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NEWS
Email: suzy@fittlife.com
Fittlife Runners Enjoy Race for Life 
Squad coach and personal trainer Suzy Fitt said: "It is fantastic to see so many mums inspiring youngsters and youngsters inspiring mums to take part and simply enjoy exercising and keeping fit." Second home for the group was Linda Brothwell. She said: "I did the Harlow Race for Life on May 18 in 28 mins 36 secs and yesterday 27 mins 50 secs. 
"I found it a bit hot and had trouble breathing, as ever, but glad I improved on my time."Fastest Fitt Kid on the day was Hannah Dickinson in 29 mins 09 secs. That shaved four seconds off her previous 5K time to beat her marathon running mum, Sarah Halliday, to the finish line by one second. Hannah said: "It was hot and I found it hard, but I'm glad that I managed to beat my mum and get a new PB." The Goodman girls, Sarah and daughter Tessa, aged 11, were comfortably home under the half hour mark in 29 mins 34 secs. Tessa improved her previous 5km time by a staggering three minutes. She said: "I really enjoyed the sprint to the end and overtook lots of other runners." Nicki Marshall was next across the line in 29 mins 44 secs. She said: "Time constraints have made it difficult to train over the last six months or so, but I am on my way back to fitness and will definitely hope to improve on this." Charlotte Lennox, 12, beat her mum Katy by 30 seconds to record a time of 32 mins. Katy said: "I've really enjoyed all the Fittlife training, even the tough bits, and it almost made today seem easy! "It was lovely watching my daughter striding off in front of me." Friends Sophie Blackmore, 12, Maddy Davies, nine, and 11-year-old Milli Kerr stormed into the finish in 33 mins 10 secs. Milly Davies, aged seven, with mum Amanda came in just behind in a tremendous time of 33 mins 52 secs. Dad Martin said: "The whole event was great fun and I felt so proud of my girls and my wife Amanda, particularly as she was up quite late last night!" Justine Skelton and nine-year-old Olivia cruised home in 34 mins 50 secs and 34 mins 52 secs respectively. The O'Donnell's Mary and eight-year-old daughter Eda had a great run. Eda just made it to the finish line before mum with only one second difference in 35 mins 17 secs. Michelle Inder and nine-year-old daughter Louise were just a couple of minutes behind, both finishing in 37 mins 43 secs. Michelle sadly lost her mum to cancer three years ago and has run the Race for Life in her memory each year ever since. Eight-year-old Ffallon Williams was just nine seconds behind mum Lyn, recording times of 39 mins 39 secs and 39 mins 30 secs respectively. Six-year-old Aileen Wilson was the youngest Fitt Kid competitor and ran step-for-step with mum Fiona. They arrived home with a terrific finish in 40 mins 51 secs. Mum Fiona spoke in glowing terms about Aileen. She said: "I just never imagined that she'd be able to run like that and as soon as she saw the finish line and heard Suzy cheering her on she put on this amazing spurt and sprinted to the finish line. "At one point I didn't think I'd keep up with her." Aileen said: "I have a medal and can run really, really fast. (12Jun08)
It's a family affair for fittlife runners First fittlife lady home was Tess Pugh, who finished the tough 10km course in 47 minutes 23 seconds. Watching her children compete for fittlife's fittkids in the earlier 2K race inspired her to a personal best and she knocked 14 seconds off her previous fastest time. Daughters Molly and Biddy, aged seven and five, completed the 2K course in 15 mins 15 secs and 14 mins 30 secs respectively.  Paula Gutteridge was next to finish in 50 mins 9 secs, slashing 61 seconds off her previous best and three minutes from her time for the race last year. She said: "The weather conditions were near-perfect for running, and the surfaces have been improved since last year which helped." Earlier, Paula had watched sons Adam, seven, and Jamie, five, run the shorter race for kids in times of 12 mins 31 secs and 18 mins 13 secs. 
She said: "At 7k I felt I had some reserve left, so I sped up in the last 3k and went for it." Frances Hill and Susie Mitchell paced each other to score the fourth and fifth PBs, finishing together in 57 mins 10 secs. New to fittlife is recently-elected Handside councillor Fiona Thomson, who made her 10k debut in what fittlife trainer Suzy Fitt called a 'very tidy' 58 minutes. 
Fiona also saw her children Connor, 13, Laura, 11, and eight-year-old Calum beat their dad Graeme in the shorter race.The first of the fittlife squad to finish was Michael Henson, who stormed around in 40 mins 23 secs. That was in good time to cheer home his mum Anne in 56 mins 16 secs. Another team member achieved a personal target of cracking race nerves to finish in under an hour. Recent London Marathon contestant Sarah Halliday acted as pacemaker to encourage fellow fittlife runner Sarah Goodman to complete in 59 mins 51 secs. Their daughters ran together too. Sarah Halliday's daughter Hannah, 12, was first girl home in the race for fittkids in 12 mins 25 secs, just ahead of Sarah Goodman's 11-year-old daughter Tessa in 13 minutes. Their friend, Holly Crout, 11, followed them in 13 mins 58 secs. Great performances were also seen from Heather Wilson in 56 mins and Sandra Brown in a time of 56 mins 30 secs. Sandra's nine-year-old son Michael was equally quick in the 2k, completing in 9 mins 48 secs. Three fittbirds finishing on 1 hr 8 mins all had reason to be proud on the day. Sarah Dickinson knocked six minutes off last year's time after her daughter Chloe, eight, finished the shorter race in 15 mins 25 secs. Zoe Nicholson was also delighted with her debut result and Lyn Williams had already run with her eight-year-old daughter Ffallon in the 2k race in 16 mins 39 secs. After her emotional London Marathon debut, Sarah Arris completed her first 10k in 1hr 15 mins. That was after watching her 10-year-old son Archie lead the fittkids' 2k team home in nine minutes, followed by his eight-year-old brother George two minutes later. The only hard luck story hit Sharon Trimnell, who tripped and wasn't able to beat her sub-60 minute target. She finished in 1 hr 1 min. Jenny Burns found the race surprisingly tough, finishing in 1 hr 14 mins. Trainer Suzy Fitt said: "It was great to see three of the squad running PBs after being inspired by watching their children race competitively, some for the first time, in the 2k. "It was an excellent family result at a great family day and rewarding to have a record turnout for our growing squad." (05Jun08) Wheathampstead 10K ResultsResults: www.wheathampstead.netMessage from SuzyWell girls,I promised you bluebells and by golly we got them. Springtime in Hertfordshire gave us the best of times in the quintessentially English country-side and we were out there, working hard and soaking it all up. We had lamb rescues, orienteering sessions, deer spotting and a lorra lorra laughs. And that’s not all we did.... We had a great evening at the Natural Health Shop with Julie and her team of therapists. We got to try out a whole host of wonderful treatments, not to mention the mysterious art of palmistry - oooh that was a little spooky! The Greenway Time Trials were (after a slightly false start the previous week) were super fun with over 40 of you taking part and enjoying a glass of Pimm’s at the Greenway Bar. And finally, 33 of you turned out to take part in the Wheathampstead 10k/2K - fittkids, fittbirds and fittfellas. We had some fantastic results but I’ll let you read all about it in the Welwyn & Hatfield Times! We have another full-on term coming up and I do hope that you can make all the sessions you book and at least one of the fittbirds events:- fittbirds Summer Bash— By popular demand we’ll have a spot of rounders followed by a bring-and-share social evening in the grounds of 8 The Valley Green. Sue Shi Ying will be catering co-ordinator. NB please note that those that do not play rounders will be forbidden a drink. Tickets £5—all proceeds from the evening donated to Keech Cottage Children’s Hospice. Donations for raffle prises also welcome. Summer Camp — What an amazing time we all had last year and we’ll be doing it all again and hopefully with some new faces. Take a look at the photos on the website. fittbirds will be taking over one of the fields at trendy Debden House and will spend the day relaxing, eating and drinking while the kids run wild. It really is a lovely chill out. Form with more details to follow. Last but not least good luck to all those competing over the coming weeks and running Race for Life. Unfortunately WGC is now closed but there are plenty of others to choose from. Here’s looking forward to the next seven weeks of training and firmer, faster, fitter fittbirds ready for the beach. Suzy (24May08) Eleanor's London 2008Eleanor first in her age group – 70 – 75 in an amazing time of 4:18.Twenty one years ago in April 1987 l was encouraged to run round the block [having vowed l would never be a runner like my husband Dennis who had been running about 2 yrs) After 3 weeks of slowly increasing the distance l was hooked and a year to the day l ran my 1st London Marathon.1988. There is nothing like your 1st London Marathon. The atmosphere with the crowds cheering, bands playing,runners in fancy dress.it is quite amazing. On Sunday it was good to be with friends at the Green start Dennis, Sarah,Yvonne,Lelia and Katherine lnd. Our bags went on the baggage bus at 9am.,it was quite cold but we had our dustbin liners to keep us warm until the start. We were unlucky to have a few heavy showers but in between it was good running weather l felt very good running most of the time reaching halfway at 2.02hrs which seems to be my average time for a half. From then l felt quite consistant but was slowing up at 24 miles Along the Embankment l had to grit my teeth running and then doing a 20steps fast walk and repeating this session to Birdcage Walk Because l had my name on my top the crowd were willing me on ,they really were fantastic. Coming into the Mall is quite something ,l was trying to look fresh and bright as l came up to the finish line . lt was hard work but as soon as you cross the line you are on a high. That was my 19th London Marathon,and after each one l feel how lucky to have had the chance to be involved in such an event when you feel that the spectators are as important as the runners in keeping such a great atmosphere and there support. Many charities benefit from this marathon so .long may it continue. Eleanor (04May08) BLUEBELLS AT AYOT ST LAWRENCETake a look at what the fabulous Fitter Friday fillies got up to. Quintessentially English countryside in spring - wonderful.http://s307.photobucket.com/albums/nn311/suzyfitt/Bluebells%20at%20Ayot%20St%20Laurence/?albumview=slideshow (04MAY08) FITTBIRDS EARN THEMSELVES AN EVENING OF TOP-TO-TOE TREATSFor the third consecutive year the Natural Health shop and therapy centre opened it doors for an exclusive evening of top-to-toe treats and treaments for the FITTLIFE running sqad girls.A super evening was had by all thanks to the preparation and hard work from owner and Marathon runner Julie Goodwin and complimentary Therapy expert Tina. The FITTBIRDS got to experience a whole range of well deserved alternative therapies – from healing to Thai Yoga Massage, beauty treatments to the mysterious art of palm reading. As well as having nutritional expert Paula Werrett on hand to discuss and advise on related issues. Suzy Fitt of FITTLIFE said ‘I thoroughly enjoyed watching the girls emerge with shiny nails, ruffled hair, glazed eyes, glowing cheeks, loose limbs and new knowledge and it was clear that what ever was going on in the various corners of the Natural Health shop they were enjoying it and wanted more.’ Exercise is obviously a vital component to someones overall health and both Julie and I promote a holistic approach.’ Following a very successful evening including the wine and nibbles (pommegrannet juice also available) Julie also provided a great goodie bag. In addition to Natural Health, Suzy and the FITTTBIRDS would like to thank Marshall, Reiko, Penny, Paula, Carole, Christine and Jill. Photos from the evening are available on: http://s307.photobucket.com/albums/nn311/suzyfitt/FITTBIRDS%20NATURAL%20HEALTH%20EVENING%2008/?albumview=slideshow (01May08)
Sarah's running tribute to father's memoryAFTER more than six years of waiting and nearly seven hours of running, WGC's Sarah Ariss was finally able to wear a London Marathon medal on Sunday. The 44-year-old mother-of-two from Oakdale was delighted at finally achieving her marathon dream in memory of her father. Sarah ran through sunshine, rain and hailstones to the cheers of the crowds and savoured every moment of the world famous race at the weekend.
The member of the fittlife running squad mixed with the real running celebrities and even had the breath to give encouragement to the amazing Buster Martin, one of the oldest runners in the field, and 'stilt lady' as she passed them. Sarah was in complete awe as a male competitor with only metal frames as legs overtook her. She wondered if it was all a dream when 'Mr Bump' followed by an entire fire brigade casually ran alongside her. "It has been an incredible journey and an even more incredible day full of cheering crowds, music, families and emotion," she said after crossing the finish line at The Mall. "I now have blisters and am hobbling like an old lady, but I have my medal and my memories and have raised over £2,000 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer." She crossed the finish line in an official time of 6 hours 53 minutes 41 seconds. "I couldn't have done this without the amazing support of my husband Rod and everyone I know," said Sarah. "The real drive for me was my Dad and girlfriends that are no longer here. "I feel a great sense of achievement and pride at having completed this in their honour.'' Suzy Fitt, of fittlife, added: "Sarah should be a real inspiration to all those other would-be marathoners. "She understood her motive, set her goal and kept focused throughout her training. "She didn't quit when it got tough and she spent nearly seven hours running towards her London Marathon dream. She's a real star and athlete.
Marathon couple reunited after 26.2 milesHUSBAND and wife team Mark Dickinson and Sarah Halliday were reunited on Sunday - after running 26.2 miles each. Garden City Runners Sarah and Mark completed their first marathon step-by-step on their honeymoon in New York 18 months ago. But this time there was an unavoidable separation. Sarah, who trains with the fittlife squad, started Sunday's Flora London Marathon on the good for age line and Mark on the men's prestigious championship start alongside the world's greatest elite runners. Dickinson was GCR's fastest finisher, completing the course in 2 hours 35 minutes 48 seconds.
Sarah's steady and methodical return to training following the birth of their third child Eddie paid off with an impressive finishing age group position of 315th in the women's 35 category.
She said: "Although I was quite nervous in the run up to the marathon, all my training paid off.
"I felt comfortable most of the way round.
"When I started to flag at around 22 miles, I heard Suzy bellow my name and this gave me a real boost!
"I'm very pleased to have broken the four-hour barrier in a time of 3.54.57 in my first marathon after having Eddie eight months ago by C-section.
"Now I'm back to fitness I'll be setting my sights on getting more sleep and a marathon PB next year."
The sleepless nights didn't seem to pose a problem to Mark, who finished 24th in his men's over 35 age group and 111th overall out of around 35,000 competitors.
Mark said: "I'm delighted with my result of 2.35.48, which is 12 minutes better than my last London Marathon time.
"The weather was just right and lots of hard training meant I had a really enjoyable run."
Suzy Fitt, who runs fittlife, said: "When I saw Mark at the halfway point he looked incredibly relaxed and was thoroughly enjoying the atmosphere and crowds. "I knew what he was hoping to achieve and at that point was bang on target. "Mark only returned to running two years ago and is continuing to improve with almost every race, so it will be very exciting to see what he and Sarah can achieve over the forthcoming year." Mark was even able to cheer wife Sarah across the finish line before being reunited along with family and friends. (17Apr08)
Fittlife runners rock at Knebworth
TREADING in the footsteps of stars like Queen, Robbie Williams and Elton John inspired six athletes from Times Territory's fittlife running squad to score personal bests in Sunday's inaugural Knebworth Park 5k and 10k events for the British Heart Foundation. Over two laps round the hilly parkland that has been home to some of rock and pop's biggest events, Saranna Watkins charted in the top five in the women's 10km race with a personal best of 48 minutes 44 seconds. That was an improvement of 3 mins 16 secs on her previous best and she was delighted. Saranna said: "I went out of my comfort zone but kept control and just kept working at it. 
"It was tough but I enjoyed it and it's great to see the training pay off." There were three other PBs in the race with Heather Wilson and Debbie Daniel recording 55 mins 09 secs and 55 mins 23 secs respectively. On the difficult terrain, Heather managed to slice four minutes off her previous best. Fiona Wilson also put in a fine PB of 56 mins 52 secs. 
Susie Mitchell and first timers Frances Hill (58.53), Julie Hannah (59), Bridget Sharp (60.56) and Sharon Trimnell (61) also completed the two-lap course in respectable times to finish well up in the field. Two mother-and-daughter teams from fittlife also duetted in Knebworth's 5k event. Mum Sarah Goodman and 16-year-old daughter Laurie came home together with a joint best time of 27 mins 30 secs for the 5km course. Lyn Williams and eight-year old Fallon rocked up in 35 mins 29 secs. Coach Suzy Fitt was proud of her runners' success in the British Heart Foundation event. She said: "These girls have been working extremely hard over the tough winter months and it is great to see them get the rewards with such excellent times and a clutch of PBs." For more information on fittlife training sessions, visit www.fittlife.com. (08Mar08) Fred Hughes 10
Paula and Tess(31Jan08)Happy New Year.Hey Girls, Can you believe it?! The start of another exciting year... And time to get focused and start 2008 as you mean to carry on.So what’s your goal? Perhaps you’re keen to enter your first event, or try a new distance, or maybe you’d like to lose some weight, or just make a commitment to get out and exercise regularly. Fittlife is here to help you and remember, the outdoor gym is the best place to release all those feel good endorphins and get you rosy-cheeked and on track to meeting those goals. Not to mention burning off all those Christmas treats. Embrace the English Climate It is going to be chilly and quite frankly miserable out there at times (has that sold it to you?) but dress up warmly with lots of layers and embrace our beautiful Hertfordshire countryside along with all the magic it has to offer (can’t guarantee any penguins!). However tempting a coffee and cake is when the rain is lashing down outside be strong, resist, turn up for class and a feel a sense of self-satisfaction and achievement not least to mention a looser waist band. You’ll warm-up and get in the zone in minutes. The Classes Due to the late start of term this year please note that there will be a one-off start-up session on Tuesday 8th January followed by refreshments—everyone welcome. Get the dates and venues in your diary. Every effort will be made to set off on time so please be prompt. All details can be found on www.fittlife.com. I’m looking forward to some serious fun and fantastic results from the Fitbirds. Suzy (11Jan08) Fittlife celebrate a year of fitness, fundraising, fresh air and fantastic achievements.It has been very rewarding to see so many women getting control of their health and fitness and recognising that it’s a combination of exercise and a healthy balanced diet that gets the results they want. With exercise at moderate to high intensity the benefits go on – increased energy levels, ability to cope with stress, increase in self esteem and self motivation. It really is that good. Not only that, but they are inspiring their children by apparently having more fun than them at times.’The majority of ladies come to me having been out of touch with exercise for a number of years. It is quite astounding what a difference a term or two can make. Fitness improves dramatically, confidence grows and before you no it they’ve entered their first ever event and how ever tough it might feel they positively glow having completed the challenge they have set themselves. Two highlights were the Wheathamstead 10k where 21 competitors competed and completed in great times. This was followed by the Stanborough Race for Life with 36 Fittlife ladies competing. Not only have we got fit but the fittlife team have raised over £15,000 in the last year for a whole range of charities just by doing something that they enjoy. We celebrated the end of the summer term with a game of Hawaiian rounders (something of a FITTLIFE tradition) and garden party. We raised a further £400 for Keech Cottage Children’s Hospice and had a great time. Suzy says ‘Clients have got so much from their ‘outdoor fitness experience’ that they have a desire and willingness to show their appreciation by giving something back by way of fundraising. It is a good feeling.’ It is important that exercise is a natural part of your everyday lifestyle. This is particularly important for our children. The habits they learn now will take them into adulthood and with such beautiful countryside around us what better way than to get the whole family out to enjoy it. Kids have also been joining their parents by taking part in local fun runs and feeling their own sense of achievement. With the break up of the school holidays Fittlife took this a stage further by getting outdoors and staying there. A mums and kids camping trip was a huge success with over 50 attending. It was a great experience for kids and mums alike many of whom were novice campers. The trip consisted of scouting skills – campfires, midnight forest trail and loads of fresh air and freedom. The final week of classes were held around the stunning Ayot St Lawrence area the final treat of the hard workout being a stop off to pick and enjoy wild raspberries in the sunshine. |