New Dudley Ladies Beginners Running Course 2010

Dudley Ladies now infamous beginners running course will this year start on on Tuesday 20th April 2010 at 7.30pm at Wombourne Leisure Centre but if anyone still wants to come along then just turn up

Every year, club founder, Rita Vanes organizes this very popular beginners running course for women who have either never run before or else haven’t run for some time and it has proven to be extremely successful.

The course costs £25 for adults and £15 for people under 16 years and at the end of it, everyone get a well deserved medal, certificate and a tee-shirt.

Last year, nearly 200 ladies turned up again to take their first steps towards achieving their goal of running 3 miles within 10 weeks and practically everyone does it, with some even going on to run the London Marathon.

Click here to read and see more about what happened last year !

Liz Tilt Runs For A Turkey

Liz Tilt continued her dramatic improvement and loss of nearly three stone in weight this year by braving snow and freezing temperatures to take part in Wolverhampton's annual 5 mile Turkey Trot on Sunday 20th December.

Organisers  feared that the run, starting out from Aldersley Stadium may have to be cancelled due to the snow and ice but an hour before start time the sun came out and the race was given the green light even though the cold and wintery conditions had decimated the normal 300 plus field to just over 150 hardy souls. (Or should that be soles????)

Liz writes:-

I ran in the Wolverhampton and Bilston Turkey Trot Yesterday - I believe I was the only Dudley Lady there and this time I wore my white DL top with pride.  It was a bitter cold day and I wrapped up well in order to brave the five miles run.  I was pleased with my efforts although it was slippy underfoot - not last but almost!

Dudley Ladies Party

Friday the 11th December saw Dudley Ladies finest boogie on down to the Round Oak Pub in Wombourne for their Christmas meal and Disco in order to start the festive season off with a bang.

The night was a great success and anyone that couldn't make it missed a cracker, it's definitely one for next year's diary.

Stars of the night were Mary Lavender and Donna Burrows who worked tirelessly and used all their best assets on the publican in order to make it all happen

We were treated to a cordon bleu type Christmas meal which everyone commented on.

It was a BRILLIANT night, so thanks again to everybody that made it such a success.

Himley 10k

Sunday 18th October saw hordes of Dudley Ladies descend on Himley Park to take part in their inaugural Cancer research 10K.

Faye Malkin who joined the club at this years beginners course writes:

"Today a few of this years beginners decided or should that be were persuaded to take part in the Himley 10K;
be it when we were all a little intoxicated at the presentation evening.

Today was the day of reckoning for Lynne Leitch, Diana Perry, Eleanor Moyle and myself. Daunted and a little worried this morning we recognized it wasn't going to be easy.

I'm pleased to say the girls did really well and completed in 1 HR 12 mins to which they and I are extremely proud.

I too completed if a little slower doing more of a walk than a run but got there in the end, my god those hills were big. But still managed to do it in 1hr 40 much better than expected."

Eleanor also writes:

Hello everyone, I just wanted to let you know that a few of us completed our first proper race today.

Diana Perry, Lynne Leitch, Fay Malkin and myself did the 10k in aid of Cancer Research UK at Himley and Baggeridge (which was hard work with all the hills, they described it as mildly undulating but I can't say that any of us would agree with that description!)

Di, Lynne and myself finished in 1hr and 12minutes which we felt was not bad considering earlier this year we struggled to get around Ounsdale's football field.

We'll be back to running on Thursday as we're giving ourselves a rest day on Tuesday.

We're all really so happy that we joined the club!

Eleanor xx
 

Well done Girls an excellent job, well done.

Dudley Ladies Run The Badger

Dudley Ladies very good friends Robin and Sharon Greenwell again arranged for near perfect conditions and a high quality field to provide great promise that records could be broken in this years gut wrenching 2009 Badger Bite -  and spectators weren't to be disappointed.

The ladies race was won by Deborah Walters of Birchfield Harriers who showed exactly why she is British Vets Cross Country Champion, smashing the previous course record by almost 4 mins and finishing in 22:12.

Dudley Ladies were led home by Audrey Mann in her first real competitive run since her serous illness last Christmas.

Danielle Lane, Alison Whitehouse, Mary Solomon, Lisa Thompson, Nicola Jones, Helen Washbrook, Tracey Curran, Sybil Dale, Tracey Green, Sue Webb, Jill Bayliss, Sue Ryan, Jane Tibbitts and race virgin Liz Tilt, were all closely bunched together to provide support.

Click on this link to see photos of the day

To see photos of Pam, Raj and Cheryl on the day, click here

Raquel Asks a Favour

As you all probably know, Raquel is currently taking time out whilst she undergoes treatment for her Bowel Cancer problem, which you can read all about via the tabs on the left of your screen.

To keep herself busy, she thought she'd get married and now that she's done that, she thought that she'd find something for her new husband to do as well, so she writes below to ask a favour.

She writes:-

Hi All

I was wondering if you could do me a huge favour. My husband Paul has given up work and has retrained and qualified as a Reflexologist. He has set up his practice at our home in Norton in Stourbridge but he is also mobile and could do house visits if people would prefer this.
 
I was wondering if you could perhaps advertise his services as I am sure runners would love to have their feet treated - I have reflexology once a week myself as I just love it - it just feels like a very nice relaxing foot massage  and it definitely makes me feel better each time!
 
The easiest way to book an appointment would be either to email Paul on paul.m.fletcher@hotmail.co.uk or ring him on 07860508780. The charge for a session is £30.00 for about an hour's treatment.
 
About Reflexology - Reflexology is a popular and relaxing holistic treatment based on the principle that reflex point on the soles, tops, and sides of the feet are connected to corresponding areas throughout the body. In this way, the feet can be seen as a 'map' of the body. Reflexologists work on the reflexes with their thumbs and fingers using specialised massage techniques, said to help correct imbalances thoughout the body, and help release blocked energy.
 
Potential benefits of reflexology can include:
 
- Reduced Stress
- Feelings of deep relaxation
- increased energy levels
- the release of endorphins (which can also provide pain relief)
- improved circulation
- more efficient removal of impurities and toxins
- a stronger immune system
- a sense that the whole body is better balanced, or in harmony
 
If anybody is worried about the look of their feet - they really needn't be, he has seen it all before!
 
I would really appreciate if you could send an email out.
 
Many thanks in advance.
 
Take Care,
Raquel XXX

Jo Jones Wins First Race Trophy

Dudley Ladies Runner of The Year, Jo Jones recently entered The Midsummer Six run in Wolverhampton and won her first trophy for the club.

She writes:

"I had some really surprising news after receiving a telephone call on Monday night. It was from the Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletics Club with regard to The Midsummer Six run that I took part in on Sunday 12th July.

I felt in good form after achieving a personal best the week before in the Wolverhampton to Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon. It was a mixed terrain run which I took in my stride and completed the course in 56:27, which is a half decent time for myself.

As I do, once I had completed the race I received my medal and headed off home and thought nothing more of the race until I received a phone call.

To my surprise I was the sixth lady runner home and the first in my age group and I had won a bottle of wine. I hope this running form keeps up as I feel I have to prove my worth as Runner of the Year"

Jo Jones Voted Runner of the Year as Dudley Ladies Show Off Their Glamorous Side

Friday 10th July saw Dudley Ladies Running Club hold it’s annual presentation evening at Lindon House, Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton when the beginners and established runners alike were recognised for their effort and commitment.

Click her for photos and more details of who won what on the night

DUDLEY LADIES ON RADIO WM

Wednesday 24th April saw Rita, Eileen, Ann, Marion and Natalie appear live on the Joanne Malin Show on Radio WM.

They were interviewed by Kate Walker and are shown posing beside the Outside Broadcast van at Wombourne Leisure Centre, relating their own individual stories about how running has changed their lives.

Eileen as usual was the star but everyone spoke very well and it was a fantastic advert for running in general and the friendship and togetherness of Dudley Ladies in particular.

Click here for more photos

NO PARKING PLEASE

Dudley Ladies take on DK 10k under clear blue skies

Around 1000 runners from across the Midlands again lined up to take part in the annual 10k run around the roads of Wall Heath and Kingswinford.

Around 20 of  Dudley Ladies bravest souls set out on this year’s Dudley-Kingswinford 10km Road Race in cool and breezy conditions on Wednesday 6^th May.

Click here for more photos of the night

London Marathon 2009

Natalie Dellar (4hr.35), Jo Jones (4hr.45) and Kath Morgan (4hr.54) each did this years London Marathon, only a couple of years after starting out as beginners.

Natalie raised money for Lupos, Jo raised money for Action Heart and Kath did her bit for Barnardo's, so if you owe them any money, now is the time to pay up.

Coach Rita Vanes said "To do a marathon is very daunting and a great achievement in itself but to run 26 miles and not walk at any point, takes a lot of physical training and mental etermination, so well done all concerned."

They each thoroughly enjoyed the experience, did personal bests and have already entered for next year.................. The mad fools

New Dudley Ladies Beginners Course 2009

Dudley Ladies now infamous beginners running course started on Tuesday 21st April 2009 at 7.30pm at Wombourne Leisure Centre but if anyone still wants to come along then just turn up and we'll fill you in on everything that you missed. It was only Rita's boring talks anyway (phil)

Every year, club founder, Rita Vanes organizes this very popular beginners running course for women who have either never run before or else haven’t run for some time and it has proven to be extremely successful.

The course costs £25 for adults and £15 for people under 16 years and at the end of it, everyone get a well deserved medal, certificate and a tee-shirt.

This year, nearly 200 ladies turned up again to take their first steps towards achieving their goal of running 3 miles within 10 weeks and practically everyone does it, with some even going on to run the London Marathon.

Click here to read and see more !

GET ON TV!

Objective Productions, the producers of hit shows including Star Stories, Peep Show, The Real Hustle and Balls of Steel are making some great new programmes and they want to know if any Dudley Ladies would be interested in signing up.

If you want to find out more about how you or any of your friends can take part in some of their new shows, including a brand new major BBC THREE entertainment programme, then click on the BBC Three logo on the right, fill in the attachment form and email it back to:-

getontv@objectiveproductions.com

They can't wait to hear from you!

Calling All Dudley Ladies

Beacon Radio are searching for Miss BlackCountry 2009 and the winner will represent the region at the Miss England contest. Could it be you or someone you know?  

They are now looking for entries for this year's competition. You must be between 17-24 years old (on 30 September) and live in the Black Country.

You could be taking part in a glamorous final held at the Wolverhampton Racecourse on Saturday 4th April. The final (consisting of 10 women) will feature a fashion show, a short interview and a talent section.

Enter now and the Top 25 entries will be put forward for voting on 25th February. The lady with the most votes will automatically go through to the final. A judging panel will vote for the other 9 ladies.  Full terms and conditions are online

On Tuesday 3rd March, Cathy Spencer from the Express & Star will be coming down the club with the intention of interviewing as many members as possible in order to gain an insight into their backgrounds and reasons for running etc so that she can put a feature article together.

So with the exception of Phil, if you can keep yourself away from the Baggies v Arsenal match on that night, she thinks that it would be really nice to get as many different stories as possible.

So if you want the kids to see your face in the paper and read all about you, try and get there early.

Dudley Ladies have been contacted by GOK’S FASHION FIX – SERIES 2 Program makers

They want to know if any of our members have got a wardrobe of clothes and nothing to wear?

Do you love clothes but do your clothes hate you?

MAKE-OVER'S

They know that looking good can make you feel great, but not everyone gets it right when it comes to fashion.

So they want to help guide The Great Women of Great Britain, who’ve fallen foul in the fashion stakes and just don’t know how to dress for their shape and size.

If you have a wardrobe full of clothes but still can’t find anything to wear or you love fashion, but it doesn’t love you – Gok would love to hear from you.

To take part, contact the team by post or email at the address below.  You will then need to fill in an application form which the team can email or post to you.

gokmakeover@endemoluk.com

OR

Gok’s Team, 5^th Floor, ENDEMOL, SHEPHERDS BUILDING CENTRAL, CHARECROFT WAY, LONDON, W14 0EE

Jolly Good Turnout For Santa's on the Run

Cries of “Ho Ho Ho” could be heard echoing throughout a Black Country park as dozens of Dudley Ladies donned red suits and beards to join more than 150 fundraisers taking part in a charity Santa Jog.

Despite the cold, supporters turned out in their droves to watch Santa's of all ages run around the 5km route in Stourbridge’s Mary Stevens Park.

Their efforts are expected to help raise more than £2,500 for Mary Stevens Hospice and the event proved so successful, organisers are already planning next year’s. Mayor of Dudley Councillor Ray Burston made a grand entrance on a sleigh before putting on his running shoes to join in.

Among those taking part in the festive fundraiser were secretary Chris Clark, aged 55, of Sedgley, and her friend Ann Kelly, aged 62, from Kingswinford. The pals have been members of Dudley Ladies Running Club for over three years and said they were proud to be taking part in the event.

Ann and Chris who made it on to the front page of the Express & Star said: “It is for a very good cause. Everybody knows someone who has been affected by cancer and I think the hospice helps a lot of people.”

Great North Run 2008

To find out how Raj and Nat got on this year, click here

Jo Ties The Knot

One of Dudley Ladies longest serving members, Jo Hill, finally gave Mike the nod and got married on 21st September at Himley Hall in Dudley.

Jo is one of the nicest ladies you will ever meet and Mike is a very lucky man indeed.

Everyone at Dudley Ladies wishes them well for the future.

For more photos of the day click here

Dudley Ladies Singing in The Rain

Sunday 7th September saw the streets of Wolverhampton overflowing with runners and cyclists as hordes of Dudley Ladies joined over 2,000 people to splash their way through the rain in the annual city half marathon.

To find out more click here

Annual OAP's Day Out At Birmingham Adidas Run

It was that time of year again for the Dudley Ladies OAPS ( alias Marion, Eileen & Ann) to use their bus passes and have their annual big day out in Birmingham

To find out more click here

Hannah Ties The Knot

Friday 5th September saw Hannah Wells finally tie the knot with her long time partner Ian to become Mrs Jewkes, shown here left with Rita.

The wedding and reception took place against a background of torrential rain and thunderstorms at Blakelands Hotel in Bobbington with over 100 guests attending.

Hannah was beaming and looked absolutely radiant, as she enjoyed every single minute of the day before flying off to Florida for her Honeymoon with the best wishes of everybody at Dudley Ladies wishing her well.

Carrie Creamer Voted Runner of the Year 2008

Friday 4^th July 2008 saw around 130 Dudley Ladies put on their glad rags to receive the adulation and recognition for their past efforts at the clubs annual presentation evening that was again held at Linden House in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton.

Click here to see who all the other winners were !

Mary Does Dudley Ladies Proud at Race For Life

Mary Lavender again did Dudley Ladies proud when she organised yet another successful turnout at the Race for Life at Sandwell Valley on 8th June.

To read all about it and see photos of the day, click here.

Dudley Ladies take on DK 10k under clear blue skies

Hundreds of runners from across the Midlands lined up beneath clear blue skies for the annual 10k run around the roads of Wall Heath and Kingswinford.

Around 30 of  Dudley Ladies finest joined over 1200 other runners from across the Midlands to set out on this year’s Dudley-Kingswinford 10km Road Race in warm and breezy conditions on Wednesday 5^th May.

To read more and see photos of the night click here

Here We Go Again - New Beginners Take Their First Steps

Today we start our 3 mile journey but tomorrow...............The Marathon!!!!

Dudley Ladies now infamous beginners running course got off to a flying start on Tuesday 15th April 2008 at Wombourne Leisure Centre.

To read and see more click here !

Dudley Ladies were again well represented at this years London Marathon with all runners runners achieving personal bests.

To read their reports and see more pictures, click here

Baby Epidemic Continues

Phillipa Cook is the latest Dudley Lady to be struck down by the mystery virus that is currently circulating within the club when she gave birth to 7lbs 09oz Charlie George on 19th April.

If anyone can shed any light upon the cause of all these unexplained births would they please contact Rita.

In the meantime we all pass on our congratulations to Phillipa and hope to see her back running soon.

Yes, It's another Boy

Farrah Hunter Coley reports that she gave birth to 8lbs 06oz Isaak Dylan on Saturday 22nd March.

He weighed in at 8llb 6oz !!!!! Natural birth with NO pain relief !!!!!!!! although it did make her eyes water for a bit.

Farrah says that everyone is doing OK, she is enjoying being a mom for the first time, and is looking forward to get her running shoes back on as soon as all the night-shifts and messy stuff is out of the way.

It's a Boy

Kerri Pearson gave birth to Billy on Friday 22nd February.

Both mother and baby are doing fine and Kerri is looking to get her running shoes back on as soon as possible.

Beaverbrooks Blackpool 10k

One of this years trips out will be to the Beaverbrook Blackpool 10k on the 11th May 2008

The coach will cost about a tenner and If you want to come on the coach then put your name down ASAP because places always fill up quickly.

The race sounds really good. It's flat, not too serious and there's lots of water to bathe your feet in afterwards.

Race entry forms are available at the club or you can enter on line and find out more about the race by clicking on the icon on the right.

Women set for race against cancer

On your marks, get set, go! It’s time to get your running shoes and prepare for the inspirational Race for Life.

Thousands of women from across the Black Country and West Midlands are being urged to take part in Cancer Research UK’s 2008 fundraiser.

To find out more, click here

London Marathon Appeals

Click here for further details

Dudley Ladies Required For BBC's "Weakest Link" TV program with The Queen of Mean.

Click here for further details

The Bells Ring Out For Dudley Ladies

Following on from last weeks Badger Bite a lot of the ladies had obviously not learnt their lesson again and took on the even more demanding Bells of Pattingham run on Sunday 14th October.

The race comprised of hills, mud, ploughed fields, mud, long grass, mud, a bit of road and oh yes.......mud but having said that, conditions were surprisingly good.

For photos of the day and to see how the everyone got on, click on the Bells icon on the right

Dudley Ladies Bite The Badger

Sunday 7th October saw nearly 50 Dudley Ladies take on the infamous Badger Bite off-road race.

Because the race was billed as being only 4 miles in distance, a lot of our virgin runners were lulled in to giving it a go...... and what a surprise they had.

To see photos of the day and see how they got on, click here.

Brenda's Climax At Lake Vyrnwy

Sunday 9th September saw over 50 Dudley Ladies take part in this years Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon.

It was the final event in Brenda Chapman's year long fund raising campaign to raise £10,000 for her grandson Callum's cerebral palsy charity at the Phoenix Centre in Wordsley.......................

Click here to read more of Brenda's story, see more photos and see how everyone got on

As of 21st May, Dudley Ladies are now affiliated to The Association of Running Clubs, which provides the club with public liability insurance plus the benefit of it's members not having to pay the unattached entry levy at races run by other ARC clubs.

For more information click here to go to http://www.runningclubs.org.uk/

Snowdon or Otherwise Engaged for Rachel

As days go Saturday the 28^th of July started out as quite an ordinary day for our Rachel Harris when she set off to do the Snowdon International Race with her father Chris.

Click here to find out what happened to Rachel !

Kay is Knot Amused!!!!!!!

Kay Shotton writes:-

When Marion and Jacky insisted we sign up for the “Staffs Knot” in Cannock, I thought Yay! Here we go again.......................Click here to find out what happened !

Tough Beauts Do The Tough Guy

Jacky Fellows writes:-

Today I had the hottest, longest, most refreshing shower I’ve ever had. Dear reader, you have no idea how satisfying it was watching the mud slide from me into the bath and down the plughole.  It seemed to take an age before the water eventually ran clear and as I washed my hair for the third time, I reflected on what I and my long-time friend, Amy May Butler had put ourselves through just a few hours earlier...............................Click here to read and see more !

Crown Classic – Telford aka The Noah’s Ark Float

Jacky Fellows writes:-

Kay and Marion invited me to this 10K a couple of weeks beforehand. We’d had such good fun at the Stratford 6 that I decided to give it a go and I in turn invited Jayne Morley.

Click here to find out why all the girls are looking like drowned rats !

Dudley Ladies’ ménage à trois strike the Stratford Summer Six

Jacky Fellows writes:-

I quite like Stratford and the thought of running around quaint little village streets really appealed to me. I always enjoy running with Marion and Kay during training (when I can keep up that is!) and they didn’t need much persuading to tackle this race with me.

Click here to find out more !

Timberhonger 10k

Jacky Fellows writes:-

Three of us ran this race, myself, Jayne Morley and Shirley Jones. We met up early Sunday morning and set off for Bromsgrove.  I’m usually quite proud of my navigational skills but I have to say I was bettered on the day by Jayne’s gentleman friend, Tom Tom (so good they named him twice!) Jayne nicknamed him ‘Tim nice but dim’ and I can see why, he hadn’t got much of a personality, although he was very polite and only spoke when required to do so... at least he knew where he was going!

Click here to find out what happened !

Dudley Ladies Waddle and Widdle and Paddle at the Wiggle as Marion Wins a Her First Prize

Sunday 1st July saw some of Dudley Ladies finest waddle, widdle and paddle as they wallowed in the mud following the very heavy recent rain at the new Wombourne Wiggle 10k....................................Click here to read more and see photos of the day !

Jacky & Jayne Do The Two Castles 10K

Jacky Fellows and Jayne Morley recently took on the Two Castles 10K run and lived to relate their experience. Click here for their account of the day !

Breaking News

It just goes to show that some people get all the breaks don't they!!

Last week saw Karen Perry, who is one of Dudley Ladies longest serving members fall during one of her many training runs and break her elbow.

She is now so fed up that she has put out an appeal for an exercise bike so that she can keep herself ticking over until she is able to take the sling off and run again.

So if anyone can help Karen out with either the loan of or sale of a suitable exercise bike then please email her at priceper@blueyonder.co.uk

We don't mind people having a short break just as long as they don't get too plastered. So come back soon Karen you're sorely missed.

Half Marathon Training Schedule

A number of people have been asking about a training schedule that they can begin following in order to build up to a Half Marathon..

To that effect, we have now put a couple of 12 week schedules geared around running three times a week on a Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday morning on the Advice/Training page.

Click on the Advice/Training button on the left to see what it's all about.

Sandwell Kicks Off Race for Life Series

Over four thousand women from across the Black Country and West Midlands donned their running shoes and took part in this years Cancer Research UK's Race For Life at Sandwell Park............... Click here to read and see more !

Dudley Ladies Run the DK

Wednesday 2nd May again saw dozens of Dudley Ladies take part in this very popular event which this year attracted around 1300 runners.

Click here to read and see more !

We have just received the following appeal from a journalist called Andrea Childs who wants to feature one of Dudley Ladies in a forthcoming article that she is writing for Top Sante magazine.

If you are interested and think you fit the bill then click here to find out more !

HAVE YOU GOT A THIRST FOR ADVENTURE?

Hi Girlies (& Phil)

We've just left Peru and had the red-tape 'fun' of crossing the border into Bolivia yesterday. Today has been raining so we've ended up in an internet cafe. Mike from the Inca Trek just stuck his had through the door - we keep bumping into the same people as we're all traveling the same well-trodden path!

We booked our campervan for New Zealand today! We couldn't get availability from Auckland in our budget range so we've had to book an extra flight to Christchurch and pick-up from there. We're really looking forward to just being free to do as we please after the rigid planning we've had to stick to in South America.

Keep me posted on home life - good and bad!

Love Ali x

www.ourworldtrip.co.uk

SUMO WRESTLERS WANTED

WOMEN!

ARE YOU STRONG, PROUD AND DETERMINED?

The BRITISH SUMO FEDERATION is looking for big women to train to compete in the Sumo WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS in JAPAN this Autumn  

Click here to find out more !

Dudley Ladies Nearly Famous

A couple of weeks ago, Dudley Ladies RC were visited by Endemol, the TV Company that produces “Big Brother” 

To find out why, click here !

Dudley Ladies Running Club's growing fame again led to a big feature being written about them in the Black Country, Dudley, Stourbridge and Halesowen group of newspapers.

Click here to find out what all the fuss is about !

Rita Reveals All About Phil's Shocking Past.

After much cajoling and investigative journalism, evidence has finally been produced that proves conclusively once and for all that Rita's club coach husband Phil actually has run himself.

We're not quite sure when or where it was, but judging from the black and white photographs, it must have been quite some time ago.

On Tuesday 13th September, Dudley Ladies were again visited by the Express & Star Newspaper with the intention of running another feature article about Rita and the club and hundreds turned up in all their blues with their hair done and makeup just so.

Express & Star feature writer Sarah Lefebve interviewed several members about their reasons for running and what they thought of the club in general before organizing numerous photographs and joining us for a 5 mile run.

The article should be appearing at a news stand near you very shortly.