| Archive for The Forum of Benfleet Running Club The online home for the best running club in Essex |
| Terry T |
Merit TableDon't those that took part in Death Race 2006,better known as the Southend 1/2 Marathon get extra points in the Merit Table? Should be at least +20pts.As it stands now ,I'm staring relegation to the Conference in the face! Beware those at the top,you might get promoted to the all conquering superstars that are known as SPRINGFIELD STRIDERS !!!!! Although with those shorts Godfrey, you should be safe! |
| Mike Mason |
Merit TableAllowance should be given for weighting the best looking male club member. I would like to nominate Mike Mason for this category. This is an anonymous posting as he would feel much embarrassed to hear of such things being said about him.................... |
| mikey |
Ref : Southend Half Marathon merit table points
There seams to be some confusion about the Southend merit table points. For some reason club members who took part seem to feel hard done by, due to the slow times they recorded, and so the low merit table points achieved for such a hard run ! There’s even been talk of “extraordinary circumstance” bonus points being allocated !! I feel these club runners are missing the point slightly, and really it’s the runners who didn’t take part that should be feeling hard done by !! Let me explain : If this was your first half marathon, you have posted an incredibly slow first time for the distance. Which given a half decent course and weather you should beat with ease the next time you run, giving you a massive merit table bonus !!! If the Southend half is the only half marathon you run this year, then this slow time will be carried forward as your start pb for next year ( you might even get 1% added if you’re a Vet ! ). Likewise the next time you run a half marathon you’re more than likely to set a massive merit table pb based on this slow start time !! Finally, if you run lots of races a year, you have nothing to worry about. the low score you recorded will be discounted, as only your best 6 scores count towards the final total !! As you can see by running the Southend half you certainly haven’t lost anything, and potentially you have everything to gain. If any members feel Southend Half runners should be penalized for trying to cheat the system, feel free to contact me Regards Mike |
| Karl C |
Not wanting to add any more confusion to this debate, BUT...
having run both the Southend Half and the Dartford Half, I think the Dartford Half was a lot hotter, hillier and another word starting with H (of which the word escapes me, at present) So IN CONCLUSION, I do believe that popular, and very worthy saying comes to mind: "face, bovvverrrred...!" 
|
| Karl C |
Mike, I assume this has nothing to do with the fact that you didn't run Southend Half, does it ?? |
| Pat M |
I think to end the debate we should add all the moaning minnies up, add all their times together, divide this by their total to give us an average time. Then take the slowest time, divide it by two and add it to the fastest time just for the hell of it. The guy in the middle's time just ignore as that's an average and we've covered that already. Take the time of day and subtract it from our time then compare that time to the fastest time on the day, and then swop them over giving every Benfleet runner an equal best time. Then diqualify them all from the merit table for cheating but more importantly for complaining about the best summer we've had in years! Go live in Iceland. |
| Karl C |
here's a simple answer=
+ 5 points if you ran the Southend Half Marathon + 5 points if you ran last month + 5 points if you ran this year - 5 points if you haven't run this year. - 5 points if you have pulled a sickie for the last 3 months on a "lame" excuse of broken bones. - 5 points if your name rhymes with cat. - 5 points if you live on an imaginary island and talk to birds and scarecrows. SORTED. |
| Terry T |
Blimey was only 'avin a laugh ,obviously some serious bunnies out there!
Anyway, thought about living in Iceland,but what happens when they shut at 5.30? At least Tesco's are 24hrs! |
| Karl C |
so that's why mum's go to Iceland ! |
| Mike Mason |
additional merit weighting for best looking runner not taking part in Southend half marathon must surely go to Mike Mason.
Again this is an anonymous posting. Mike is really very sensitive about his remarkable looks and prowess and does not like to have much said about either..... as I am sure it would only upset other less fortunate club runners |
| Pat M |
So let me see......
I didn't run Southend. (Not that silly.) 0 points. I didn't run last month. 0 points. I ran Jan and Feb this year. +5 points. - Points. I have run this year. (See above.) Haven't pulled a sickie for last three months but last five and a half. Patrick doesn't ryme with cat. And there's nothing imaginary about my Island. After all you mentioned it so it must be real. So I make that +5 points. 
|
| mikey |
Reading the last few posts, it seems to me that only the residents of Hockley (God’s Own Running Country) are making any sense at all.
From now on only views from “Gods Own Running Country” will be given any credibility. All other comments will be treated with the skepticism they deserve, and if you live on an island whether real or imaginary, you can forget it ! Remember, the club is running an excursion to “GORC” on Thursday 10th August . Come see what you’ve been missing Unfortunately , only runners processing exceptional good looks and running ability will be allowed to stay. Everyone else will be escorted to the parish boundary and asked to leave. ( Sorry it’s the Law !! ) |
| debbie g |
Having looked at the posts on this thread I feel compelled to contribute. I agree with Terry credit must be given to those long sufferers at the Southend Half. I didn't do it and damn glad I am that I didn't. I take my hat off to you (I borrowed a yellow one from Karl and removal is the best thing you can do with a hat like that).
Anyway as probably the only other person (apart from Mikey) who can actually work out the merit table scores I'm qualified to comment. I'm not sure Andy K has forgiven me for running a Boxing Day 5 miler for a PB just so I could beat him to 1st place on the last possible race of the year (sorry Andy). And Andy's from GORC Mikey. This makes me confident that MJ is totally unbiased and fair in his calculation of merit table standings (it has nothing to do with the fact that I've won it twice...) Anyway who is this handsome chap you mention Mike? Where can I meet him? Does he have any more flavours of gels??!! |
| mikey |
Hi Debbie
Actually Andy is from Hullbridge ……. Sometimes referred to as “Lower Hockley” !! It’s true Hullbridge used to be associated with the praish of Hockley. Back in the times when it was only a collection of mud huts and un-made roads ( Not so long ago ). But these days we’re severed links, which works well from both sides. The Hullbridge posse, never really liked being lorded over by the sophisticated residents living at the top of the hill, and we never liked the smell ( coming up from the river ! ). Anyway its all water under the bridge ( if it was still there ! ) Aren’t we getting a bit of the Merit Table track ? And what’s this about gels ? |
| Karl C |
gels...you know....ladies, women of the opposite persuasion, gels !
do you have them in Hockley ? maybe they can't make it up the hill with all the shopping ? and yes - can we please keep this thread just for slagging off the so-unfair Merit Table. (don't forget the important race of the year - the rayleigh 3.45 miler - it's a classic and it might just be a PB for me this year) |
| debbie g |
I beg your pardon Karl, who said MJ's merit table is unfair?
Anyway gels are those things you need to get PB's on half marathons. Maybe you should try some, Mike M has a delicious and varied selection. Never knew endurance running could be such fun, now which flavour next...?? (Sorry for the confusion Mikey gel reference was to Mike M !!) But back to the very fair Merit Table.... |
| mikey |
Mike M …. Are you sure ?
I’m gutted Enough about these gels and gels ….. Back to the Merit table It’s so un-fair …. How comes I never get anywhere ? I started off as a FB ( Full Bodied ) Runner, now I’m an Ironman !! Surly that should count for something ? |
| Mike Mason |
Yes I have tasty gels..off for a week in Sunny Scotland - see you all soon. Debbie I take it you liked the strawberry Carboom.....lovelyrgds Mike |
| debbie g |
Enjoy Scotland Mike, try not to under-dress!
I hear Scotland is at least a 3 fleece place. Sorry Mikey but if you'd offered me your gels...!! |
| Ernie |
Who wants to talk about the Merit Table when Gels are so much more interesting. I like the Peppermint ones but I must confess I do partake in just about every flavour imaginable. And yes we do have Gels in Hockley Karl ! in fact Hockley could be right up there with the Great Gel Centres of the World. Here in Hockley we love and cherish our Gels. Whats your favourite flavour ? |
| Karl C |
oh please, who are you kidding. Gels in Hockley ! Ha !
You will be saying you've got electricity next. 
|
| mikey |
Karl , Karl …. What have I told you about questioning the word of a Hockley resident ?
It’s clear that Ernie’s word as a resident of “Gods Own Running Country” should be taken as the gospel truth. Do I detect a touch of the green eyed monster in you ? I notice you live in Rayliegh, another of Hockley’s satellite settlements , so close and yet so far, you could say. Close enough to run into the promised land, but still having to return to your humble dwellings when the sun sets …. Must be so frustrating for you. But enough of this idle chatter Is there know one with a merit table gripe …… Surly it can’t be a prefect format ? Or is it ? |
| Karl C |
back to gels -
my favourite at the moment is Alberto V05 Extreme Style Gel Wax for hair - New 75ml VO5 Gel Wax combines the hold of a gel without the crustiness, and the shaping of a wax without the greasiness, to create the most extreme lasting styles. - Long lasting firm hold - To shape, mould and hold - Adds definition - Not crusty, washes out easily |
| Karl C |
I don't do crustiness |
| Pat M |
And you say Muldoon's Island is 'fantasy land'. |
| Karl C |
I did a training run up Hockley Hill into Hockley one Wednesday -
but it was shut - or maybe they had run out of 50p's for the meter ! |
| mikey |
Hi Karl
Running into Hockley again The lure of milk and honey to much for you ? Sorry we appeared to be shut , could be the Hockley style police saw you coming, and warned the residents in advance ! There’s a time and a place for gel, best you only wear it in the suburbs from now on Regards Coach |
| Karl C |
Yep, sorry.
Have tried to drag Hockley into the new millenium, but to no avail. Stick with your Brylcream and Brut aftershave, see if I care ! Bet you have plain coloured shorts aswell. |
| mikey |
I think you’re find “GORC” shorts are multi-facetted, just like the personalities of their owners !!
Yes, it’s true the Burberry revolution does seam to have passed Hockley by ….. Some say it’s a shame ( But they tend to come from the suburbs ! ) Classic style never goes out of fashion, check out the club photo gallery if you don’t believe me. Anyway, I’m about to refresh the merit table …. Excitement is almost unbearable …. |
| Karl C |
A spa was established at Hockley after 1838, when a Mrs Clay claimed that she had been cured of asthma by a well in her garden. A pump-room and a hotel were built in 1843, but spas were already becoming outmoded. The hotel gradually gained a low reputation, and it was where the village poor came to collect their dole.... 12 12 ........
Lord Rayleigh - The Nobel Prize in Physics 1904 and Barbara Windsors' Mum used to live in Rayleigh. 
need I say more ? |
| Karl C |
and DAVID ESSEX ! |
| mikey |
Barbara Windsors' Mum ! ......... you don't say !!
Have to admit I never knew that ..... But somehow it makes sense ! Anyway, back to the serious stuff The Latest Merit Table Update is now online Check out your current standing I'll be bringing the latest results down the club (if you want to challenge anything ) As always, more than happy to include any missed results etc |
| Stevie |
Does this include the Little Havens 5km from Sunday ?
It does not appear that I have gained any further points, and before I get a remark from Pat I did get a PB but not the time I was aiming for 
|
| Steffan |
Yes mikey, I got a pb by 2 mins and 10 seconds at little havens for a 5k, its all to play for now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
muhahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| Stevie |
Dont give Steff any points, he must have taken a short cut
|
| Steffan |
LOL 
|
| mikey |
Both Karl and I have been trying to get the results off the web all day !
I know they're there, because I've seen them !! Don't print them off as was a little busy (work etc),but haven’t been able to log on since due to heavy traffic using the site ! As soon as results available, will update ...... Don't panic |
| Steffan |
The site is working now....................QUICK! |
| mikey |
Got Them !!!
Didn't we do well Will pass onto karl if he's not as quick off the mark and will certainly think about updating merit table If I get a moment between writing magazine articles !! |
| Graham |
Very impressive Stef. What did you do...walk it last year?
I've just checked your time, a superb run, but how could you let coach beat you on the line? Next time eh? He's going down. |
| Steffan |
I left my lungs back at the 3k mark!
Racing 5k = a whole new world of pain!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| debbie g |
On the subject of the Merit Table congrats to both Steve and Steffan on your PB's. Steff your time was awesome, do you think you've got your coach worried as you were breathing down his neck at the finish?! Sorry you didn't quite make the top 10 but 16th is pretty amazing. Next time I expect you to beat Ronnie O'Sullivan though!
There is a piece in the Echo today (sadly not the piece I sent to them last night as someone from the organisers beat me to it) and I believe I can see you Steff in the photo near the front of the field. Looks like you tied Ian's legs together...
I hope to get us a mention on BBC Essex tomorrow worth a listen at 7.45 and 8.45 am. |
| Karl C |
too late - sorry
http://www.benfleetrunningclub.com/results.htm (101 !!) |
| Steffan |
Debbie, thanks for that post.
I'm going to phone round friends and family that get the Echo to see if I can get hold of the review! I missed it! Ronnie O'sullivan = the fastest snooker player I've ever seen! |
| mikey |
Latest Merit Table Update :
After a strong turnout at the "Little Havens 5k", we have 2 new entries in the MT top 5. Congratulations to Michael Godman, jumping into 3rd spot, with Steve Dear right behind him in 4th. Debbie S and Phil are still hanging onto the top spots, but for how long ? Everyone in the top 5 should be looking over their shoulders at Stefan and Val, who are both putting together impressive set’s of results |
| Stevie |
Cheers Mike, I've got alot of work to do to try and finish in the top 3
I'm not worried about Steff catching me up as his little havens 5km time wasnt that good
, but Val is running very well at the moment and I feel that she will be at the top before too long |
| mikey |
Think you might be right Steve
She’s running 4 Merit Table PB’s out of 4 at the moment ….. Can’t do better than that ( No pressure Val , but you still need to post 2 more good results ) Remember Steve, its your best 6 results that count, so you’re still in a strong position if you can replace your weak results with PB’s !! Steff’s in the same boat as you ….. You need to get out there and perform |
| Steffan |
Oooooooooooooooohhhhh the gauntlet has been well and truly put down eh Stevie!!!!! |
| Steffan |
Looks like its all change again, more p.bs taken down this weekend in a big way!
Well done Steve, I bet your still smiling!!!!!!  icon_biggrin.gif" alt="Very Happy" border="0" />
|
| Stevie |
hee hee Iam indeed mate, well happy with todays race, been smiling all day
|
| Graham |
7 mins off me 10 mile PB on Sunday. What I really need is for Mike to include Tri times....well Mr Jordan? |
| Stevie |
Nice one Graham, and you were proberly on the beers Sat afternoon
|
| Steffan |
Fantastic time that Graham, looks like we are all on the way up that table! |
| Terry T |
874 views and I started it all,as Roy Castle would have said 'It's a record breaker!!!'.
Please can I have some more points-its lonely at the bottom. 
|
| mikey |
Latest Merit Table Results posted to Karl
With a strong PB from Stephan, but an even stronger PB from Steve Dear at the Barking Park 5k. Both are now within striking distance of top spot. However, a massive PB at the Mersea 10 for Graham Booty, has put him in a really strong position for overall glory. With Val still sitting on 4 PB’s, expect a major reshuffle after the Ingatestone 5 and Southend 10k races !! All still to play for ...... Get out there and RACE |
| mikey |
Canvey 5k
Congratulations to all that ran the 5k race ….. See Karl’s results page Unfortunately I can’t put the results into the merit table I’ve just been in touch with the course measurer . He has confirmed that as the race was over 50% off road, he can’t officially guarantee the race distance as being accurate. Therefore, with regret we won’t be able to add these results into the merit table. But don’t fret, still plenty of race opportunities before the end of the season And off course congratulations to everyone who had the foresight to choose the 10k, which is merit table eligible. |
| admin |
hurrah for the 10k ! |
| mikey |
All Change At The Top
Two good results from Steff has propelled him to top spot Graham has come from nowhere to take 2nd Both can improve their totals over the next few months With Phil injured, Val and Steve Dear not racing, who knows what's going to happen !!! Get out there ..... And Race |
| Stevie |
I know I havent been here for a couple of weeks but that dosent mean everybody can come along and start knocking me back down the merit table - Damn you Steff
Just got back from a 9 hour flight so I think I will skip the session tonight but I will be back on the track on Sat to get some hard work in to get back in the top 3 of the merit table
|
| mikey |
Hi Steve
Only top 3 !!!! ...... That's a bit defeatist isn't it Though to be fair Graham and Steff are going really well at the moment Probably right in thinking, you haven’t got it in you to challenge for top stop Regards Controversial Mike |
| Steffan |
Yipppppeeeeee!
Welcome back Steve, hope you had a nice holiday mate. I've been struck down with yet another bug and havn't run since Ingatestone.
Now I have that top spot, I'm going out of my mind trying to shake this off and keep it that way! Nightmare! Watch Graham and Steve Drummond though, they are totaly flying at the moment.......... |
| Stevie |
Hi Mate, cheers, had a good break and didnt do any running at all
I know Graham, Steve Drum, Des and others are bound to finish in front of me, I just like a goal to aim for even if it is abit unrealistic as you and they are alot better than me, still I'm getting there slowly
I just wish I hadnt ran so hard last year now - lol Sorry to hear you have a bug again Steff, still just stop improving all the time and give me a chance will you - hee hee
Hi Mike, dont think I will be able to get the big points together now, as I will only be running 10km's mainly and I cant seem to get these 23 points like the others seem to get. Still I will battle on and see where I end up, hopefully in the top 3
|
| Steffan |
As they say mate......
"It aint over 'till it's over"! |
| Steffan |
After Southend 10k............
ooooooh it's getting close! |
| Stevie |
lol
might not do any more races this year and concentrate on next year now
|
| mikey |
Stop Press .... Latest Merit Table Results Now In
(Up to and inculding Billericay 10k) Lorri Pilling On The Pressure Congratulations to Steff, for being the first member (this year), to post 6 Merit Table PB’s But are his day’s numbered in top spot ? Strong late season running from Lorri has seen her storm into 2nd place Surly only one good race will see her topple Steff ….. Or will it ? Last Merit Table Races on New Years Day To find out who wins Go to the club presentation night !! |
| mikey |
Bonus Post
I've just added in the Stebbing 10 results A one second PB by Debbie Smith has put her within a whisker of 3rd spot Will Graham hold on for the next 6 weeks ? Do either of them have one last decisive race in them ? Find out at the Presentation Night |
| Steffan |
This is getting stressful!
|
| mikey |
Hi Graham
Found your 2005 Chelmsford 10k result : 71 0:38:16 BOOTY, Graham Benfleet 432 77 Will update MT ASAP Unfortunately you will have to wait until the presentation night to see what effect it's had !! Mike |
| Mike Mason |
Is this the right post for bringing up the subject of Mike Mason and the clubs recognition of his valuable contribution since joining. He reminds me of how he was shunned like a social leper when he first joined...but that now a few people talk to him asking things like 'who are you?, are you from Springfield etc.' Surely he deserves a special merit......
Again this is an anonymous posting. Mike is really very sensitive about his remarkable looks and prowess and does not like to have much said about either..... as I am sure it would only upset other less fortunate club runners rgds Anon |
| Karl C |
who is this freak...? |
| spokey42 |
I'd vote for Mike Mason. I think he's an honest, intelligent, likeable guy. I also need to borrow some money.
I also think Caroline is very trim. |
| jacklarge |
I second (or is it third) Mike M's need for recognition. He is a Mr Kipling to the rest of the clubs mere unbranded 'basic' biscuit status.
"We're not worthy" Cheers, John Only runs... off at the mouth (now). |
| Steffan |
Update, update, update...........
The tension!!!!!
|
| Lorri |
Excuse me, but what tension!!!! LOL
|
| Steffan |
Ha, ha!
Hiya Lorri, can you stop racing now!!!
|
| Graham |
Next update...presentation night. Ooh, the tension must be killing you both. |
| Lorri |
don't worry stef, I've only got 3 more races left...lol
|
| Steffan |
3 MORE???!!!!!!
You best make some room on your mantlepiece then haha! |
| Lee O |
I think Steff is getting worried!!!!
Betting Odds anyone??? |
| Lorri |
Breathe easy Stef as I missed my 5m PB by a minute as it was a tough course. I might just see you at the Witham 5, if you are going for a PB and you want me to pace you, you only need to ask!!!!
P.S what do you mean mantlepiece, I have a trophy room!!!
|
| Lee O |
Unlucky Lorri, I look forward to our presentation night!! |
| Steffan |
Witham 5 = santa hat, guiness and mince pies!
icon_biggrin.gif" alt="Very Happy" border="0" />
|
| Stevie |
Sounds damn good, looking forward to this one
|
| Stress Head |
And after Sundays results I'd say the tensions even greater!!
Steve you may have gone up to 2nd!! Lorri has another race to do yet - 'Girl Power' !! |
| Steffan |
and I got a place in London 07!
|
| Lee O |
Yet another Run By Lorri, Mmm it could be ALL OVER NOW!!!!
|
| Steffan |
Thats that then!
May I be the first to congratulate Lorri on some great running this year, well deserved. Steve Dear, top man, keep it up for 2007. Enjoyed the competition this year, not a snowflakes chance in hell of me getting close to the top next year but well done all of you, so many p.b's posted in 2006...........2007 gets harder!!!! icon_biggrin.gif" alt="Very Happy" border="0" />
|
| Stevie |
It was alot tougher than I thought to get to the top of the merit table
Next year though
Yes well done Lorri and well done everybody that got PBs this year. Maybe there should be a Female and Male Merit table
|
| Lorri |
Thanks for all your kind comments everyone.
I quite agree with you Steve, I believe that there should be different catagories for the merit table. Maybe one for newcomers or speed related catagories. This way it is more fair for the quicker runners for whom it is harder to make big improvements. |
| Stress Head |
Congrats Lorri, well done mate.
Think I'm gonna start drinking beer!!!!!
|
| Andy F |
There must be something in the beer drinking, Lorri has managed 3 P.B's this week. 5k 2mins off, 5 mile 2 mins off and 10 Mile 5 mins off. Excellent stuff!
I'll drink to that. Happy New Year to all at the club Andy |
| mikey |
Hi Andy
Sounds like Lorri is taking last minute racing to new extremes, 3 races in the last week of the MT ! .... and all PB's !!! I've got the Serpentine 5k, and Witham 5M already factored into the final results. What was the 10M race ? ... Get the results off to Karl ASAP so I can tidy up the lose ends. Lorri With regard to different categories within the MT .... Afraid that’s not possible, as there can only be one "most improved runner of the year". That’s what the MT is all about, everyone in the same boat, same chance for everyone. The contenders tend to be the runners who have made a real break though during the year. looking at your opposition for top spot, Steff , Graham, Steve Dear, Chris , and Andy !!! looks like the faster runners in the club have also done really well this year. How well we're have to wait until the presentation night ! Have been giving some thought to a speed based competition for the elite runners in the club. We do have the "Challenge Cup" at the moment, run over the 5 most popular local races (one for each MT distance). Have been thinking about expanding this into a proper league. Will think about it before the start of the next season, the main problem in my mind being the limited appeal within the club, as only 10 or so runners would be in contention though out the year. We have a committee meeting on the 10th ..... Anyone with any ideas, I'll happily put them forward then. Mike |
| Andy F |
Hi Mike
The 10 mile race was the Buntingford Year End 10 on New years eve, I will send Karl the results as soon as they are available. All the Best and Happy New Year Andy |
| Lee O |
Well Done Lorri, true dedication to fit all those final Races..Brilliant..
Once Again, Well Done...Drinks Are On YOU Then??? icon_biggrin.gif" alt="Very Happy" border="0" />
Lee |
| Steffan |
Mike, I think an update could well be on the horizon???!!!! |
| Anna Spanner |
marathons....Stef, if my memory serves me correctly....MARATHONS do not count in the merit table! sorry hun! heheheeeee!!!so you need to stop doing marathon PBs and start doing some normal length races mr speedy! |
| Steffan |
Anna, normal and me in the same sentence? Oh please!!!!!! haha! |
| Anna Spanner |
oo er!! interesting..... |
| Kirstefitbird |
Well you are normal in some areas Stef and extraordinary in others
|