Festive activities & race preview

Even though race season for most of us has finished, and despite the weather turning distinctly unpleasant, the numbers for swimming, track and cycling (both the Monday turbo and Sunday club rides) have remained strong. The strength of our club community (and commitment of our coaches to turn up in all matter of filthy conditions) has impressed our triallists so lots of new members to meet and welcome at our forthcoming end of year socials.

Race review and preview

Though a quieter time of year, we have two fabulous marathon results to celebrate from last weekend. Maria overcame injury (having only been given the go-ahead to run in midweek) to clock 3:34 in Valencia. Her rewards include guaranteed places for Berlin next year and London 2026. Scott decided not to travel to Valencia, but instead took on laps of Goodwood, clocking a PB of 2:48 (that’s sub- 4:00/km pace throughout).

Maria at Valencia

On the subject of marathons, through the efforts of Rob Hart in registering Thames Turbo as an England Athletics affiliated club, we have been awarded a club spot for next year’s London Marathon. We will have a draw for the place, from those who have registered with EA and are seeking a spot (significantly better odds than the main ballot). But big thanks owing to Rob on this.

I think Caoimhe’s visit to Battersea is a victim of the weather; whilst Billy will be sheltered as he heads to Birmingham for the National Indoor Rowing Champs, taking part in the 2km. The following weekend sees Gabbie move from Hyrox back to the monthly duathlon at Dorney. But eyes next weekend turn to New Zealand. My Strava feed has already started filling with friends arriving in preparation for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Taupo. Sophie 186 & Corin 2527 qualified at Vancouver Island and they’ll be joined by Megan 2031 and Kester 3363.

Social events

This Wednesday after track, we are holding another renegade Beer Mile in Radnor Gardens. 4 laps of 400m, each preceded by a drink (330ml min 5.0% ABV or 175ml Prosecco, 330ml fizzy soft drink – rules to be posted in Spond invite). Even if not intending to “race” or run at track, please come down to support and come to the Alexander Pope for more socialising after.  

Next Saturday (14th), we have our annual MOB match vs Ful-on-Tri. It’s a great social with Mulled Wine and Mince Pies with our friends afterwards; we’d love to have as many seniors, juniors and junior parents as possible. To count in the MOB match, you need to have Thames Turbo showing as your primary club; so in advance, go to Manage My Profile from a previous results email and choose Groups parkrun | Groups. This is a great opportunity to help advertise the club to a mass target audience (active folk who live close to Bushy), so let’s make a spectacle in our club kit.

Our final coached session of the year is at HOP on Thursday 19th. Conveniently this is a Thirsty Third Thursday and we have our usual area reserved in the Beech House for drinks after.

Weather dependant, we will also try to arrange both informal Santa rides (Windsor bun run on Sunday 22nd) and a Santa run (possibly post Parkrun, pre coffee on 21st).

Thanks – it’s been a great year. We’ve had so many fabulous results and achievements this season to celebrate; Christian and Jess at Torremolinos, Jess at Nice, James and Rob at Roth, our trio at Kona, the Windsor takeover, the whole team at Weymouth, hosts of qualifiers for Istanbul and Pamplona. And next year we can look forward to similar numbers at Roth, Mallorca and Hever.