Over 200 PBs ! Yes really.

Ben Kruze and Alex Adams in what Paul Bearman described as "the best club 1500m race ever at our track with U15 Alex Adams chomping at Ben Kruze’s ankles all the way to the finish." It was Ben's first 1500m on the track and his time of 4:15.6 sees him move into 14th place in this year's UK rankings for his age. Alex's PB time of 4:17.4 sees him move unto 11th place in the rankings. Above and below - socially distanced and raring to go. This week it's been yet another of those "aren't we an amazing club" weeks. Tha Club Championships. Wow. What to say ? On the 2nd September I received an email from Paul Bearman saying that Stratford School had okayed a scaled down version of the club champs and that they were to be held on 13th September. Just 11 days later. Not possible thought I. How can something of this magnitude, something that normally takes 5 weeks to organise be organised in just 11 days especially with the added complication of Covid -19. I had underestimated the determination, resilience and sheer bloody mindedness of Paul and his helpers. So it came to pass that on a glorious sunny Sunday - they do say that the sun shines on the righteous - over 130 athletes were able to compete in an event that is the biggest and most important in the club's calendar. Just walking round on the day and taking in the atmosphere, seeing the smiles on people's faces and the banter was a pure joy. Witnessing the hard work and commitment of the army of volunteers, the total dedication and attention to detail of what Paul calls " the white polos " ie the officials, was a truly humbling experiences. We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to each and every one of them who made this such a wonderful and life affirming experience. And what of the athletes, the athletes who have continued to train hard this year despite the severe restrictions placed upon them. I've quickly looked at the results and counted over 200 PBs. Yes over 200. So they've obviously been doing something right this year. Not that we ever doubted they would be. It wasn't a bad week away from the Championships either. Lewis Byng broke the UK U20 6kg shot put record, Emma Bexson stormed to second place in her age category in Ironman Gdynia in Poland and 5 of us had a really good day at the Open T&F event in Leamington. Not a bad week then. Best Wishes David Jones Sibling rivalry. Adam and Ellen Taylor. Club Championships Results Please click on the link below for the results as listed on Power of 10 https://www.thepowerof10.info/results/results.aspx?meetingid=407991 Club Championships Reflections by Paul Bearman I’ll admit to a little apprehension prior to the Club Champs starting on Sunday. All the onerous but necessary Covid preparation was done, England Athletics had licensed the competition, Carolyne had all the signage…