Friday Five Easter edition - April 2025 (by Jeff)
To mark this years Good Friday 5, there was fun to be had with hidden mini eggs along our route. Oh the joy of finding a chocolate egg it never goes away! Thankfully we had some help as the eggs were hidden around our usual catch up stops.
Many thanks to Lucy for organizing the easter egg hunt and to those who participated making this event even more enjoyable than usual.
The Rog Run - April 2025 (By Jeff)
An annual race organised by the Isle of Wight Road Runners sometimes tempts some of the more adventurous sloggers as its quite a challenging route and its on home turf.
This hilly route through Ventnor, St Boniface and Bonchurch is named after Roger Walker-Reeds who was a keen fell runner. The run was a favorite of his and sometimes he would complete it 3 times a day! It truely is a legendary run.
Prizes are awarded to those who can predict their run times most accurately (rather than be first to complete the race).
This year the Ventnor Sloggers did rather well and found themselves in unfamiliar territory, achieving a clean sweep & taking all awards! (There were other non Slogger runners who turned up too) Well done to our winners & to all those sloggers who took part!
Results
In the Mens Nick Day (1 sec) and Harry Vernon (6 secs) picked up 1st and 2nd prize
In the Ladies Clare Day (25 secs) and Robee Shepherd (36 secs) the same.
In the Teams prize the award went to the Days and Maggie picked up the backmarker award.
A glorious NAPR morning..
(By Alex)
'At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: “I have to go to work — as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if I’m going to do what I was born for — the things I was brought into the world to do? Or is this what I was created for? To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?'
Marcus Aurelius
Sloggers always deliver. Always.
When it's so cold and you cant feel your ears or the tracks are so icy that slipping over is a constant worry. Self doubt tends to start creeping in:
'Yeah. Its a lovely morning but what other sane person will be up for a run at this time? Shouldn't I be sitting on the sofa drinking a cup of tea with the cat curled on my lap instead??'.
I've learned there's always at least one soul as committed to dragging themselves out of bed as I am. Teddy and Pippa Dog tend to add their own sense of joy to the occasion which makes you recognise you've made the right decision.
And the cows? Their surly, teenage stares as we pass are an added bonus (see picture).
Happy New Year.
Slublime SLogger Sunsets -October 2024
(By Alex)
'If you don't like the weather, just wait a few minutes'
Mark Twain (attrib.)
Last weeks Wiggle (see 'Runs') was wet and horrendous. We cowered under shelter. We did what we needed to do, then went home quick.
This week (23rd Oct) however was a different story. V-town will always amaze with unforgettable sunsets despite autumn seeming to be in the wings.
See what you're missing out on??!
'Have you seen t' winkeh?' : A Slogger memory
(By Alex)
The rebuilt Esplanade wall (2023), is a fine sight.
It sits proudly overlooking the Spyglass, soaking up all the elements can throw at it and stopping drunken Overners toppling onto the patio below.
During the rebuild, the road was closed and Slogger runs were diverted accordingly. We were thrilled when the wall was finished and the road reopened. Our first Friday 5 group were keen to inspect and admire the work. One beaming Slogger (who shall remain anonymous) had a question which was very unexpected: in her broad Lancastrian accent she enquired:
'Oooh. Have you seen t' winkeh?'
We had not.
Sure enough, we filed up to the wall and examined it closely. Chuckles of recognition broke out when we spotted it. The workers gathered round like proud parents come to share our moment, nodding benignly and making comments like 'If you rub it, it gets bigger'. We saluted their work and then went on our way.
The feature of the wall still stands. Hidden in plain sight. I've included a picture of it here...
Can YOU see it...
September 2024 Track Day in Sandown (By Alex)
"Whatever the weather, we'll weather the weather,
Whether we like it or not.
Whether the weather is cold,
Or whether the weather is hot.
We'll weather the weather,
Whatever the weather,
Whether we like it or not!"
John Read
September 25th a crack Sloggers team took part in the 1 mile track event organised by Ryde Harriers at the Ray Scovell Athletics Centre in Sandown.
Under a leaden sky, punctuated by spells of icy rain, the Sloggers competed against local running teams and the cream of the next generation of athletic talent that the Island has to offer. We were exceptional! The junior athletes who took part must've been in awe of our athletic prowess (we even managed to finish ahead of some of them in the 1 mile race) with Harry, Alex and Robee clocking sub 7 minute times in the first race. Maggie and Lucy were relentless in the second, the former was metronomic (a lesson in consistency), whilst the latter put in a mighty sprint at the death. Top Slogging all..
It was in the 4 x 400 that the Sloggers really blew away the competition. Harry took Leg 1 and went off like a rocket, leaving the young pretenders in his wake from the gun. He looked like Braveheart for the last 100, determination personified. Robee held firm for Leg 2, keeping a Slogger lead. Sadly, glory would not be ours, despite valiant Legs from Maggie and Lucy (who ran one together) and a quick one from Alex on the anchor leg meant the Sloggers were not victorious.
The sense of awe from the young folk at our performance was palpable though. Despite the downpours and ominous skies over Sandown we performed magnificently. We can be a hardy bunch if required...
September 2024 The Isle of Wight Fell Series (by Ben)
Racing the Ventnor Downs (and Up and Up and Ups)
I first fell in love with Ventnor seeing the view as I came down St Boniface Down at the end of fell race 3 in 2019, so the Isle of Wight Fell Series, which took place recently, will always have a special place in my heart.
The three races in the series are run over a weekend in early September and are, frankly, a bit nuts. That is particularly the case with the first one, which simply involves running straight up from the paddling pool to the top of the Downs, and then straight back down again, meaning 230m of climb in just a 2.5 mile (4km) race! The other two are just over 7 miles with 500m of climb, and 12 miles with 600m of climb, so also pretty challenging. (The real runners of course warm up with a classic NAPR beforehand too). But it is very much my favourite running event of the year; it's unusual, challenging, attracts visitors from around the country to chat to, is conveniently located - and has great views.
This year was wet and muddy, making the already tough climb up onto Shanklin Down on races 2 and 3 quite, erm, technical. But it was great. A decent Sloggers turnout comprised Andrew (NAPR, race 2), Harry (race 3), and me (NAPR, races 1-3) as well as marshalling by Tony, Helen, and Mark.
It's a shame it's over now, but at least I can start winding Robee up again about how she is definitely going to do it next year...
Ben & Harry looking relieved its all over !
September 2024 4th Anniversary NAPR Slogger special (by Jeff)
A great turnout to mark this special occasion - probably one of the finest NAPR turnouts this year - undoubtedly helped by a special guest appearance from Urnie boosting numbers further.
With excitement levels through the roof, the Sloggers set off at an electrifying pace, which we have gained exclusive footage of courtesy of our inhouse digital curator Alex !
Steady on foot, excellent progress was made by all whilst admiring the majestic views.
However on the return leg our cohort crossed paths with our resident cattle community who blocked our passage back! Despite our superiority in numbers they remained unperturbed. So we basically had to run round them. Sprint finishes ensued by the more enthusiastic athletic members right up to the line.
Refreshments aplenty were enjoyed back at basecamp where post run analysis and a jolly good chit chat was shared over tea and cakes. Many thanks to Harry for overall event promotion and others for their generosity providing cakes & coffee and other refreshments which were enjoyed by all !
August 2024 Slogger Social Special (by Alex)
"Golf is a good walk spoiled." Mark Twain.
Unless you play with the Ventnor Sloggers, that is.
This August we took part in the 4th Annual Putting Championship at Rylestone Tea Gardens, with funds raised going to Better Days Cafe. 18 crack golfers (and one bemused-looking dog) took part; the cream of Slogger running eager to test their skills against 18 holes of crazy golf deviousness. The prize? The hallowed Green Jacket: think Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band meets Liberace. Over its storied history it's been worn by four victorious players (two joint winners in 2023) but this year was its final outing as sadly its seen Better Days. See what I did there??
What a round it was! The early holes were a challenge as the Sloggers took a while to find their putting range. There were cheers and jubilation as players holed some mighty puts but by the turn a hush descended over some of the groups. The highlights included 17 holes in one! Previous joint-winner Dave contributed three of these, with moments of Ballesteros-like genius. However, the final winner was an unheralded first-timer. Frances' steady round of 3's and 4's was crowned with brilliant aces at the 17th and the last, she was the early clubhouse leader who proved impossible to catch. Her round of 52 was six shots ahead of the second place competitor. A fine performance, I'm sure you'll agree.
It was a great afternoon. The Sloggers are such great company (not too good at crazy golf, mind). We raised £150 for Better Days Cafe and provided quite the spectacle for other golfing patrons.
See you next year, perhaps?
August 2024 Isle Of Wight Relay Race (by Jeff)
It nearly didnt happen. Landslips. But Im glad it did. With some meddling about the route got changed. Instead of following the Island's perimeter, the year the course broadly followed the "Walk the Wight" route from Bembridge to Alum Bay and back - comprising 12 legs over about 60 miles. A lovely route taking in some of the Islands most scenic natural beauty.
The sloggers managed to conjure up a spirited mix of runners eager to continue supporting this much revered fun event, which is enjoyed by all abilities of runners on the Isle of Wight.
It was fun to participate alongside the big boys such as the Isle of Wight Road runners, the wootton bridge runners, the Ryde Harriers, Dark Star and a few other pros. We normally finish last, hours behind these well organised running groups on the Isle of Wight - but do we care? In the event we did well. Really really well.
Herculian efforts all around resulted in a surprising outcome where we bequeathed the wooden spoon to another ! Stand out contributions were made by some brave lone wolfs who opted to venture alone on some legs. Also super kudos to those keener members of the group who kindly voluntered to do consectutive legs with Olympian gusto!. Not to forget the generousity of those drivers offering to ferry fatigued runners around relieving some tired legs.
Thank you to all involved for a super day! And oh my, did we celebrate in style that night ?
Check out the montage below to see how our heroic sloggers got on in their intrepid adventures ..
July 2024 Ventnor Fringe (by Jeff)
Its always a pleasure to soak up the vibe in Ventnor over Fringe Festival week where we are treated to an eclectic array of artistic talent to suit all tastes. We publicise our Slogger runs on the Fringe site although we dont expect much of a turnout - so we were excited to see some new faces on the runs this week ! We hope they enjoyed the experience as much as we did and look forward to them returning one day. I wonder if you can you spot them ?
June 2024 Birthday NAPR Slogger special (by Jeff)
Well done all ! A good turnout despite wild conditions. Post run "car boot" banquet was enjoyed by all - thanks to everybody for help and support in making this a fun event. Kudos to Alex for the superb action shots (see below), Urnie (Ben & Clare) for hot liquid refreshements, cakes from Harry / Mags / Clare, Robee for pressies & Jeff / Nikki for hot banger & bacon paninis. We were lucky to host Tim - a newcomer who is a keen runner and friend of Harry !
June 2024 Meet Phil.. (by Jeff)
Phil joined the sloggers through the couch to 5K programme which he completed successfully. He then went on to win the 2024 handicap race with gusto. A remarkable achievement - Phil is a true pro and an inspiration for others. Well done Phil you made it look easy !
Lets get to know Phil a bit more..
Q. Why run ?
A. Running gives me huge levels of achievement and I have aquired a fitness level that I never thought possible!
Q. How did you find out about the Ventnor Sloggers ?
A. I didn't ! My daughter teaches Yoga, and met Jacqui at a class, who ran the Slogger C25K programme at the time. It was my daughter that signed me up for the C25K, so I found some running shoes, turned up and went for it. The great thing was because it was so well organised and supportive, I decided to continue with the programme mid way through whilst away on holiday just so I could complete it on my return. The support I had from Jacqui and the sloggers was fantastic, building up my confidence and fitness.
Q. Favourite run & why ?
A. Friday5, because there are stages you run through which break it up and before you know it you are back!
Q. Any tips for those thinking about getting into running ?
A. Do the C25K programme. If you have not done running its a great way to get into it especially if like me you benefit from a group who is so supportive.
Q. Anything you would change / improve about the sloggers ?
A. Sometimes feel I miss out on some of the communications as not on facebook. I am on the whats app chat though so do hear and see whats going on there with the group.
Thanks so much Phil for your thoughts , catch you on the Friday5 then!