Sandy Balls Training Camp Report

Friday 30th September - Sunday 2nd October, Sandy Balls

Zoe Smith Reports

After a hiatus of around 5 years, Charlie Dickinson decided that it was high time Belgrave left the big smoke behind and struck out for a weekend of fresh air.  Once word got out, this idea was a popular one.   Thus on Friday 30th September a motley crew began to amass at Sandy Balls, stood on the edge of the beautiful New Forest.  The sun shone brightly yet Saturday's forecast was fairly dire, however this didn't dampen spirits as the gang gratefully ate Mary Dickinson's delicious curry - transported all the way from Dickinson HQ in Clapham.

Saturday morning brought heavy rain and Alex Mackula, who'd hit the road early to join the gang.  The morning's session lay in the lovely woodland beneath Sandy Balls, in the curve of the River Avon.  It was the type of loop that usually provokes endless debate among running types over which footwear to wear.  Marked by leftover rice, the loop took us not once, but four or five times, around a path both stony, gravelly, wet and muddy.  However, after a great set of stretches led by our Belle and superstar PT Felicity Cole we were all ready and limber to take it on.

At some point the rain ceased and by the time we'd finished a mist of evaporation was slowly rising off the grass - perfect conditions for a short hard 3-runner relay!  In scenes reminiscent of secondary PE Charlie divided us up and off we went - racing as hard as we could down the woodland path.  Once finished we followed Fi's wise steps back uphill (who had identified a much quicker route to and fro!) and so filthy legged runners all we trailed back to our cabins before gathering for lunch at Charlie and Mary's cabin - Camp HQ.

On Saturday afternoon, we gathered in the grassy glade amongs the cabins to be put through our paces by Felicity in a series of really, really useful stretches and exercises which left us all shaking out heads and saying, I must do more of this!  The take home message was runners need strength and being consistent with an achievable set of exercises is something that will benefit us all.  After Flic's session, her other half, Gus, stepped up to deliver nutritional gems to an audience eager to do the right thing.   Having asked for particular areas of concern Gus set about helping us to see how we could make tweaks - or in some instances, massive changes! - to our nutrition which would make our guts more cooperative.  In summary: Soreen is the new junk food and we are all waiting for Samantha to circulate her awesome vegan flapjack recipe!  Hint, hint.

Saturday night saw Sally and Fiona - alongside many willing assistants - at the kitchen helm.  Camp HQ was warm, bright and buzzing as everyone ate, drank and chatted until a relatively early time at which we all headed to bed - mindful of the Sunday run!  Sunday broke with clear skies and with the size of gang attending it became obvious that different departure times, routes and distances could all be catered for.  By mid morning, we were all returning in waves, invigorated by the fresh air, sunshine, greenery and wildlife to be found moments outside camp.  By noon, most London bound folks were starting to grab bags and prepare for their journeys back - marking the close of a run-packed weekend!

This camp was made possible by the efforts of many individuals: first and foremost, Charlie and Mary Dickinson, with the generous support of the Belgrave Development Fund instigated by Bill Laws.  Unbeknownst to them, Felicity and Gus have now been recruited as our nutrition/strength training gurus - thanks, guys!  Last but not least, thanks to the tireless energy of Rose O'Brien, Fiona Maddocks and Sally Underhill who are all responsible for many positive changes that are enabling our club to thrive.  On a final note - thank you to everyone who came and took part with such enthusiasm - here's to a fantastic season and see you there next year!