A party of ten set off from Hayes in the early hours of Friday 19th October for the EasyJet flight from Gatwick for Geneva. Our tour operator (Brian Matthews) had some news regarding our hotel booking at the Albatross Navigation; it appears that they had a late booking for a party of fifteen, which meant that they had to upgrade us. Well following check in it appeared the only one to miss out on the upgrade was Pam & Brian. The hotel was superbly sited as it was close to the race finish and the White Horse pub, not far from the Marathon and ¼ Marathon start. After settling in at the hotel we made our presence known at the White Hart pub, the waitress had very little understanding of English and we were no better at French, but needless to say we managed to get our fill of drink and excellent food.
On Saturday we decided on a boat trip on Lake Geneva, Jacqui put on a brave face even without the aid of life jacket, but made sure that she was seated as near the middle of the boat as possible. The boat departed from the quay at Ouchy which is the location of the finish of all the races. Much to the dismay of Jacqui and Maggie the trip followed the lake side all the way to La Tour-de-Peilz, which was the start of the ½ marathon and the turn round point of the marathon, and I must admit it did seem a very long way. The day was finished off with the usual Pasta party at the race headquarters, which was also directly opposite our hotel, and another visit to the White Horse pub.
Sunday morning started with a bit of a disappointment, as breakfast time at the hotel was chaotic, as it seemed that they had fed the proverbial ten thousand. We all made our way to watch the start of the Marathon, I am sure Michelle would have been quite excited as they had the local Fire engine there with the ladder fully extended from which they filmed the start. Bill Hart and Pam Swadling set off at 10:45 on their ¼ marathon run. Being Bill’s first time to Lausanne he was very pleased by the support and atmosphere along the route, and more so by his time of 1:03:13, Pam was equally pleased to finish in 1:06:22. Both had finished their race long before the rest of us had started the ½ marathon. Pam, Jacquie, Tony and I were able to take advantage of the good weather by travelling on the train dressed ready to start our run. We had enough time to watch the marathon runners turn round for their return leg before the start of our race at 1:30pm. The route was in constant sight of the lake which made a fantastic backdrop, it was a rolling course, though Jacqui would argue it was hilly, there was no fewer than 10 musical bands and a multitude of supporters along the route, all of which made it a memorable occasion. (Paul Evans) Finishing times: Paul Evans 2:04:06 Margaret Newman 2:11:09 Tony Newman 2:05:17 Jacqui Howell 2:29:45 |
Lausanne Marathon 2005
Sunday 23 October
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Would you believe it beavers 2002 metres up a mountain. |
(Click on thumbnails for larger picture.) |
A Friday afternoon flight from Luton to Geneva was the starting point for our group of six travelling to Switzerland for the Lausanne Marathon events. We arrived at Geneva late afternoon and duly travelled on to Lausanne by rail. Our accommodation at the Jeunotel was reached as dusk fell, not a long journey by any means, but all the same it left us seeking refreshment. After settling into our rooms we headed for our favoured watering hole, the White Horse Pub at Ouchy, arriving rather conveniently at the start of “Happy Hour”. With two drinks for the price of one, it was a very happy hour indeed. Needless to say we all had an enjoyable evening.
After breakfast on Saturday morning we decided to once again make an excursion to Rochers de Naye. The peak of Rochers de Naye is some 2002 metres above sea level and overlooks the town of Montreaux and offers splendid views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding alpine mountains. The peak is reached by travelling up the mountain by a single track cog railway which takes about 45 minutes. The weather and temperature change dramatically as the train winds its way up to the peak. Unfortunately no snow this year, instead we were greeted by a fiercely cold and biting wind. We were up with the gods and it was obvious that some of them were not too happy at this time. Never the less it has to be said that the views were spectacular and the trip was well worth making. As the train made its descent the weather again changed and we arrived back at Montreaux to be bathed in warm autumn sunshine, the gods were smiling on us again. We journeyed back to Lausanne arriving in time to register for the race and to collect running numbers. The evening was spent attending the events pasta party and by having the obligatory drink in the White Horse. The runners amongst us decided upon an early night to prepare for the exertions of the following day. As we said our goodnights and walked out of the door the landlord announced “Happy Hour”. The gods were now “ havin a larf ” at our expense.
We awoke on race day to the sound of torrential rain, after 6 years of near perfect running conditions on race day, the weather gods had finally deserted us. We were all soaked to the skin before even reaching the start line. The marathon started in torrential rain, thankfully for our participants, the rain eased of some 45 minutes later for the start of the quarter marathon. Paul Evans, Jacquie Howell and Pam Swadling were our club representatives this year. Paul led the way completing the 6.5 mile course in 56:57, followed by Jacquie in 63:41. Pam usually has a good run at this event and this year proved not to be the exception for her with a 65:13 clocking. Due to the poor weather conditions, the after race activities were not as such as those in previous years, with a swift return to the hotel and a hot shower being the order of the day. In the evening we returned once again to the White Horse for our celebration dinner, alas once again no “Happy Hour”. After a late breakfast on Monday morning, it was time to pack our bags and head for home. The weather had changed for the better and as we had a few hours to kill we made our way back to Geneva for some sightseeing. We sat by the lake, near to the fountain, in glorious autumn sunshine, the gods were smiling on us once again, too late we would soon be heading back home to a rainy Luton.
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Lausanne Marathon 2003
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Sunday 26 October 2003
The Saga Louts made their annual pilgrimage to Lausanne last weekend. Joining us this year, once again, was Ian Robinson and his family. Ian is still a mere Vet 40 and is therefore classified as an apprentice Saga Lout and still has much to learn in the coming years before acquiring " Full Lout " status. Ian hopefully learnt a valuable lesson on this trip, but more of that later.
The foul weather which had been forecast never materialised and we were able to enjoy bright, sunny if somewhat cold days. The pre-race excursion this year took us up to Rocher de Naye. We travelled by a cog driven railway train, up through the snow line and then through the clouds to an altitude of 2045 metres above sea level, ideal for some altitude training you may think. Not so, as we arrived at the summit we were greeted by snow, lots of it, 12 inches deep in fact. The scenery and views across the Swiss Alps was stunning making the trip the highlight of our weekend.
We awoke on race day to a bright, cold and frosty morning, ideal weather for running. We met up with Ian and his family at the Place du Milan where the marathon and the quarter marathon both start. At 10:05 Ian and 1734 other runners in the marathon started their journey out along the coastline of Lake Geneva to the town of Le Tour de Peliz where they turn and run back along the same route to the finish. At half way Ian tells us he was 5 minutes ahead of his planned schedule and thoughts of a PB were entering his head. The return leg was into a chilly breeze which proved to be Ian’s nemesis, at 38 kilometres the cold had got into Ian’s legs and he started to cramp and slow down. Ian looked good and appeared to be running easily as he approached the finish line, but alas the chance of a PB had gone and he finished in a very creditable 3 hrs 45 mins. WELL RUN IAN
The rest of us lined up some 40 minutes later for the start of the Quarter Marathon which runs out along the same route as the full marathon turning back at the town of Lutry. There is something about this race which seems to bring out the best in our ladies. Margaret Newman smashed her PB by passing the 10k point in 53:14 before going on to complete the 10.55 km course in 56:09, finishing alongside husband Tony. Pam Swadling was also near to a PB. passing 10k in 57:20 and finishing the full distance in 60:30. Paul Evans and I were the other HHRR runners in a field of 1710. Paul finished in 51:54 and I clocked 49:33. All in all a great weekend, we invite you all to join us in 2004.
Oh sorry, I almost forgot to tell you about Ian’s learned lesson. On Saturday night Ian went to bed at 10 pm, didn’t have a drink, ran 26.2 miles the next morning and was rewarded with a goodie bag and a medal. The Saga Louts went to bed at about midnight, lost count of the number of beers drank in the White Horse Pub, ran 6.55 miles and were rewarded with exactly the same goodie bag and medal as Ian. It’s a hard lesson to learn but " EXPERIENCE COMES WITH AGE" as they say. (Brian Matthews)
Here come the excuses...
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Last year having failed to even reach the start line of the Quarter Marathon, I made the now infamous promise that I would return in 2003 and run the Full Marathon. Well at 10:05 on Sunday morning there I was standing in the Place du Milan wondering just how many beers I must have sunk to make such a rash commitment. Despite wearing every ounce of thermal gear I had brought with me I was shivering from the cold contemplating 42km of icy blasts. The piercingly bright sun failed to lift my sagging spirits but did cause me to wear sunglasses under the bobble hat, possibly starting a new fashion trend judging by the curious looks my ensemble attracted. |
To cut an otherwise long story short I can confirm Brian's account to be accurate; I did pass through 21km some 5 minutes ahead of schedule and on course for a sub 3:30 PB. However this wasn't the result of a secret training regime in the highlands of Kenya, simply the desire to get out of the cold as quickly as possible. Up until 33km all went well and I had convinced myself this was going to be the defining moment in my Marathon running career, but that was the last of the sub 5 minute kilometres and as my watch testifies each subsequent split got progressively longer. By 38km I suffered a cramp and in the calf and stopping to stretch it out caused the opposing quad to spasm. The rest as they say is history, however I would have accepted 3:45 if offered it the Place du Milan.
Once rested after the race and with a beer in hand I resisted the urge to do an Arnie and proclaim "I'll be back", but if I do return (please note the if) it's got to be for the Full Marathon once again because it is a tremendous event which now owes me. (Ian Robinson)
As for last year...
Sunday 20 October 2002
This year's trip to Lausanne was again a great success. The torrential rain which greeted us on our arrival in Switzerland, had cleared by the morning of the race, providing us with ideal running conditions.
I had my best run for many a day, completing the 6.55 mile Quarter Marathon distance in 44:13. Paul Evans, Pam Swadling, Tony and Margaret Newman ran together for the best part of the race, their blue and orange colours looking impressive en bloc. Towards the end of the race Margaret pulled away and finished in front of the group in a time of 57:51, Tony however dropped of the pace and finished in 59:06. The performance of the day however belonged to Pam Swadling. Running with Paul Evans, Pam smashed her 10k PB by some 4 minutes on her way to a 58:40 clocking, crossing the line just in front of Paul. Thomas and David Robinson both ran in the juniors race, finishing in 19:45 and 20:28 respectively.
Plans are already being made for next years trip on 26th October 2003, when special attention will be paid to the performance of Ian Robinson, a non starter this year. In a moment of alcohol induced bravado at our celebration dinner, Ian declared that next year he will be running the ½ Marathon if not the Full Marathon distance. Brave or foolish words indeed, we shall see !!!!!!! (Brian Matthews)
And as if that wasn't enough:
What a difference a year makes! If 2001 was notable for its warm, balmy weather, 2002 will be remembered for snow on the mountain tops, a definite chill in the air and heavy rain the days immediately before and after the race. Mercifully, Sunday dawned with blue skies and moderate temperatures - perfect conditions for running a Marathon. So it was a little unfortunate that I wasn't actually running...
Two years ago I would have run the Full Marathon if I hadn't already been committed to Dublin, last year I did run the Half Marathon and this year I had intended to run the Quarter Marathon. That's the good thing about Lausanne; it combines three separate races into one big event. The bad thing about Lausanne is that it reminds people like me of their decline from elite to obsolete in annual installments.
My reason for not running at all was the practicality of looking after two fourteen year old sons who were competing in the Mini Marathon. Their event started 45 minutes after the Quarter Marathon and being a point to point race with no baggage transfer arrangements would have entailed a long cold wait. Add to that the fact that they speak German not French, there was a chance that they would have missed the start amidst the confusion. So I fulfilled my paternal duty; missed my race, warmed them up, acted as translator and carried the bags. Admittedly as excuses go, its pretty feeble, but next year, if I do return, it will be for a longer distance than the Quarter and the kids can fend for themselves. (Ian Robinson)
As for the year before...
Sunday 21 October 2001
The event consisted of four races; a Quarter, Half and Full Marathon, plus 4K fun run. This proved ideal for a club outing offering a range of distances for all.
Not surprisingly the Full Marathon was the premier event attracting 1,500 entrants including no less than 400 Canadians from the Joints in Motion arthritis charity. The out and back race started in the Place de Milan and followed the lakeside to La Tour de-Peilz before doubling back. The was a good quality field at the sharp end with Ethiopian Tesfaye Eticha winning in a new course record of 2:12:38
The Half Marathon included a free train ride for all 1,600 competitors to the start at La Tour de-Peilz and followed the same route as the Marathon back to Lausanne. The rail line runs parallel with the road most of the way allowing participants the chance to cheer on the Marathon runners. With nearly three hours between the two races there was little chance of the fast Half Marathoner’s being hindered by the main race although several terminal stragglers were eventually overhauled.
The Quarter Marathon (10.55 km) starts at the same venue as the full Marathon, following the same route for 5K before doubling back. The finish is common to all three races and includes a nice downhill about 1K from home then a flat straight – ideal for a sprint finish assuming you’ve got anything left.
Any concerns about running in the Alps were soon dispelled. At only 400 metres above sea level the change in altitude wasn’t perceptible. The route alongside the Lake is relatively flat with only a few gradual climbs and the weather was warm and sunny almost all of our stay. As our times indicated, not all of us responded well to the big race atmosphere. Perhaps it was something to do with the very large cheese fondue and bottle of wine consumed for lunch on the trip to Gruyere the day before.
The organisation predictably went like clockwork and when schoolboy French failed us there was always someone around who spoke English. The pre-race goodie bags were amply stocked even if the T-shirts were an unusual shade of beige. As someone commented; "I’ve never had a new shirt this colour, but I’ve got quite a few that are starting to look like it!"
If you are into mass warm ups and warm downs this event will not disappoint as coached sessions took place before and after each race. The pasta party was average – the food was fair, the entertainment awful and the queue long, but then we were unfortunate to arrive just after the 400 enthusiastic and apparently ravenous Canadians
Switzerland doesn’t have to be expensive. We flew EasyJet to Geneva, took the train to Lausanne and stayed in the International Youth Hostel for three nights at a total cost of £160 each including race entry. Food, drink and incidentals set us back another £100 and we didn’t skimp on the beers (although Paul and Dot Evans probably spilt more than they drank). Will we go back next year? You bet!