A useful tip for anyone who falls into the category of turning up to a parkrun without their barcode or with a barcode that looks like the dog has chewed it up!  Why not order a plastic barcode tag with your own barcode on it from www.littlehugs.co.uk for a mere £2.50 plus P+P?

Please note this has no connection with parkrun and not compulsory.

On Wednesday we were doing a freedom run - we call it ‘Reversey Roundshaw’ (we run the course from finish to start). We don’t run backwards.  Having said that, I was talking to one of the drivers at my work and he is an ex-marine and said to break the monotony of the morning 10 mile run they actually used to run the course backwards.  How can this be possible?  Still, back to my point I noticed on Wednesday something was missing – mud and rain. Am I the only one who loves these running conditions?  Richard FOX and Rupert QUESTED said that today’s running conditions were perfect.

These are some of my observations and thoughts of todays run:

 •  Did anyone notice the huge lilac tree with its mass of flowers at the top of the hill? If you didn’t  look out next week.

•  I wonder when the cows are coming – the fences are ready for them.

•  I wasn’t the only one celebrating today - it was my 50th parkrun and we dressed as grannies oh and a grandpa. It was also Richard FOX's birthday and his 96 parkrun (4 more parkruns then it’s your 100th – another excuse for a party).  Good luck with your birthday marathon Richard at Richmond Park and any other parkrunners taking part in it.  It was also Richard TANNER's birthday today as well Happy Birthday what a great way to start your birthday than with a parkrun. They also completed today's parkrun at the same time!

•  Congratulations to Neil for winning.

• Joshua ELSTON-SMITH lost his shoe on the first lap but continued and not only finished but achieved a P.B. Congratulations to the other 10 P.B’ers.

•  Morag LOADER finished her third parkrun today.  She is part of Chiltern Church Runners, running to get fit and was helped by Neil’s words of encouragement as he lapped her at the end of her first lap.  Was nice to see you over at Green’s to share the cakes and coffee.

•  Andy who we met over at Greens said it was really nice to come to Roundshaw parkrun as everyone seems friendly and welcoming.

•  Zobida MOHAMMED finished her 5th parkrun - half running/half walking and aims to one day run the whole course – keep up the good work your get there in the end.

•  The marshal that fainted is now ok.

•  Thanks to all the other volunteers today. We couldn’t do it without them.

•  Welcome to the 11 first timers (wow we had 11 first timers and 11 PBs) hope to see you again soon.

Thank you Roundshaw for helping me celebrate my day, here’s to the next 50 runs!

Hope you are sorting out your red, white or blue outfits for the Jubilee parkrun on 2nd June.  We will also be having a bring and share picnic after the run at Roundshaw.  Hope you are able to join in the fun and able to stay for the picnic – you never know we might even have an appearance from Royalty.

And now for the stats:

Men's placings:
Neil REISSLAND (VM45-49) of Collingwood AC, was first in 18:18 - 38^th win in 51^st appearance.
Stephen WINTER (SM35-39) of Striders of Croydon AC, was second in 18:30 - 2 previous wins.
Macauley GEDDES (JM15-19) (Unattached) was third in 18:57.
 

Current standing in the Men's annual points competition:
Martin MCCARTHY (Unattached) 3542 pts.
Andy NEWBERY (Unattached) 3299 pts.
Stephen HEWETT (Unattached) 3169 pts.
 

Women's placings:
Laura A FOSTER (VW45-49) of UKnetrunner, was first (34^th overall) in 25:18 - third win in 59^th appearance.
Rachel TANNER (VW40-44) of Collingwood AC, was second (43^rd overall) in 25:45.
Helen ELDERFIELD (VW50-54) (Unattached) was third (45^th overall) in 25:51.
 

Current standing in the Women's annual points competition:
Helen ELDERFIELD (Unattached) 3800 pts.
Rachel TANNER (Collingwood AC) 3370 pts.
Karen CHART (Unattached) 3108 pts.
 

The following runners recorded the best Age Grade scores:
Neil REISSLAND (VM45-49) was graded 78.69 % for the time 18:18 (first overall).
David BAKER (VM45-49) was graded 73.68 % for the time 19:15 (4^th overall).
John SAKER (VM45-49) was graded 73.19 % for the time 19:31 (5^th overall).
 

This week there were 114 runners, of whom 11 were first timers and 11 recorded new Personal Bests. Representatives of 14 different athletics clubs took part.

Roundshaw parkrun started on 18th July 2009, and since then 1,652 different runners, including participants from 86 athletics clubs, have completed 12,122 runs covering a total distance of 60,610 km, and there have been 2,411 new Personal Bests.

The Women's course record is held by Clare ELMS who ran in a time of 19:00 on 1st January 2012 (event number 132).
The Men's course record is held by Kevin QUINN who ran in a time of 15:41 on 13th August 2011 (event number 110).
The Age Grade course record is held by Clare ELMS who recorded a 86.14 % run (19:00) on 1st January 2012 (event number 132).
 

Today's full results and a complete event history can be found on the Roundshaw parkrun Results Page.

At last a bright sunny morning with only a few white fluffy clouds passing over head and a buzz of potential PB’s in the air. One of those being Cristina, last month’s Sweatshop prize winner, wearing her new shoes. A very enthusiastic Cristina just waiting to run said “I think I’m going to get a PB today”. I’ll catch up with Cristina later to see how she got on.

A warm welcome to our seven first timers. I caught up with Oluremi after the run who commented “It was fun, but hard work, a good distance, very enjoyable with a nice variety of different terrains”.

It was good to see Laura and Ken back with us today. Ken said after eight weeks he was very happy to be out running again but did comment that the course seems to have become a little longer. Laura pondered it was fantastic to be back running again.

Well done to Martin Long on his 50th parkrun last week and birthday greetings for Ercole. Buon compleanno and a special mention to our husky Leka who last Saturday completed her marathon in 4 hours and 4 minutes with Richard keeping her focused on the task.

Getting back to the field and Chris has just come in. I asked her how her run was today “I found it hard and bumpy, not a day for my spikes and it was quite warm on the second lap with the sun”

I asked Hamant if on the clear days he ever looked at the Shard as he came in to the finish. He quickly responded yes, and I also have a view of the Shard from my work place, he also commented that you can see Wembly Arch on clear days. I had to confess that I had not noticed this landmark – one to look out for.

Along with sixteen other PB runners today Cristina got her new PB – Well done to all of you, and let’s not forget a Big Thank you for all those volunteers who marshalled today.

Don’t forget the Jubilee picnic, 2nd June here at Roundshaw with the red, white and blue theme - hope you can all join us after parkrun.

And now for today’s stats:

Men's placings:
Neil REISSLAND (VM45-49) of Collingwood AC, was first in 18:48 - 37^th win in 50^th appearance.
Stephen WINTER (SM35-39) of Striders of Croydon AC, was second in 18:54 - 2 previous wins.
Macauley GEDDES (JM15-19) (Unattached) was third in 19:07.

Current standing in the Men's annual points competition:
Martin MCCARTHY (Unattached) 3447 pts.
Andy NEWBERY (Unattached) 3217 pts.
Stephen HEWETT (Unattached) 3092 pts.

Women's placings:
Laura A FOSTER (VW45-49) of UKnetrunner, was first (30^th overall) in 24:38 - second win in 58^th appearance.
Amy LOCKE (SW20-24) (Unattached) was second (34^th overall) in 25:07.
Helen BARNES (VW45-49) (Unattached) was third (35^th overall) in 25:07.

Current standing in the Women's annual points competition:
Helen ELDERFIELD (Unattached) 3702 pts.
Rachel TANNER (Collingwood AC) 3271 pts.
Karen CHART (Unattached) 3041 pts.

The following runners recorded the best Age Grade scores:
Neil REISSLAND (VM45-49) was graded 76.60 % for the time 18:48 (first overall).
Martin LLOYD (VM50-54) was graded 74.67 % for the time 20:04 (7^th overall).
John SAKER (VM45-49) was graded 73.44 % for the time 19:27 (4^th overall).

This week there were 88 runners, of whom 7 were first timers and 17 recorded new Personal Bests. Representatives of 9 different athletics clubs took part.

Roundshaw parkrun started on 18th July 2009, and since then 1,641 different runners, including participants from 86 athletics clubs, have completed 12,008 runs covering a total distance of 60,040 km, and there have been 2,400 new Personal Bests.

The Women's course record is held by Clare ELMS who ran in a time of 19:00 on 1st January 2012 (event number 132).
The Men's course record is held by Kevin QUINN who ran in a time of 15:41 on 13th August 2011 (event number 110).
The Age Grade course record is held by Clare ELMS who recorded a 86.14 % run (19:00) on 1st January 2012 (event number 132).

Today's full results and a complete event history can be found on the Roundshaw parkrun Results Page.

The morning of this week’s parkrun was, yes you guessed it, wet, (well wet and wild). The weekly question of what kit to wear was summed up in one word ”waterproof” or at least  not my favourite kit as it is bound to get muddy.  Then my thoughts turned to this week’s race report, and being new to Roundshaw and not knowing many people here I decided not to do the roving reporter angle.
 
Catching up with a running pal who was suitably and sensibly kitted out in running jacket, hat and a change of dry clothing I decided to do a chatty piece on why she does parkrun. At this moment in time I was wondering why I was doing it as the thought of wading through inches of mud was not appealing to me. Still “No guts no glory” as they say....  Hmmm.
 
As we walked up to the green tent nicely assembled to house the race organisers we wondered just how many freezing wet runners you could get in a small but perfectly formed awning.  Well as we shimmied and politely shoved our way in we soon found out - 58 Runners in total!!
 
Points make prizes
“So Helen why did you start doing the parkrun?” I asked. “Blimey you are taking this seriously” she replied as I quizzed her after the race over coffee.  Helen is my neighbour who was an avid parkrunner, had been badgering me to join the weekly run. “It’s fun, you know and it attracts a friendly and diverse crowd” was her reply.  Well said, I couldn’t agree more. 

Knowing Helen as I do and she won’t mind me saying this, the competitive element isn’t lost on her and it is no surprise to me that she leads the points table for the women. Both Helen and a fellow runner Eileen had been asking me to join the run.  But studying and being a bit of a lazy person who likes her Saturday morning lie in I declined until just before Christmas when I decided to give it a go.
 
It took me a few races to cotton onto this point’s thing and this to me was the bait that reeled me in. However for me it is a true test of your consistency as a runner and there is nothing better than having a timed race each week to give you a goal to aim for -  whether it is to improve your time  or your fitness, there is something for everyone. Each week I make a joke with myself about the Collingwood runners with a target on their back, a large X.  But I then look at their times and the joke I am afraid is on me...for now!!!  
 
Ercole Lugari of Collingwood AC with a time of 19:51 was first man. A fantastic time for the first woman Natalie Glover of South London Harriers with a new PB of 20:29 she nearly caught you there Ercole, go Natalie.
 
Two laps to go
I have never been a fan of races or runs that need to have laps. For me if I am honest it is double the torture. What if I have a negative split, or worse, I am overtaken by a small child on stilts in fancy dress.....? But it does allow you to plan your run and give yourself mini targets. Roundshaw 1 Chris Ajayi 0
 
Then my internal voice tells me to “Get a grip” and I mentally slap myself and prepare myself for the mud fest that awaits me and my fellow parkrunners. Then I notice there are a few first timers - five in total and I am hoping they are not put off by the challenging conditions and make this their last. It took me back to my first run at Roundshaw which I have to say was a hard, lung-busting experience which I nearly abandoned after lap one, but a friendly voice behind me urged me not to quit.  I am so glad I could return the favour this week as a runner just in front of me struggled to stay upright in the unforgiving headwind. Reminded me of the final challenge on Total Wipeout!!
 
Mud Creek....  you owe me
As we approach “Mud Creek” just through the woods up the small hill, I abandon all hope of running through it and decide to wade through it. “That’s how I would do it” says the Marshall who looks at us sympathetically while giving us a smile and a ”well done”.  I am happy I managed to stay upright quite frankly, so that in itself is a small victory of sorts.
 
The end of the second lap is approaching and my thoughts turn to a hot coffee, kitkat (or other chocolate covered wafer bar) and dry socks, this spurs me on.
 
Also I am always heartened to see young runners having a go and enjoying the fresh air and atmosphere. One of the many things that have got me hooked to parkrun is the diversity of the runners and the inclusiveness of it all. An organised race event wouldn’t have this and that’s why it works so well. Chatting to Helen over coffee we agree that this is why it is successful and why it has become a world-wide movement. 
 
It’s all downhill from here
As the runners approach the downhill stretch I can see Helen about 15 seconds in front of me and as much as I would love to catch her,  I know it is an exercise in futility no PB for me this week. But that didn’t deter others, there were four personal best times this week so well done to you all.
 
Still the sprinter in me cannot help myself so I sprint the last downhill stretch. I need to get warm, get fed and get dry. As I finish the runner behind me says ”well done” and congratulates me for out running him. This was very nice of him and I remember saying the same thing to a women runner a few runs ago so it all helps keep you motivated.
 
“So Helen” I chip in, “what next if you win the point’s league table?” “I think I will be a parkrun tourist.  You know check out a few new runs, compare courses. But Roundshaw is a pretty tough course to follow!” 
 
I agree with that, it’s tough but with a soft centre, and that soft centre is the team of volunteers and runners who make it work so well.

And now for today's stats:

Men's placings:

Ercole LUGARI (SM35-39) of Collingwood AC, was first in 19:51 - third win in 65th appearance.
John SAKER (VM45-49) (Unattached) was second in 20:00.
Ross GENTRY (SM30-34) of South London Harriers, was third in 20:22.

Current standing in the Men's annual points competition:
Martin MCCARTHY (Unattached) 3352 pts.
Andy NEWBERY (Unattached) 3132 pts.
Stephen HEWETT (Unattached) 3011 pts.

Women's placings:

Natalie GLOVER (SW25-29) of South London Harriers, was first (4th overall) in 20:29 - third win in 8th appearance.
Maureen HANCOCK (VW45-49) of Sutton & District AC, was second (25th overall) in 25:49.
Deborah COTTON (JW14) (Unattached) was third (27th overall) in 25:55.

Current standing in the Women's annual points competition:
Helen ELDERFIELD (Unattached) 3610 pts.
Rachel TANNER (Collingwood AC) 3176 pts.
Karen CHART (Unattached) 2968 pts.

The following runners recorded the best Age Grade scores:
Natalie GLOVER (SW25-29) was graded 72.25 % for the time 20:29 (4th overall).
John SAKER (VM45-49) was graded 71.42 % for the time 20:00 (second overall).
Mark CONSTANTINOU (VM45-49) was graded 70.58 % for the time 20:34 (6th overall).

This week there were 58 runners, of whom 5 were first timers and 4 recorded new Personal Bests. Representatives of 11 different athletics clubs took part.

Roundshaw parkrun started on 18th July 2009, and since then 1,634 different runners, including participants from 85 athletics clubs, have completed 11,920 runs covering a total distance of 59,600 km, and there have been 2,383 new Personal Bests.

The Women's course record is held by Clare ELMS who ran in a time of 19:00 on 1st January 2012 (event number 132).
The Men's course record is held by Kevin QUINN who ran in a time of 15:41 on 13th August 2011 (event number 110).
The Age Grade course record is held by Clare ELMS who recorded a 86.14 % run (19:00) on 1st January 2012 (event number 132).

Today's full results and a complete event history can be found on the Roundshaw parkrun Results Page.

We sometimes forget, but without our sponsors and supporters parkrun wouldn't survive. Each month Sweatshop supplies a pair of trainers to the Sweatshop prize winner at each event. The prize is awarded by our committee for any number of reasons, but can be for achievement/improvement, perseverance and consistency and/or commitment to the parkrun ethos.

We are pleased to announce that this month's Sweatshop Monthly Prize winner is Cristina Labung of Chiltern Church Runners.

Cristina had never run before parkrun and since being introduced to Roundshaw Downs parkrun by her aunty back on 12 November 2011 has never looked back, except to see who is behind her.  Cristina loves the whole concept of parkrun and the fact that no matter what your running ability everyone can run together and everyone is so supportive and encouraging.

Within her first 10 runs Cristina had achieved seven PBs. Cristina seems to perform better in the muddy conditions and a further three PBs followed getting her time down by nearly 6 and a half minutes to 32:14 (she ran her 1st in 38:40).

Having volunteered three times since coming to Roundshaw Downs parkrun Cristina has become an active member of our community and loves catching up with everyone before and after parkrun.

Every runner is eligible for the Sweatshop prize, so continue to strive towards your own personal goals, put your hand up to volunteer occasionally and you might just see you name here in the future.

We would like to say thank you to Sweatshop for their generosity and to congratulate Cristina on being our April winner. Her prize is a new pair of running shoes fitted at her local Sweatshop.