YWPAC Comrades History - Green Number Club

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Comrades Qualifying Times

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Barry Varty's 38th Bergville

 

Bergville Log Stats now read - 

 

39 Medals Rod Jarvis, Westville AC -       ( 61yrs old ) Hospitalised in March 2013, Bronchitis and a blood clot. Hope he recovers.

38 Medals Barry Varty, YWP -               ( 73yrs 11mths old, still maturing).

37 Medals Lionel de Haas, SC Striders - ( 68 yrs)  Unable to do Ultras, knee problem, now does Walk events).

 

 

April Is the Cruellest Month: A Comrades Article By Bruce Fordyce

 

 

Garath Storming through the Hillcrest 42km

Well this is one for the books!!!

I don’t think I have ever run/swim in such rainy, thundering and lightning conditions. But even though conditions where terrible it was an experience of a life time. As many of us runners know preparing mentally for a marathon is just as important as the mileage, well I had a great plan of where and when I was going to use my 3 Gu’s that I had taken along with me, only to find out after the 2km I had managed to lose all 3 of them L. Never the less I managed to charm some blonde and convinced her to give me one of hers. (Sorry Angie, runners must do what runners must do, ha ha ha).

 

I managed a SUB 4 hour but only because Mike helped me through and once again a BIG thanks to Mike aka “coach”. The best part of the event though was Dowie’s beers at the end of the race.

 

Submitted by Garath

Barry Blows Them Away - Again!

 

Excerpt from The Mercury, 04 February 2013

 

 

Kearsney 21km - 20/01/2013



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Mike cruising through halfway

 

Jenny looking strong at halfway

Garath going through a rough patch 

Megan having a quick walk

JP full of energy

Glenn finishing strong

Jenny flying onto the field

Garath happy to be finished

 

Megan full of smiles



KZNTA Championships: Jenny Wins Gold

Sunday 06 January 2013 was a sweltering day in Richards Bay, with the strong winds at least cooling the triathletes competing in the KZNTA triathlon championships over the Olympic distance of 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and a 10km run.

Yellowwood Park’s very own Jenny Sutton was once again victorious in her age group, as well as finishing 6^th lady overall in a creditable 2.38.

It was a nice touch having Martin Birtwhistle’s brother Andrew out from the UK also taking part and the sibling rivalry added to the occasion! I won’t tell you who won!

Positivity

Here are two summaries from a book called The Power Of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy that are quite eye-opening:

 

Your subconscious mind controls all the vital processes of your body and knows the answer to all problems.

 

Prior to sleep, turn over a specific request to your subconscious mind and prove its miracle working power to yourself.

 

Whatever you impress on the subconscious mind is expressed on the screen of space as conditions, experiences and events. Therefore you should carefully watch all ideas and thoughts entertained in your conscious mind.

 

The law of action and reaction is universal. Your thought is action and the reaction is the automatic response of your subconscious mind to your thought. WATCH YOUR THOUGHTS!

 

All frustration is due to unfulfilled desires, If you dwell on obstacles, delays and difficulties, your subconscious mind responds accordingly and you are blocking your own good.

 

The Life Principal will flow through you rhythmically and harmoniously if you consciously affirm: "I believe that the subconscious power that gave me this desire is now fulfilling it through me" This dissolves all conflicts.

 

You can interfere with the normal rhythm of your heart, lungs and other organs by worry an anxiety and fear. Feed your subconscious with thoughts of harmony, health and peace and all the functions
of your body will become normal again.

 

Keep your conscious mind busy with the expectation of the best and your subconscious will faithfully reproduce your habitual thinking.

 

Imagine the happy ending or solution to a problem, feel the thrill of accomplishment and what you imagine will be accepted by your subconscious mind, which will bring it to pass.

 

-oOo-

 

As within, So without  As above, So below

 

It is done unto you as you believe. Claim that the healing presence in your subconscious mind is flowing through you as harmony, health, peace, joy and abundance.Think of it as a living intelligence, a lovely companion on the way. Firmly believe it is continually flowing through you vivifying, inspiring and prospering you.

 

My body and all its organs were created by the intelligence in my subconscious mind. It knows how to heal me. It wisdom fashioned all my  organs, muscles, tissues and bones. This infinite healing presence within me is now transforming every cell of my being, making me whole and perfect. I give thanks for the healing I know
is taking place at this time. Wonderful are the works of the creative intelligence within me.

 

Marvellous are thy works that my soul (subconscious) knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14

The infinite intelligence that gave me this desire leads, guides and reveals to me  the perfect plan for the unfolding of my desire. I know the deeper wisdom of my subconscious is now responding and What I feel and claim  within is expressed in the without.There is a balance, equilibrium and equanamity.

 

Infinite intelligence leads and guides me in all my ways. Perfect health is mine and the law of harmony operates in my mind and body. Beauty, love, peace and abundance are mine The principles of right action and divine order govern my life. I know the major premise is based on the eternal truths of life and I know, feel and believe that the subconscious mind responds according to the nature of my conscious minds thinking.

 

Infinite intelligence within me knows all things. The right thing is revealed to me in divine order. I will recognize the answer when it comes.

 

Your future is a result of your habitual thinking!

 

Posted by Mike 

Westville 15km

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Barry's Sani Stagger

As far as I know, I was the only YWP runner at Sani Stagger this year ?  

I did not do my usual - "If it moved, photograph it" this time around.

Only took a few photos. I was "knackered" going both ways.

My run, although I completed the 42km, I did not make the 6hr 30min cut-off.

I got to the top with one minute to spare in 3hr 44min. 
 

I rested for 5mins, then started the downward journey.

I just went "backwards", and could only finish in 7hr 03min.

Definitely not enough training! 
 

Nevertheless, the distance is in my Diary. He He!

 

My ex-Jockey friend, Patrick Wynne on his first 21km, came 2nd in 1hr 46min.

He came past so fast, I could not "get the shot".

Noel did 2hr 14min on minimal training.

Claire Harms (Patrick's friend), ran 2hr 19min. She was pleased.

 

We were all "Eina" on Sunday morning.

We all stayed at Elands Valley Resort, near Drakensberg Gardens.

Cheers,

Barry

 

 

 

 

 

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This is a true thought during the last 12km of the 42km Sani Stagger.

"I knew I was having a bad run, when I saw them collecting the waste bins and the km marker signs during the last 12km, before I had even got there."

Barry Varty - 2012 Sani Stagger

 

 

Posted by Barry

Bluff Vets Half Marathon

 

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Well done to all the ballies that took part and thanks to Dowan for sending through the photo's.

Events not to be missed!

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Posted by Heather

Dube Tradeport Shaka Trail Run

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This past Sunday, Nov 4th 2012,  two YWP runners, (a Ballie, and a Ballie light ) competed in the first Dube King Shaka Trail Run.  There were two options available - a 10km and a 30 km.  Of course the 10 km was always going to be too short so being Ballies they just had to enter the 30km trail run.  (30km being the distance Shaka's impi's would undertake in preparation for war. )  The two races started together with little formality, just the sound of a warrior beating a war drum, and off we went into the bush.  At one point it seemed as though we were heading for the main airport runway, but just in time we were diverted down a culvert and into the sugar cane.  Being around the Dube Trade Port,  the race organisers had to do the best with the terrain available, including what felt like a month of rain.  It was not long before we had to dive in,  and grind out some serious mud trails.  We eventually emerged from the mud and cane,  onto some dirt/gravel roads,  picked up our pace,  with lightie Ballie being a little too enthusiastic putting his head down and not keeping an eye out for the hard to spot markings - suddenly a whole heard of Lemmings were heading for the wrong finish line.  After a km or so,  order was restored and we were back on track, or should I say back in mud.  Cane trails,  gave way to a few short dirt roads,  but ultimately we would get bogged down in some serious stuff.  Ballie lost a shoe,  and just when we thought this was hard core trail running only for real men,  we suffered whiplash from a lady runner who seemed to float through the mud,  heading for the hills, never to be seen again.  Staggering through the remainder of the mud,  we finally made it into the second half of the race.  The course dried up,  and our speed improved.  Ballie,  still very much aware of controlling the  pace as lightie ballie fiddled with the accelerator.  Eventually the accelerator would brake, and Ballie had to drive us home.  Needless to say,  we were both relieved to have a slightly shorter course (around 26 k's),  holding off a late charge from a couple of pre-ballie lights,  to finish in two and a half hours.  Trail running is the ultimate in S&M,  as even if you get lost,  fall down, get covered in mud, bleed and hardly ever see a water table,  there's nothing to really complain about,  because its self inflicted. (Did I hear someone mention whips??) The more the pain and discomfort the better the satisfaction at the end, or so we tell ourselves.

 

Thoroughly  Satisfied,   Martin & Mark  

Martin Goes Multi

Fame at last! Our very own KZN triathlete Martin Birtwhistle made the news in the October edition of the esteemed Go-Multi magazine:

 

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Post by Mike

Words from the Chair: YWP Main Club AGM 11 October 2012

Many thanks to Dowan, Gary and Martin who accompanied me to a very lively AGM, and we were delighted when the outgoing committee was retained pretty much intact. The chairman’s and treasurer’s reports bore testimony to a superhuman effort this past year in bringing the club onto an even keel and laying the foundations for it to go from strength to strength. The new committee is:

 

Chairman – Reg Gerber

Vice Chairman – Rob Bellars

Treasurer – Warren Lester

Committee Members – Lynne Cox

                                       Jason Labuschagne

                                       Riccardo Simonetti

                                       Errol Lorton

 

Herewith my sections report:

 

Yellowwood Park Club Annual General Meeting: 11 October 2012

 

Sections Report: Road Runners presented by Mike Sutton (Chairman)

 

Good evening Mr Chairman, committee, ladies and gentlemen. As always we appreciate the opportunity to present you with a synopsis of our activities and achievements over your past term of office.

 

I’d like to start by complimenting you all on the excellent job you’ve done this year. The vibrant social calendar, featuring lots of live music, and your efforts and success in getting sport back onto the fields are particularly commendable. My personal favourite in your annual golf day and we’re already looking forward to the next one.

 

2011 wound down with the club’s weekend away at the Sani Stagger and the usual silly season activities. Here the Walker’s Wobble remains a highlight for the guys, and would’ve been a quiet one if it wasn’t for the welcome reappearance of Matthew Lomax and his mate Dexter!

 

Fred’s Bearingman Stainbank Cup is naturally the highlight at this time and seemed to be an even greater success than in previous years. Naturally we can only maintain this level of excellence with the generous sponsorship of the Bearingman Group, kindly facilitated by Dave Bassett, and others, including Park Patrol.

 

We held our own AGM in February this year and welcomed the legendary Boysie Van Staden as our guest of honour. My awesome committee all thankfully stayed on, with one change where we were very happy to welcome Dowan Burton on board.

We also recognised our achievers, and the individual who stood out was Jenny Sutton, as Lady Runner of the Year and Best Marathon times amongst the women and the Vets 40 plus, which includes us guys! The flagship award, Most Outstanding Service, was once again won hands down by the dynamic duo of Heather and Megan, our events portfolio par excellence!

 

Comrades started with a bang with entries closing at a very promising 27, but due to various factors that was whittled down to 18 at the start, with 15 brave souls completing the gruelling 89km course. Young Jafta Thusi was once again our first man home in 7.39, and after a ding dong battle between our lady novices Megan and Sam, Sam eventually came home first in 10.49. The biggest disappointment on the day was Barry Varty having to withdraw just a few kms from the finish having simply run out of time. At 73 years young he remains our leading medallist on 28 and is an inspiration to us all.

 

Next on the calendar was our annual cross country league event, hosted in the Ezemvelo Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, and our thanks to John Dives for ensuring the continued use of this marvellous venue. We once again received nothing but praise on the day.

 

Outstanding performances were once again the order of the day amongst our age group athletes:

Jenny Sutton won the Bluff Vets Half Marathon and picked up medals at our very own Stainbank Cup, the Scottburgh and South Coast half marathons, the Stella Royal 25 and Sparkport 32. In the other string to her bow she won another gold medal at the KZN triathlon champs.

Our other outstanding triathlete, Martin Birtwhistle, also excelled this year, winning the KZNTA duathlon champs and earning a silver medal at the KZN triathlon champs. In recognition of their achievements they were once again both awarded their KZN Triathlon colours.

Rob Edouard-Betsy also had regular trips to the podium and yours truly sneaked a win at Sani and a silver at the KZN Cross Country Champs, going on to represent the province at SA’s and earning a silver medal with the KZN team.

Barry Varty, still going strong at 73 also regularly wins his age group, most notably at the Sani Stagger marathon. Barry also completed his 37^th Bergville ultra marathon this year.

 

Possibly the most exciting news recently was the sound of wedding bells, with both our events ladies beaus eventually popping the question in quick succession. Our heartiest congratulations go to Megan and Shane and Heather and Jason.

 

I’d like to once again pay homage to Willy for always going the extra mile for us. His brave victory over cancer has been remarkable, but nothing less than we expect from him. Nothing gets him down and we wish him well for the rest of his rehab.

I also extend our sincere thanks to all the staff, particularly Anderson and Eric who always look after us on Wednesdays and at our other functions. They are all always helpful, courteous and friendly, further proof of Willy’s management skills.

 

And what would Wednesdays be without a Raj curry?! Thanks to Raj and his crew for their sterling efforts.

 

You thought I’d forgotten, but I’m saving the best for last: who will ever forget our “Doing It For The Kids” campaign. The way our committee embraced the idea overwhelmed me, with Steve once again the driving force. Dowan’s golf day was one of the highlights and thanks to the extended Burton family for their support.

 

The way you guys came on board was heart-warming indeed, and our most humble thanks to Barry Freegard for his generosity and amazing efforts with the R2000 draw!

 

These efforts along with the generous sponsorship or the T-shirts by Merck Pharmaceuticals ensured that in excess of R53 000 was raised. The presentation of the cheques and the depth of gratitude and love from the families will stay with me forever.

 

Last year I mentioned that our motto of “Yellowwood Park Athletic Club - Making Running a Team Sport” goes further than that, and we’re also very much a family club too.  Well after this year I think I can safely say that we’ve now bridged the divide and as far as I’m concerned Yellowwood Park Club, you guys, are now an integral part of our family too!

 

“Cheers” – Reg, your great committee’s next round is on the road runners.

 

Kind Regards

 

Mike

 

    

Goss & Balfe South Coast Marathon Results

Well done to everyone who took part.

Especially to Garath who completed his first marathon in a time of 4:24:03, great job!

Results by http://www.eventtiming.co.za/

Pos. Time First Name Surname Gender Age Category Event Entered 166 03:34:22 Robert Roy Edouard Betsy Male 60+ 42.2km 210 03:43:08 Mike Sutton Male 50-59 42.2km 269 03:56:46 Martin Birtwhistle Male 50-59 42.2km 386 04:18:21 Johnson Dayal Male 40-49 42.2km 416 04:24:03 Garath Ormshaw Male Open 42.2km 534 04:40:59 Willie Bothma Male 60+ 42.2km 686 05:02:08 Kumarasan Shane Govender Male 40-49 42.2km 65 01:39:07 Jenny Sutton Female 40-49 21km Run 69 01:40:31 Siphamandla Sibisi Male Open 21km Run 218 02:06:35 Samantha Hall Female 35-39 21km Run 316 02:17:46 Barry Varty Male 60+ 21km Run 521 03:05:42 Angie Ormshaw Female Open 21km Walk

The Marathon - Humbling Men Since 1896

...and he said, “I’d like to go under 3.10, but otherwise sub 3.20 for a Comrades B seeding is no problem”.

 

I had confidently planned my race strategy based on a great race at the Mandela Day Marathon, where I started slowly and gradually picked up the pace to hang on for a strong finish in 3.41 over an incredibly tough course. I was further buoyed by my quickest half marathon in 5 years, and circulated my target to all and sundry, just to put some pressure on myself.

Everything went according to plan, the weather gods smiled kindly upon us, and I set off confidently at my estimated race pace, which became impossible to ratify as I soon realised that the K markers were a joke, so just trusted my deemed effort. The first hiccup came at about 12Ks when the rough tar started, and when I eventually passed the traditional halfway mark I was some 3 minutes behind schedule.

 

Okay, plan B – just keep plugging away for a comfortable 3.15 odd……., well within another 3Ks my legs told me survival was the order of the day and even plan C was out the window. No problem then, I’ll just plod in for a comfortable sub 3.40 and a Comrades C seeding.

 

Eish! By 30Ks I was even walking downhill, my legs “stukkend”. Jen had finished her half marathon and was a blessed sight to buoy my spirits as a steady stream of runners passed me. Hell, participants were even walking past me! Lucky I’ve learnt to maintain my sense of humour, no matter what!

 

Well, to cut a long story short, I finished in 3.43 in abject misery and I can honestly say the last 10Ks was a bigger ask than Comrades. So accordingly I counsel you all; “Respect the Marathon”!

 

Cheers

 

Mike

 

    

Wartburg Cycle Race

It has been a long rode to recovery after my PCL tear in October last year. My knee has been giving me a lot of issues when running but fortunately I can at least keep fit by cycling. After missing the first couple of road races earlier this year due to my knee, I was very excited to take part in the first Wartburg Cycle Race with the Amashova just 2 weeks after.

 

Unfortunately, the day after entering the race I picked up a Virus and was man down for a week. I had a less than ideal build up to my first race back but I was still eager to take part.

 

I survived the first 6 km with the lead bunch before getting blown out the back. I then joined a smaller group of about 10 riders where I managed to catch my breath and get going again. The route was incredibly scenic with farmlands and plantations all around. Thankfully the roads in Wartburg are very quiet so cars passing by were not a big issue.

 

The road surface was horrible! Constant bouncing on a gravelly surface for the majority of the race. My wrists, hands, arms and shoulders are still stiff while typing this!

 

My body decided to pack in with only 12k's to go.With nothing left in the tank, I lost touch with my bunch and watched them disappearing in the distance. It did give me a chance to take in the beauty of the area while I freewheeled down to the finish.

 

After a refreshing shower at the car. I met up with the Megan, Mike and Jenny (Jenny also rode the 82km) for prizegiving in the lovely hotel grounds of the Wartburg Orion Hotel.

 

Jenny and I at the finish

Barry In The News

An Excerpt From The Mercury 01 October 2012

 

 

Submitted by Mike