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Run Archery

RunArchery

Running? With bows and arrows? What could possibly go wrong?

As it turns out, absolutely nothing. Harwell Harriers were invited to join the Harlequin Bowmen in a rather unique sporting event called run archery which, as you might have guessed, involved running... and archery.

The premise is simple. Run 400 metres, shoot 6 arrows from a standing position, run 400 metres, shoot 6 arrows from a kneeling position and then run a final 400 metres. The catch is that you have four small targets to hit and for every target missed you hve to do a 60 metre penalty loop.

So what tactic do you go with? Shoot as fast as possible and lose time on the extra running loops or slow down, concentrate and lose time by trying to hit the targets?

It made for a really fun but surprisingly tiring event especialy as you are trying to run as fast as possible whilst also carrying your bow!

We are hoping to be back again next year with a larger contingent of harriers so if you see some of us pounding the pavements with a bow in hand dont worry - we haven't gone mad it's just practice for the next run archery event.

Ochy Ochy Ochy... Oi Oi Oi!

OchyRunStyle Cheetah

Ever thought about how you run might be causing you that niggle? Ever wondered if your form is holding you back from achieving that PB? Or have you ever just wondered "why do I never look graceful in photos of me running!?"

Well, we might be able to help out!

We've recently invested in a bit technology called Ochy that will analyse your running form and give you pointers as to where you might be able to improve from foot strike placement to arm swing to your head positioning it takes just minutes to provide a detailed analysis of your form.

The process is very simple; you get filmed running at a tempo pace from both sides and this gets uploaded to the app where our inevitable AI overlords pass judgement on us mere mortals! You get sent a detailed report that is unique to you with suggestions on exercises to improve on these areas.

The app also gives you a running style such as a cheetah if you are lucky and this has been great fun comparing and contrasting each others styles within the club.

So if you would like some detailed analysis on your running form you know which club you need to join: Harwell Harriers!

Spring has sprung... a leak!

Clumps 23

Our winter sessions are coming to an end which can only mean one thing: the welcome return of our Whittenham Clumps hill sessions!

These sessions are probably tougher than the winter hill sessions given the terrain and well let's face it they are like Marmite. Some people hate them (who actually likes running up hills anyway, regadless of location?!) yet some people love them because, let's face it, you feel like an absolute champ for completing  the steps of doom... at least you do after the oxygen returns to your lungs!

Come rain or shine the clumps sessions really do bless you with some incredible views across the Oxfordshire countryside that you simply cannot get at any of our other interval sessions including most of our club runs.

Let's hope for nicer weather than the 2023 season where it really did seem like the gods were trying to punish those of us who were tearing around the clumps. It must have been at least the first month's worth of sessions where we experienced torrential downpours that started at 7pm on the dot and ending at 8pm on the dot!

Since it's been raining every other hour for what seems like an eternity all our fingers and toes are crossed for a lovely summer set at the clumps but even if the gods unleash hell again we will still be there with a big smile on our faces so why not join us.

Miles of smiles!

2024ArcOfAttrition

Wow! What an amazing achievement!

This is the moment two of our fantastic coaches crossed the finishing line of the Arc of Attrition which is a 100 mile ultra marathon run across the stunning and dramatic Cornish Coastpath with competitors running through the challenging winter conditions and with strict cut-offs.

The checkpoints are a full 20 miles apart so all runners need to be fully self sufficient in this time. That includes, food water and most importantly the ability to not get lost! This one is definitely not for the faint hearted.

Looking at the finish photo though and I can't believe they are still smiling after all that time on their feet they look fresher than most people do after a parkrun or running back upstairs to grab that thing you forgot.

So well done ladies we are all very proud of you here at the Harwell Harriers and who knows, maybe this inspires someone to do something equally as stupid amazing!

New & return to running group starts in 10 days!

10_days_to_go.jpegHappy new year everyone!

I hope you had an amazing time over the festive period but now it's back to business.

Time to put down the mulled wine, throw out the last remaining chocolates that no-one wants from the selection box (you know the one's I mean!), feed the pigs in blankets to the dog and dust off those running shoes!

There are only 10 days left to sign up to our unforgettable new and return to running group and this year it's even easier than ever, signup via our google form, pay the entry fee by secure card payment or bank transfer and you are done.

Last year was an absolute blast and I promise this year will be no different so come and join us, what do you have to lose apart from a bit of rubber from the bottom of your shoes?

Happy running!