Class of 2024
There is always a lot to celebrate at Foxy Ladies with so many inspiring women in our club, we do like to make a fuss of our marathon runners and this year is no exception. With seven members taking on Brighton and a whopping ten in the London Marathon, we believe it’s an absolute bumper year for us and defiantly worth a mention.
Wet n wintery training
So many of our ladies battled through a very wet winter in their bid to get all their necessary training done. Some missed weeks due to injury or illness, but soon bounced back and were back on plan or altered their existing one as required. What was wonderful to witness (and is ever present in our club) was the magnitude of support for the ladies, both during their training runs and then in attending various fundraising events for the charities that some of the ladies organised. The fundraising amount required by charities is quite high these days, so the ladies had to work hard on different events to raise the money for their race place and chosen charity.
First Timers
We had lots of first-time marathon runners at both events, but you wouldn’t have noticed as they efficiently executed their lap of glory to collect that all important medals. Smiles all round from our runners, some stopping for much needed hugs and supplies and others cracking on against the clock. They were all truly amazing and no doubt have already inspired next year’s entrants amongst the club.
Supporters
Again, the support at both races, from the rest of the Foxy members was phenomenal, turning out in their groups in the cold wind (that was present on both the big races) to cheer on their friends, ring bells and provide snacks and hugs as required. Some members ran over to Brighton to support and tick off another training run at the same time, we also had our usual cycle support crew go over. Messages of support were sent, cards and gifts given and lots of love was sent their way on the day. With many ladies supporting from home by watching the tracking app and tuning in on the telly to capture the moment they crossed the line.
Keeping up the tradition
It is always a Foxy tradition to meet up the next day at Sea Lane Cafe for a cuppa or breakfast to celebrate our Marathon legends and to see their medals and hear their stories and of course capture the famous beach shot! Well done to all our marvellous marathoners!
Foxy classic
We also celebrated Leah Simms collecting her classics medal after the London Marathon. To get this whopper of a medal, Leah also had to endure the “Ride London 100” mile bike ride and the “Swim the Serpentine” 2-mile river swim! She’s one tough cookie and brilliant at all three disciplines, she regularly takes part in triathlons as well as coaching triathletes. Congratulations Leah what a mega medal!
Ultra distances achieved
From road marathons to Ultra trail marathons. Amy Perry one of our supreme Ultra distance runners, quietly took on the South Downs Way 50-mile challenge just a couple of weeks ago. This mammoth run was from Worthing to Eastbourne with lots of hills along the way. Amy had been packing in training around work and family life often running long distances back-to-back in preparation. She has now also invested in some poles after seeing other runners have success with them in other ultra events. Amy was worried about making the 13-hour cut off time but came in with plenty of time to spare, true testament to all her training and prep. This is Amy’s longest run to date, but I am not sure it is her last. Way to go Amy this is an outstanding achievement.
Off to the seaside
A gorgeous sunny day saw five foxes take on the Ultraviolet “Run to the Sea” 50km https://www.ultravioletrun.co.uk/. Starting in the beautiful grounds of Christ’s Hospital and following the downs link route to Bramber, this stunning run then took a turn upwards to incorporate Truleigh Hill, Devils Dyke and other such climbs. It was the gift that kept on giving but so worth it for the amazing views and peaceful countryside. All these ladies were first time Ultra runners, but have done road marathons before, (some only a couple of weeks ago) so this was unknown territory for them. The support from Foxy members along the route was incredible as well as friends and family. Everyone came in with smiles on their faces for what they had just achieved. Amazing efforts ladies.
Then finishing in Mid Sussex
11 Foxes took on and completed the Mid Sussex 3-day marathon event https://midsussexmarathon.co.uk/. With three different start points, East Grinstead-10 miles, Haywards Heath-10 miles, and Burgess Hill-6 miles, it makes for an interesting run. These runners experienced all weather fronts too and over varying terrains …trails, hills, mud up to their ankles and a little bit of road running thrown into the mix too. Some say it’s harder to do then a marathon in a day, as you eat, sleep, run, repeat but that didn’t put them off and neither did the relentless rain. On completing day 3 they could then collect their beautiful medals that all stack together. Awesome job ladies.
