi is determined to walk again and as a club we have decided to embark on a drive till comrades to firstly raise funds to help with medical bills and secondly to try and highlight crime and to help bring an awareness to this evil problem that faces South Africans every single day. We will be sending out more info on this drive but the Westville is the starting block. We have decided to walk the whole race and are getting t/shirts made with a logo "walking for Kristi" (or something similar) printed on it. Our aim is to get 100 people from the club to walk this race. So past and present members keep this day free-and get the whole family involved. We will get our 100 walkers and you need to be part of this special event that the club is embarking on. Kristi herself will be coming down from JHB and will be at the race making the launch even more special. On Tuesday the 15th Dec we will have our own official launch in the Lambert lounge (last time trial of the year and last month end) but Mike and i will send out more details shortly. Phew-lots and lots on the go. We really need the whole clubs support over the next few months-some hard but exciting work lies ahead. See you on the roadStephen0829416154        

YWP certainly wasn’t off-kilter at last year’s Westville Christmas Challenge (although Dale and Garth tried)! See you all there with your friends and family!

On 13 December we proudly launch our campaign for Comrades 2010, ie. “Comrades for Kristi, She Will Walk”. Our aim is to raise awareness of Kristi's and other's plight and to offer our support as she continues her fight to walk again. We are hoping that our collective effort will inspire and motivate her, and that her courage and determination will serve as an inspiration as we prepare for Comrades 2010.

Details are as follows:

•13 December 2009 – Westville Christmas Challenge. Theme: ”We Will Walk For Kristi”

•15 December 2009 – Year-End Time Trial and Official Launch. Time trial starts 17h45, Launch 19h00 in The Lambert Lounge

To this end we will be asking Comrades runners to pledge their support to the campaign and commit to training targets, finishing times, and their own initiatives to raise awareness, support and funds.

“Yellowwood Park Athletic Club - making running a team sport”

Club Captain’s Club Captain’s CommentComment

Results of the South Coast Marathon – 4 OctoberResults of the South Coast Marathon – 4 October

Good Day All

It’s the time of year where I beseech you all to maintain a fair level of training so there’s not too much “pudding” to run off as we start climbing Mt. Comrades in the new year. The delicacies on offer at year-end functions will taste that much sweeter if you’ve slipped in a little 8K in the morning. Maybe we should have a weigh-in before and after with bets on the side! Forfeits to the biggest gainers! Done – November month-end in Stainbank.

Congrats to my amazing wife on another age group win at the South Coast Marathon. She ran a pretty smart 3.24 and finished 6th lady overall. It was heartening to see the good turnout from the club and some of our old stalwarts getting in an early Comrades qualifier. Thanks to Garth for the catering and Fred, Sarel and Martin for helping out.

Anyone seriously interested in improving their races time please join us every other Friday morning at 5.45am for trackwork at the UKZNA campus soccer fields off Francois Road.

Lots of exciting things happening through the rest of the year – let’s see you all there!

Cheers!

MikePosition Time Name

100 03:14:20 PHIWAYINKOSI MTHEMBU

102 03:14:49 MIKE SUTTON

142 03:24:36 JENNY SUTTON

286 03:52:43 GARTH HANCOCK

447 04:21:01 SANDRA CONWAY

590 04:44:05 BARRY VARTY

606 04:46:51 SIFISO MTHIYANE

626 04:49:41 DIETER OLMS

629 04:50:14 WILLIE BOTHMA

Sorry guys, half marathon results not availableSorry guys, half marathon results not available

SSShhhhhhhhh..... don't tell anyone. ..  I think Nedbank,   FNB, Standard Bank and ,  ABSA are in  GROOT Kak .  Yesterday I tried to draw money at all their ATM's, and I got the same message  "Insufficient Funds"

Next club race: Stella Tribute 15km15 November

RaceNo First Name Last Name Gender DOB Seeding

11027 Willie Bothma Male 1948/07/01 E

43938 Dayalan Chetty Male 1964/12/13 DNQ

24350 Sandra Conway Female 1964/07/05 F

48040 Stephen Conway Male 1962/04/04 DNQ

46438 Les Davy Male 1959/07/16 DNQ

45425 Sharon Davy Female 1959/05/04 DNQ

28087 Johnson Dayal Male 1964/05/12 DNQ

4883 Robert Edouard-betsy Male 1949/10/19 DNQ

50254 Dale Ford Male 1971/10/06 C

40708 Garth Hancock Male 1979/06/28 DNQ

29450 Timothy Hodkinson Male 1965/02/28 DNQ

6272 Craig Holtzhausen Male 1967/03/10 DNQ

49797 Dennis Houston-Mcmillan Male 1970/12/13 DNQ

6899 Jan Kilian Male 1958/12/14 DNQ

25146 Petrus Kok Male 1956/09/27 DNQ

43996 Des Maartens Male 1946/07/08 DNQ

54124 Willem Maloney Male 1966/06/14 DNQ

4155 Dieter Olms Male 1941/06/24 DNQ

36333 Lingeshwaren Pillay Male 1964/07/05 DNQ

44503 David Pittaway Male 1957/05/09 DNQ

47123 Gregory Reeve Male 1975/02/22 DNQ

20235 Anthony Richards Male 1958/06/19 D

34700 Thembisile Sabelo Female 1963/01/26 DNQ

57180 Mike Smith Male 1960/10/12 DNQ

16570 Jennifer Sutton Female 1967/03/21 DNQ

8113 Michael Sutton Male 1960/09/06 DNQ

44916 Mike Thackray Male 1965/08/30 E

47775 Darren Thornton Male 1968/10/06 DNQ

46020 Danny Van vuuren Male 1956/04/30 DNQ

616 Barry Varty Male 1939/05/14 DNQ

YWP Comrades 2010YWP Comrades 2010

Entries: Previous RunnersEntries: Previous Runners

I quote from my page in the June 2009 newsletter: “My goal is to see 30 or more YWP runners entered for Comrades 2010”. Well what can I say – I’m totally chuffed! I know we’ve had huge interest from novices, so we can expect another 10 or so entries during November. It’s going to be great welcoming back some old friends to our fold, as well as getting to meet and train with our new recruits.

To all those old soldiers who missed the 15 000 cut-off my commiserations – hopefully CMA will come up with an amicable way of addressing the expected high percentage of non-qualifiers and you can still sneak in later.

To those who’ve been off the road for a while, please remember to come back gradually. You’ve got enough time to build up gently to your qualifier and then peak your training for the big day.

Newsflash, newsflash!!!Novice entries closed only 27 hours after opening!Eish! You snooze, you lose.

Running Matters with MegzRunning Matters with Megz

Nose Blowing EtiquetteWhat is the proper etiquette about running and having another runner blow their nose on you? When it hits you do you have the right to get mad, or do you accept it as part of participating in the sport? To those who have not experienced this social faux pas, it is common for runners, in the midst of a road race, to find themselves dodging both oral and nasal "mucous projectiles" and "road splatterings". While the graphic nature of my descriptions here may be considered offensive to some, it's important not to ignore the effect of "having another runner blow their nose on you" as a negative force against race performance. No discussion on "runners snot" would be complete without pondering the physical, psychological and biological effects of targeted "nasal emissions". If, when running, another runner should blow their nose at you from a short distance of a few feet, the incoming force of the projected projectile will slow you down with an equal and opposite force. In most cases the effect of a targeted liquid volley will be minimal, dependent on the mass, velocity and acceleration of the projected material as well as your own speed, weight and direction of travel. The negative connotations associated with having been "slimed" is well known but often overlooked. Particularly squeamish runners might respond by giving up the race, and darting not forward, but rather in an alternate direction. Others might attain a sense of agitation, producing some quantity of adrenaline, which would drive them to run faster. The chemical effects of having someone nasally "expectorate" on you is a study of the viral contamination of ones own immediate biosphere. Teaming with viral infectors, nasal ejecta is a major contributor of contagious disease transport among life forms. It's not fun to run when you've become ill, and thus a mucous transfer of sickness is an unwelcome invitation to unscheduled rest. If, while running, someone should accidentally "blow his or her nose" on you, you have the right to be angry, but it's not polite to express that anger with equal force. Should the "expectoration" be a purposeful act, it may be acceptable to "huck a luggie" in response, consciously sending the message that you found the intention to be rude. It is recommend that you check with the local customs. Although there is no known record of "nose blowing" as a symbol of respect and honor, we do acknowledge that the world is a large and interesting place to run upon. Do so with style and grace, and don't forget your handkerchief! (aboutrunning.com)

NosesNoses

Running Matters with MegzRunning Matters with Megz

Nose Blowing EtiquetteWhat is the proper etiquette about running and having another runner blow their nose on you? When it hits you do you have the right to get mad, or do you accept it as part of participating in the sport? To those who have not experienced this social faux pas, it is common for runners, in the midst of a road race, to find themselves dodging both oral and nasal "mucous projectiles" and "road splatterings". While the graphic nature of my descriptions here may be considered offensive to some, it's important not to ignore the effect of "having another runner blow their nose on you" as a negative force against race performance. No discussion on "runners snot" would be complete without pondering the physical, psychological and biological effects of targeted "nasal emissions". If, when running, another runner should blow their nose at you from a short distance of a few feet, the incoming force of the projected projectile will slow you down with an equal and opposite force. In most cases the effect of a targeted liquid volley will be minimal, dependent on the mass, velocity and acceleration of the projected material as well as your own speed, weight and direction of travel. The negative connotations associated with having been "slimed" is well known but often overlooked. Particularly squeamish runners might respond by giving up the race, and darting not forward, but rather in an alternate direction. Others might attain a sense of agitation, producing some quantity of adrenaline, which would drive them to run faster. The chemical effects of having someone nasally "expectorate" on you is a study of the viral contamination of ones own immediate biosphere. Teaming with viral infectors, nasal ejecta is a major contributor of contagious disease transport among life forms. It's not fun to run when you've become ill, and thus a mucous transfer of sickness is an unwelcome invitation to unscheduled rest. If, while running, someone should accidentally "blow his or her nose" on you, you have the right to be angry, but it's not polite to express that anger with equal force. Should the "expectoration" be a purposeful act, it may be acceptable to "huck a luggie" in response, consciously sending the message that you found the intention to be rude. It is recommend that you check with the local customs. Although there is no known record of "nose blowing" as a symbol of respect and honor, we do acknowledge that the world is a large and interesting place to run upon. Do so with style and grace, and don't forget your handkerchief! (aboutrunning.com)

NosesNoses

Running Matters with MegzRunning Matters with Megz

Nose Blowing EtiquetteWhat is the proper etiquette about running and having another runner blow their nose on you? When it hits you do you have the right to get mad, or do you accept it as part of participating in the sport? To those who have not experienced this social faux pas, it is common for runners, in the midst of a road race, to find themselves dodging both oral and nasal "mucous projectiles" and "road splatterings". While the graphic nature of my descriptions here may be considered offensive to some, it's important not to ignore the effect of "having another runner blow their nose on you" as a negative force against race performance. No discussion on "runners snot" would be complete without pondering the physical, psychological and biological effects of targeted "nasal emissions". If, when running, another runner should blow their nose at you from a short distance of a few feet, the incoming force of the projected projectile will slow you down with an equal and opposite force. In most cases the effect of a targeted liquid volley will be minimal, dependent on the mass, velocity and acceleration of the projected material as well as your own speed, weight and direction of travel. The negative connotations associated with having been "slimed" is well known but often overlooked. Particularly squeamish runners might respond by giving up the race, and darting not forward, but rather in an alternate direction. Others might attain a sense of agitation, producing some quantity of adrenaline, which would drive them to run faster. The chemical effects of having someone nasally "expectorate" on you is a study of the viral contamination of ones own immediate biosphere. Teaming with viral infectors, nasal ejecta is a major contributor of contagious disease transport among life forms. It's not fun to run when you've become ill, and thus a mucous transfer of sickness is an unwelcome invitation to unscheduled rest. If, while running, someone should accidentally "blow his or her nose" on you, you have the right to be angry, but it's not polite to express that anger with equal force. Should the "expectoration" be a purposeful act, it may be acceptable to "huck a luggie" in response, consciously sending the message that you found the intention to be rude. It is recommend that you check with the local customs. Although there is no known record of "nose blowing" as a symbol of respect and honor, we do acknowledge that the world is a large and interesting place to run upon. Do so with style and grace, and don't forget your handkerchief! (aboutrunning.com)

NosesNoses

Top Times for 2009

PBs set in September / October 2009

2.5km2.5km Cassandra PorrittCassandra Porritt 13:5513:55 28 Oct 200928 Oct 2009

Damon SchoonDamon Schoon 15:2615:26 28 Oct 200928 Oct 2009

Sharon GilchristSharon Gilchrist 15:4515:45 7 Oct 20097 Oct 2009

4km4km Garth HancockGarth Hancock 15:3015:30 23 Sep 200923 Sep 2009

Jennifer SuttonJennifer Sutton 17:0117:01 28 Oct 200928 Oct 2009

Megan AnticevichMegan Anticevich 21:0521:05 9 Sep 20099 Sep 2009

11 Nov 2009 Garth Hancock18 Nov 2009 Kalman Porritt25 Nov 2009 Sandra Conway 2 Dec 2009 The Lesters 9 Dec 2009 Steve Conway16 Dec 2009 Megan Anticevich

Timetrials Duty Roster

4km Run4km Run Eugene NcubeEugene Ncube 14:2414:24 Jenny SuttonJenny Sutton 17:0117:01

Thula NgcoboThula Ngcobo 14:2814:28 Shelly KellyShelly Kelly 19:2119:21

Shane LesterShane Lester 14:3914:39 Sandra ConwaySandra Conway 20:4420:44

8km Run8km Run Eugene NcubeEugene Ncube 29:4129:41 Jenny SuttonJenny Sutton 34:4634:46

Shane LesterShane Lester 31:0231:02 Sandra ConwaySandra Conway 42:3342:33

Mike SuttonMike Sutton 31:3731:37 Shelly KellyShelly Kelly 42:5042:50

DUCT TRAIL RUN GOES TO UMGENI RIVER

MY FIRST TRAIL RUN BY GARY LESTER

The second race in the Talbot Laboratories DUCT Trail Run Series was held in the magnificent Umgeni Valley , run through the Cumberland Nature reserve which is a natural heritage site on Saturday 31st October. There was an option of 7 or 14Km.Mike suggested that this would be good training for the Bluff vets. Martin Birtwhistle, Steve,Sandra,Mike,Jenny and myself entered. We left Durban on an overcast Friday afternoon as we were invited by Martin to stay overnight in Hilton. The temperature dropped rapidly as we approached Maritzburg and as usual the mist closed in on us as we entered Hilton. The visibility was down to about 20 metres and the temperature was now 10 degrees as well as a fine rain. The planned braai was cancelled so we grabbed a few pizzas, a couple of drinks and headed off to Martins farm house. It was absolutely freezing so we gathered around the heater. The time slipped away while we chatted and consumed a few “lemonades”. There was a fancy dress demo by yours truly “the raincoat flasher”, “goggles the midmar maniac” as well as the highlight of the evening, the “triathlete –doorstop” We would have gone to bed earlier but we had to wait for Martin to finish the Port tasting. We eventually retired at 11.30pm. It wasn’t long before the alarm went off at 5am, isssh….. I peeped outside and what a surprise the weather had down a complete turn around. There was not a cloud in sky, a beautiful Midlands morning. We gave Mike the “Garmin” and headed off towards Maritzburg to find the Cumberland reserve somewhere in the Table Mountain area (not Cape Town). After driving for a while we realised that Mike must have had the “Garmin” upside down, as we had not found the turnoff and were now heading back to Durban. Mike handed the map to Desireé, we made a u turn at the next off ramp, and eventually found our way to the reserve.Registration, obviously with a very small field was very low key and different to road races. We were given a blank sheet and had to peel and stick the sponsors logo and each individual number on the blank sheet provided. There was a short briefing by the organiser, especially the marking of the course which consisted of sign boards, arrows on the ground, insecticide sprayed on paths to discolour the grass and danger tape on trees.

At 6:30 we were sent on our way, I estimate there were about 100 runners .The route started off on a normal vehicle track for about 1km and then we came across our first obstacle, a small stream. There was an option to use the bridge or get your shoes wet. I decided to run through the stream which was actually not the best option as the runners that used the bridge ended up in front. From here the path headed downhill with lots of rocks that you had to keep changing direction for a firm footing. We then turned uphill on a marked path that was solid plates of rock and this was when the altitude kicked in. I sucked all the way until we ended up on this plateau which was a path of grass and rocks which only a rock rabbit could negotiate with ease.It was very difficult to follow the path as you had to keep your eyes on the ground all the time and only occasionally look up to follow the runner in front of you and at the same time enjoy the view when the trail took us along the Umgeni Gorge for a few kays which was absolutely spectacular.We crossed the river again and then came across our first of three serious hills and serious walks. Walking with my hands on my knees and sucking through my @$%&* brought back clear memories of the Sani Stagger. The trail split for the 7 & 14 km. From here I can’t quite clearly remember the route except that we followed pieces of danger tape attached to trees and then ran next to a fence in long grass with no path, and then down this hill/meadow with these weeds/plants that sounded like running trough a paper field. The trail then moved out of the reserve into neighbouring farms and here I was thankful to find a large bottle of water to quench the thirst and splash my face. The route then changed to farm roads that were a lot easier to run at an even pace. Eventually the finish appeared in the distance. One long downhill and we finished back at the picnic area.It was a pretty hard run but something different for a change. There was a small prize giving and then we headed back to Drummond for brunch at Sandra’s pub she recommended. Unfortunately the kitchen was being renovated so we ended up at the “Pot & Kettle, Steve’s original choice.Thanks to Martin for the accommodation, not sure if I will be allowed back…….CheersGaryThe final run in the series takes place in the Mpushini River system near Ashburton on the 7th November.Everybody is welcome to enter either of these events through ROAG at www.roag.co.za. Late entries are available at the start. For more information please call Andrew on 033-3457571.

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The Last Word…..The Last Word…..snippets from our archives, trivia, humour and classifiedssnippets from our archives, trivia, humour and classifieds

Submissions of trivia, humour and classifieds are most welcome. My link is on the front page.

As Fred agonises over this year’s t-shirt for the BMG Stainbank cup, with last year’s beauty being probably the best ever, I thought it pertinent to show what can happen when sponsors pull out and standards slip………..

Or speak to him after time trial. This is our very own Willie Bothma and I highly recommend him

As we get older we sometimes begin to doubt our ability to "make a difference" in the world. It is at these times that our hopes are boosted by the remarkable achievements of other "seniors" who have found the courage to take on challenges that would make many of us wither.   

Barry Varty . . .  is such a person.  He said "I've often been asked, what do you old folks do now that you're retired?" His reply "Well, I'm fortunate to have had a background of mixing and testing alcoholic beverages, and one of the things I enjoy most is turning Beer, Wine, Scotch, Brandy, Vodka and Margaritas into urine." 

Anyone run the Chiltern Nite Race in 1993? Strangely it was their last……..!