Highlights
Lockdown Running League
#FRCWhiteweek
As we move into the 10th week of lockdown following the uncertainty of the global pandemic Folkestone running club continues to be focused and united as the weeks go by. We reported last time how we were and still are adhering to government guidelines, social distancing by lone running (now in pairs) and how our club sessions were being delivered remotely by our head coach Catherine O’Connor.
Everyone is involved from our Chairwoman through to our new members. Social media is buzzing and although the corona virus has affected us all in very different way’s we have tried to keep each other motivated.
One of these, recently introduced by the social media committee members, is to run with our club vest, stopping to take a photo from the given theme each week. This week’s theme #FRCWhiteweek (find something white) has seen all sorts of photos being sent in. A great idea which means everyone can take part there is no set run distance, no set pace, just an enjoyable run, maintaining the governments advice.
Also inspiring us to run has been the virtual lockdown league set up by Ricky Hickman of Ashford and District RRC. Ricky has set a different challenge each week which he opened up to all local clubs. This week was a gutsy two-mile challenge. Representing the ladies were Karen Puttock, Maria Felicetti, Vicky Green, Diane Parsons and Nikki Goodwin. For the men Dave Tyler, currently second overall, Dan Voller, Ian McGilloway, Derek Matcham, David Gillett, Tim Warren, Stephen male and Darren Crew.
Ricky has worked tirelessly to work out rankings in the form of age gradings, overall winners, team and mixed team winners.
Folkestone Ladies are currently in third place, the men are currently top whilst in the mixed team challenge Folkestone lie in second place
A particular mention after last week’s Ten-mile challenge saw Derek Matcham set an unofficial Ten-mile PB of 59.51. Derek said ‘the lockdown league has really helped with my motivation which has had a massive improvement on my form as well as contributing to the Folkestone team. Derek added he has ‘loved the format of the different distances and the ability to run when he chooses’
Dave Tyler said the lockdown league had given him something to look forward to each week as he has missed club training sessions and races but also means the months of marathon training had not gone to waste.
The lockdown league continues. This week’s theme is #FRCBlueweek and the start of the Folkestone virtual relay (running amongst ourselves, remotely) is in progress whilst we wait for the first set of results.
Report compiled by Caroline Curtis