Hello Oxford Tri Family.
I hope that this finds you well and that you have all had a great week.
At this time last week many of us had just started to kick things of at our End of Season Dinner and Awards Night and I just wanted to say a massive thank-you to all of those who made the evening possible. In particular I’d like to recognise Robbie and his team who cooked an incredible meal for us and Gracee and all those who played some part in making the night happen. I am sure that those who were there will agree it was an epic evening and we already can’t wait for what is in store next time round.
Similarly, a massive shout out to the huge OxfordTri squad who overcame both parking and mud related challenges at the first cross country event of the year at Cornbury Estate. Also, a special mention to those who helped me retrieve the new club gazebo after I abandoned it in the forest it’s a beast of a shelter but I’m sure those who were there would agree it absolutely epic! Yet another compelling reason to join us. There is a notice below about how you can still join in in the muddy fun which is regularly a highlight for many of our club members of all abilities. I for one was happy to make it round without falling flat on my face.
Also, although slightly under the weather I had the privilege of being part of our track session last night run by coach Darren. A particular highlight being the ‘Square of Doom’ for those there or on Instagram you will have had a small insight into the chaos that ensued inside the square. For me it was a great reminder of the amazing coaches that we are so blessed to have here at OxfordTri who invest an incredible amount of time and energy into making your sessions as engaging and appropriate as possible. I know at the moment we would love to add to this team so if you are interested in some self-development and possibly getting a qualification in coaching which we can support financially as a club then please don’t hesitate to drop me a message via the chair email or message Sean our Lead Coach at leadcoach@oxfordtri.co.uk
Anyway, I hope you have a lovely weekend and I hope to see some of you at our sessions next week (P.s. Do be quick if your planning on training, they are filling up fast!)
God Bless
Craig
Member of the Month
Our Member of the Month of October is none other than Gracee Gilbert. As our Kit Lead and Social Lead Gracee continuously works away in the background with our kit suppliers and members, arranging events such as our socials at the lake and then more recently our End of Season Dinner and Awards Night. For those who were there I’m sure you will agree that it was an incredible night for all involved, none of which would have been possible without the significant time and effort that Gracee put into organising it. Gracee from everyone at OxfordTri thanks for being such an awesome and inspiring member!
OxfordTri Goes Cross Country
Oxford Tri is one of two Tri Clubs alongside 24 Athletic and Running Clubs participating in this season’s XC.
- 35 of Oxford Tri’s hardiest members signed up for the Cross Country Season in time for Race
- 28 of them joined 495 other runners, at Cornbury Park, on bonfire night.
- Cicely Arthur represented Oxford Tri as a Marshall, whist awaiting completion of her big money transfer from Headington Road Runners.
Unavoidable last minute changes to car parking arrangements caused entry delays that far exceeded (even my) race times. It also caused the races to be pushed back several times and even delayed the inaugural assembly of the Oxford Tri Gazebo.
Apart from that, it was a perfect day for running the 8.2km course:
- It started with a comparatively easy wiggle around a field and a gentle downhill through the trees.
- The first uphill was a ‘not too steep’ gradient for ~800m across the fields followed by a similar distance (still uphill) through the woods.
- The latter stretch got extra fun points for including just the right amount of mud. (That is mud that doesn’t threaten to remove your shoes).
- Then followed an undulating, but broadly downhill, 1.5km leading back to the bottom of the field; so that we could go round and enjoy it all over again.
- Before finishing, the course included a spiteful little hill before a 50m sprint to the line; what fun we had!
The 523 competitors made up 69 Ladies teams (of 3 runners) and 45 Gentlemen’s teams (of 7 runners)
- Oxford Tri managed very creditable results with a 20th place for the Ladies and a 14th place for the Gentlemen.
- Congratulations to both Adrien Fauvarque (46th from 316) and Leonie Bottomley (53rd from 207) for leading Oxford Tri home in their respective races.
- Also, a big well-done to both Hannah Grainger Clemson and Heine van Zyl who achieved top 10 positions in their age groups (in age groups with more than 20 finishers).
In the Oxford Tri Championship (after their drubbing last season) the Gentlemen are fighting back.
But it’s each person’s best three races that will count towards the end of season results …. so it’s still all to run for.
Why not join in the fun, we’ve already had five more people sign up to join us! … the next race is on the 3rd December in Cirencester where we can promise more mud, cake and hopefully sausage rolls. This is open for all members, no matter how fast you are we would love if you could join us. We’ve plenty people offering lifts to and from the race if that’s a possible issue too. Sign Up before the 24th of November using the following links:
EA Membership – https://www.oxfordtri.uk/product/england-athletics-membership-2022-2023/
OXON Race Entry (Remaining 4 Races) – https://www.oxfordtri.uk/product/oxford-tri-occl-2023-2024/
OxfordTri Training Camp
We are gauging interest in a club training camp for next spring.
Ideally we’d love you to add your preferences and comments to the Facebook post which is pinned to the top of the Facebook OxfordTri Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oxfordtri/?mibextid=oMANbw)
But we are aware not all use it so you can reply back to leadcoach@oxfordtri.co.uk with your preferences and any suggestions.
We believe the closer to the actual racing season the better but others may have different thoughts. Also we are conscious Easter holidays is unlikely to be popular with the majority (it’s also more expensive) so excluded that as a date option, comment if that’s not the case. If there’s lots of interest then nothing is fully off the table. Various locations being considered, Majorca, Girona and Lanzarote looking good.
So IF you’re ‘likely‘ to join us (understand this depends on final dates) please would you select your preferred dates below and preferred location.
You can select multiple dates and venues if you don’t have a preference.
Cost wise, it will be pretty similar to last year for a 5 night trip which was about £500 for flights and accommodation plus about £300 for food, bikes, transfers, airport parking etc. This all depends on where and when. We’ve looked into numerous options and it all varies. Additionally, the longer we leave it the more flight prices increase and the availability of venues decreases which is why we are trying to get the commitment now.
Dates (5 nights)
Between 13th-28th March
Between 13th-24th April
Between 24th-6th May (inc Bank holiday)
Between 7th-24th May
LOCATIONS:
Lanzarote
Girona
Majorca
Please place votes on the Facebook poll or reply to
Leadcoach@oxfordtri.co.uk
Meet the Committee
We Continue our meet the committee series with Zara and Craig, check them out below!
Training Calendar
See the official calendar for full info and sign up links.
Saturday 11th November: Oxford Tri Does Parkrun – Various @ 09:00
Monday 13th November: Coached Swim – Leys Pool @ 20:00
Tuesday 14th November: Member Lead Social Run – Headington Hill @ 19:00
Tuesday 14th November: Coached Spin – Oxsrad @ 19:00
Tuesday 14th November: Coached Swim – Thame Pool @ 20:00
Wednesday 15th November: Coached Swim – Radley Pool @ 19:30
Thursday 16th November: Coached Run – Horspath Track @ 19:00
Friday 17th November: Strength and Conditioning Online @ 07:15
Friday 17th November: Coached Swim – Kidlington Pool @ 19:00
Friday 17th November: Coached Spin – Iffley Sports Centre @ 19:00