Interested in our Circuit training sessions moving to Kirkby Stephen? 

John Chapman

We work on a variety of aerobic and strength improvement exercises tailored towards running.

The use of a variety of techniques and equipment allows us to target specific muscle groups such as arms, legs and core. The emphasis is always on having fun whilst improving fitness by targeting individual achievement.  Each week the format changes to maintain variety and interest with some sessions being time based; allowing members to monitor individual improvement, and others being repetition orientated so as to gradually stretch abilities.  We also alternate between team and individual formats.

The main sessions last for about an hour and cater for the full range of abilities and ages, with juniors and novices working alongside more experienced members

Whether you are driven by the competitive spirit or just want to improve specific aspects of your fitness, circuit training provides the opportunity to exercise within a friendly, relaxed environment

Menna Lewis

Haweswater Half Marathon

7 March 2010

This was my second time at this event so I knew what I was letting myself in for!  Last year I was training for the London Marathon so was quite a lot fitter! However, I put in a bit of training and my longest run was 9 miles.

The run starts near the school; over 500 runners squashed together on a small country lane set off for a mile circuit around the village and then out towards Haweswater reservoir and the fantastic scenery that surrounds it. The run is out and back along the same route (bar the circuit at the start).

The course is undulating (the word used to describe many runs - it’s open to interpretation!) - there are four or five climbs, compensated by an equal number of downs. The longest climb is after turning round at the half way point at the end of Haweswater - probably goes on for a mile or so; but, surprisingly it didn’t feel that long.
It must be one of the most scenic half marathon routes around.  The mountains and the reservoir were stunning - must go back again soon with my camera when I’m not in such a hurry!

There are two water stations – one half way along the outward leg and the second at the half way point at the end of the reservoir. It is well marshalled and well supported along the route but especially at the end – it is obviously a great day out for many families. All runners are presented with a commemorative mug (a nice change from a T-shirt!), to be filled with a very welcome cup of Wilf’s tea. Lovely cakes etc available too.
Overall, a great race, great atmosphere and a lovely day out and well organised in terms of parking and loos etc. I would thoroughly recommend it.
Oh, and my time was 1:53:06. And Ioan (my son) did it as a training run for Lochaber Marathon and finished in 1:29:18.

Adele Roche

The Physio’s working in East Cumbria are planning to do a team relay in response to the chartered society’s 'Move for Health Campaign'. This will be on July 3rd and will be a combination of running, walking and cycling between all the Physio departments. Any monies raised will go to Mountain Rescue and the Calvert Trust in Keswick. I will kick us off at 6.00am running from Kirkby Stephen to Appleby, handing over to Laura one of juniors who will cycle to Penrith. The route continues via Lazonby and eventually hopefully ending up at Keswick. We think this will take approx 12 hours. 

Juliet Proctor 

Round the Houses, Keswick – Wednesday 14th April

What a fabulous spring evening for the latest Howgill championship race and a great turnout of 24 Howgill Harriers in a field of 184.  Conditions couldn’t have been better – sunny, warm(ish) and no wind.  The good weather was perfect for spectators and there were plenty out on the roads to watch. 

Douglas James of Border Harriers won for the second year running.  Still on a high from his Wilson Run win, our own Sam Fisher made a big improvement on last year’s 26th place to finish 9th and Carl Bell was 11th.  Following these two this year is going to be thrilling; Sam, Carl – Carl, Sam, who will it be?  Steve Moffat was 2nd V50 in a brilliant 14th place.  Jenn Mattinson was the first of our ladies and 5th lady overall.  The rest of us were pretty good too, most finishing in the top half of the field.

Howgill definitely had the best turnout (and the best hoodies!) and the way everyone supported each other was fantastic.  One advantage to being almost last was that the rest of you were there to cheer me in – thanks everyone!  Don’t know about anyone else but our car, containing the fastest and slowest Howgill Harriers (and some in between), had massive fish and chips before heading home – bliss!

David Appleyard

I have recently joined the Howgill Harriers and found it to be a very friendly, informal and inclusive running club.  During my first few months with the club I have taken part in the Ravenstonedale 10K.  This was well organised both as a running event and also by the support given by the local businesses. I also took part in the New Year’s run up to nine standards.  This was again a very good event and made even more interesting by the amount of snow.  I had a real dilemma the night before the run.  Should I carry on drinking or save myself for the run or would the run be cancelled? Well judge the outcome of my dilemma by my performance!
Socially I have attended the ceidleh at Newbiggin on Lune village hall.  There was a good turn out, some very good dancing and it was a good opportunity to get to know the club members socially. There was an end of year ‘prize giving’ and much debate regarding different runners’ domination of classes etc. The spinning classes were very enjoyable, and helped to improve my fitness, introducing an element of cross training.  A very appealing alternative on dark icy nights.
I am pleased to race as a member of the Howgill Harriers rather than an unattached runner.  After taking part in the Haweswater half marathon a few members commented on the race and my performance.  This makes you feel like part of the club. 

Katie May

Everyone knows The Wilson Run is a difficult yet fantastic course, featuring everything a run needs.  The gruelling road back, the everlasting fell, steep ascents (spectator hill springs to mind) and exhilarating downhill (especially before muddy slide). There is something for everyone. The training experience is terrific.  I trained about 6 days a week, closer to the event I was doing the qualifier (11.23 miles I think) once a week and 7 to 8 miles other days. 
The smallest run I would do was about 5 miles. The day, of course, is almost indescribable.  The buzz and exhilaration is amazing and really sets you up for the run. Finally, the actual run flies by.  It only seems like 5 minutes before you reach the road back and then it’s almost over, too soon in some cases. The hardest bit for me was the road back and the fell just after Cautley with desperation ditch which was really wet underfoot slowing all the competitors down. The Cautley stretch was my favourite part due to its twists and turns and the ability to pick up speed along it. The support of the Howgill Harriers who were armed with bottles of water and jelly babies was fantastic and really kept the Howgill runners (Sam Fisher and I) going as well as the other competitors.

Pauline Tyson

Once I knew I had been lucky enough to get a Howgill place in the Marathon I felt I would be letting everyone down if I didn’t do better that the last time I had done it.  In 2007 I achieved a time of 4 hours 53 mins.  But three years older was it possible? My plan was to do more long runs as I remembered being very tired last time at around 19 - 20 miles onward.
So despite the poor outdoor running weather during the winter I have managed to do a long run most Saturdays ranging from 14 to 21 miles.  I altered the route frequently.  Sometimes I took my mp3 and tried to look young and with it.  Other times I collected a neighbour’s dog and tied him to my waist and enjoyed the company.

Every week I go spinning on a Wednesday and do find that if you work hard for the full session it is an excellent work out without putting any extra strains on aching running muscles.

Other that that, training was a bit hit and miss.  I try to juggle work and family and running, perhaps getting out for a few early morning 6 or 4 milers before I set off to work.

My last longish run 2 weeks before the marathon weekend my brother Dave Jackson joined me and I really did enjoy that run. Thanks Dave.

Now that the event has taken place I can tell you that the training must have paid off - Smashing my time to 4 hours 16.  I am thrilled.  I am convinced that training in Cumbria and running the hills stand you in very good stead for the flat London streets.  I don't recall a hill - could it really be that flat?  Apart from a bad mile at number 25 I was very consistent.  I would never admit to finding it easy but was happy with how I felt. 

Now I can't sleep at night wondering if I should enter the marathon again to see if I could scoop a sub 4!!!!!!

Congratulations also go to Steve Moffat (2.53) and Simon Cummins (4.08) who also did magnificently well in the London Marathon.

Kirby Stephen to Keswick Relay

Thought you might like an update of the Kirkby to Keswick relay that we did a few weeks ago. Four of us (Adele,Paul, Pauline and Jayne) set off 6.00am from Kirkby health centre. We ran exactly to plan ( apart from a me doing a bit of a hand stand about 7 miles in) arriving in Appleby 7.30am. We were met by my neighbour who'd volunteered to pick us up, we hot footed it to Brough for a well earned bacon buttie whilst Paul set off biking the next leg to penrith. The last person arrived in Keswick eventually at about 8.30pm. We raised a total of approx £800.00 for mountain rescue and the Calvert trust (I handed in £212.09 from Kirkby ). A good effort with all the physio staff in East cumbria working to represent the CSPs (chartered soc physio) move for health campaign. Thanks to Jayne and Pauline from Howgill Harriers for their support getting up so early and runnning just for fun!

Adele

Useful information:

Kirkby Stephen always meet at 6.30 on a Monday night and the location is noted on the website. Distances are varied dependent on peoples requirements. Any one is welcome!!!!

Sedbergh meet on a Thursday at 6.30 and do a speed session followed by a run. Any one is welcome whatever your ability!!!

Everyone needs to remember to get 5 championship races in to qualify. Only 3 remaining now!!!

For anyone wanting to take part in a biking session there is a few of the club members meeting on a Wednesday night at 6.30. Distance is usually between 25 and 30 miles.

Anyone wishing to take part in the Ian Hodgson or FRA relays needs to get in touch with Alex Birtles ( alexbirtles@aol.com ) so he knows how many teams we can get entered. -