Dudley Ladies Beginners Running Course 2012

Dudley Ladies infamous beginners running course this year starts on Tuesday 24th April.

If you know anyone that would like to learn how to run properly within the safety and security of an all woman's group then just turn up at Wombourne Leisure Centre at about 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. You will find us in the School Dining Hall.

The above picture shows Rita trying to get some kind of order into one of our previous groups.

Every year, club founder, Rita Vanes organises 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 (who must be accompanied by a parent or guardian) and at the end of it, everyone get a well deserved medal, certificate and a tee-shirt.

We regularly get over 150 ladies turning up to take their first steps towards achieving their goal of running 3 miles within 10 weeks which practically everyone does, with some even going on to do the London Marathon.

Click here to read and see more

To read the article click here

Rita Selected To Carry Olympic Torch

Dudley Ladies' Group Leader Rita Vanes has been selected to be an Olympic Torch Bearer at the 2012 Olympics

Rita was among the 8,000 inspirational people selected to carry the Olympic flame as it makes its way through the region during its 70-day trip to London.

She was nominated for the honour by members of the club, which she founded in 2002 and will join with others to complete a section of the route between Birmingham and Coventry on Sunday July 1.

The 63-year-old special needs teacher at Halesowen’s Halesbury School said: “I’m really, really pleased as it will be a once-in-a-lifetime achievement and something I’ll always treasure.

The grandmother of three, from Wordsley, who didn't take up running until she was 35, went on to become one of the best runners in her age group in the country and quickly grew to love the sport. She has taken part in hundreds of races for several clubs in the area before deciding to help other women interested in running and keeping fit by starting up her own club nine years ago.

Since then Rita has helped literally thousands of women take their first steps on the running ladder through the Beginners Running Courses that she organises every April.

Now Dudley Ladies Running Club meets three times a week at Wombourne Leisure Centre, which she describes as “one big family”.

Everybody is agreed that the honour could not have gone to a more deserving person.

Thank You and Goodbye Raquel

On Sunday 28th August, our lovely lovely Raquel passed away.

Right up until the very sudden end Raquel was inspiring people.

We had her last email update on Thursday 25th just three days before her death where she was encouraging people to support Lance Armstrong's Cancer Charity.

The funeral took place on Friday 9th September at Stourbridge Crematorium.

Good News - Hooded Tops Have Arrived

Here we see Dee and Nina modelling the all new Dudley Ladies Hooded Tops complete with club logo.

They come in sizes Extra Small to Extra Large and cost £15.

It's cash with order so see one of the girls on the desk to try one on before ordering.

Dudley Ladies To Show Their Glamorous Side at Presentation 2011

Dudley Ladies Running Club again held it’s annual presentation evening at Linden House, in Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton on Friday 8th July.

Beginners  and established runners alike were are recognised for their achievements over the past year.

Click on the party logo link on the right for all the details

NO PARKING PLEASE

Natalie's Disney Experience

Click here to read all about it

There is now an "Official" Dudley Ladies Facebook page.

So if you want to keep up with old friends or just want to have a chat then just simply search for "Official Dudley Ladies Running Club" on Facebook and ask to be enrolled as a member now.

London Marathon Heroines

A slight early morning drizzle greeted our intrepid foursome as they nervously waited to get underway in this years London Marathon.

But (pictured left to right), Kerri Pearson, Sally Goodman, Jackie Green and Jo Jones were soon subjected to a blisteringly hot day that tested them to the limit.

Graduates of Rita's School of Beginners, all four accredited themselves well and finished in a good state full of pride at what they had achieved.

Whether it was the euphoria of the occasion or the intoxicating effects of the post run celebrations, all four said that they couldn't wait to do it again.

Special mention though must be made of 65 year old Marion Willetts who had trained all year and raised thousands of pounds in sponsorship for Lupos, only to be struck down with injury in the final week, preventing her from taking part. She was devastated.

Marion would like to thank all those who so kindly sponsored her, and says that she will not be collecting any money this year but vows to come back even stronger and do it again in 2011.

Rita Presented with Civic Award

On Monday 22nd March, club founder Rita Vanes, who will be 62 in May, was invited to the Lord Mayor’s Parlour in order to meet the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Pat Martin, to receive a Civic Award.

She was presented with a handcrafted engraved glass trophy and framed certificate for winning The Duncan Edwards award for sport, which is named after Dudley’s most famous footballing son who tragically died aged 21, in the 1958 Munich air disaster.

This award is given once a year for those who have achieved in any sport. They may have represented a group, borough or even the country or overcome adversity such as illness or disability to achieve a personal goal. It is also to celebrate and thank those who give their time to working behind the scenes at our local sporting clubs and groups and Rita won hands down on all those counts.

The award was the recognition for over 25 year’s participating, organising and actively encouraging women into running but as usual, Rita never told anyone about it until it appeared in the papers.

It was said during the evening that throughout the entire history of the Mayor's Civic Awards, no one had ever received so many nominations.

Rita told the Express & Star, "It feels absolutely fantastic to receive this award. I just feel very humble and am over the moon. I have been running for over 25 years and have got so much out of it that I wanted to help other women enjoy running to and I would just like to thank all those hundreds of people that voted for me"

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 2009

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

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.”