Serpentine - What’s Happening in October 2019
Hello Serpies.
October is now with us. As every month, there is tonnes happening in the Serpie calendar! Here are the highlights for your diary.
Cross Country is back
The 2019-2020 Cross Country season starts in Claybury in Essex, when the first Metropolitan League fixture will take place on Saturday 12th. Join a sizeable Serpie contingent on the day and help make Met League history when - for the first time - men and women run the same 8km distance. This promises to be a great afternoon of mud, sweets (the bake off winners of Serpies are getting ready!) and beers (pub visit after the day's races). No prior entry is required – just come to Claybury before race start time and the Serpie xc gang will issue you a race number. Race details are here.
For those who fancy running Sunday morning instead, the first Sunday League fixture is on Sunday 20th in Cheshunt Park, Broxbourne. Why not get out of London for a day for some running with cleaner air? Same as the Met League – no need to sign up in advance.
The North of the Thames Liddiard Trophy will be the first championship race of the season. The race will be in Fryent Park in Kingsbury on Saturday 26th. Prior entry is required – please email us here.
Lanzarote launch party
Lanzarote 2020 has opened its registration! On Wednesday 16th we will meet in the Union Bar, George Street in the evening after the club runs to launch next year’s Lanzarote Trip. You'll get to know what a great 7+ days in the Canary Islands has in store for you. Whether you're a runner, cyclist, swimmer or just want to try something new there is something for you. For more details email the organisers here.
Strength training
One of our track and spin coaches, Gavin Edmonds, is leading a new outdoor strength training series. These 90-minute sessions will bring greater muscular power, increased resistance to fatigue, improved bone health, better running form and reduced risk of injury. All abilities are welcome. The first session will be on Saturday 19th at 9:45am at Wormwood Scrubs – more information here. Sessions are free – however please sign up with Gavin in advance.
Trail Runs
On Sunday 20th, Alan Hall from our Serpie Trail Group will lead a 14 mile social trail run of the beautiful Gade Valley. Please contact Alan if you are interested in joining the run. For general information, check out our Trail Running page on the Serpie website.
Other club races
The next Handicap race will be this coming Saturday 5th. Runners register between 8:15 and 8:55am at the Serpentine Boat House in Hyde Park. Not running? Volunteer with the handicap crew and stay for a coffee afterwards.
This month’s Last Friday of the Month 5k is on Friday 25th. Race starts at 12:30pm near the Boat House in Hyde Park. Register to run here and to volunteer marshal contact the race organiser.
Regular club activities
· Track training: There are sessions every Monday at Paddington Rec (Maida Vale), Tuesday also at Paddington Rec and Tuesday at Parliament Hill.
· Off track training: Sessions are in Bermondsey every Tuesday and in Primrose Hill on Thursday. Those who want to do Saturday hills have the options of Greenhill or Hampstead Heath.
· Regular club runs are on Wednesdays, Saturdays (both meeting at Seymour Centre) and Sundays in Richmond Park.
· Coached swimming sessions are on Mondays in the Orchard Lisle Pool (London Bridge) or Seymour Centre, and Thursdays in St Pancras.
· Spin class on Wednesday night in Seymour Centre.
Good Luck to those running…
· Cardiff Half Marathon - Sunday 6th
· Cabbage Patch 10 Miles - Sunday 13th
· Royal Parks Half Marathon - Sunday 13th
· Chicago Marathon - Sunday 13th
· Oxford Half Marathon - Sunday 13th
· Amsterdam Marathon / Half Marathon - Sunday 20th
· Lisbon Marathon / Half Marathon - Sunday 20th
· Abingdon Marathon - Sunday 20th
Finally…
· The next New Members’ Social will be on Wednesday 9th – all new members are welcome, with drinks and biscuits in the club room after the runs from 8pm. Any current members who are keen to show what a friendly bunch we are – please come join us too. Feel free to email me for details.
· Last Wednesday of the Month = Wine & Cheese. The last Wednesday of October = Hallowe’en Wine & Cheese! Who’s up for doing the Club run in fancy dress on Wednesday 30th??? Stay tuned for details!
Happy Serpie October!
Hans Ho
PS. Anything to advertise in November? Please email me at Participation@serpentine.org.uk
Submitted: 2 October 2019