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Elstead Marathon in memory of Paul & Jessie Cowell

By Andrew Cowell

My Activity Tracking

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kms

My target 9 kms

Thank You All!


Well where did that 5 weeks go??
I am writing this back in cold wintry Melbourne and looking back at the photos, this little escapade of mine already seems a little distant. 
After the race I traveled up to London to indulge in a few days of one of my favourite pastimes. Mudlarking! That is venturing onto the Thames foreshore and looking for historical artifacts dropped by every day citizens of London who have long since been forgotten. It's amazing how you can be in the heart of the metropolis but once you climb down the stairs or ladder onto the foreshore at lowtide, you can be totally alone and transported back in time by the finds you make. For me it's very Zen and an Ideal way to chill before returning home.  I made some interesting finds, some of which I had to record with the Museum of London including an Elizabeth 1st farthing found just across the river from the Globe Theatre. Who knows it could have been dropped by someone taking a ferry across the river to see the premier of one of Shakespeare's new plays! Such is the romance to be had whilst mudlarking, pulling an artifact from the mud knowing that it hasn't seen the light of day since it was dropped many centuries ago in antiquity!
I could talk alot more about this rather nerdy passion of mine, but I shall spare you, at least for now! All that really remains to be said before I close this blog off for good is a big, 'THANK YOU!' Over a $1000.00 raised to go towards the fight against cancer is a fantastic effort by all those concerned! In particular I would like to thank everyone who so generously sponsored me, my childhood friends who ran and supported me on the day and in particular my wife, Vincenza for letting me do these crazy things every now and again! 
Bye for now!

Race Day


Alison and I position ourselves strategically at the back of the pack. I heard somewhere that there is nothing more soul destroying than being near the front and having people continuously passing you. The butter chicken and onion Barjees I had for lunch repeated in my mouth. Maybe not the best choice for a pre-race lunch but at least I had the athletic discipline to forego the can of lager! The masses ahead of us started to move and initially we were carried forward  in nothing more than an awkward walk. For the first half of the race I tucked myself in the slip stream of a late middle-aged, one legged runner until I slowly gained confidence that my achilles would hold up. 
I had left Alison somewhere on Hookley Lane where she had been in a head to head tussle with Marshmallow Women. As the race continued I got myself into a rhythm and began to enjoy picking off a few tail enders. The Bridge House Care Home Residents Running Squad didn't know what hit them as I drove a wedge through their tight pack!
 Jamie had already warned me about the bobbly field (I think that's what he called it), just prior to the river and I eased the pace as I crossed the ankle twisting, achilles rupturing field with the surface of a badly laid mine field. Before I knew it I was in the river the last obstacle before the finishing line, posing for photos that were never taken as the supporter squad weren't expecting me for another hour! Then I was on the village green and crossing the finishing line! 
My time? 55 minutes if you must know and Alison? We shall never know the official time as the Marshalls taking the times had moved onto the pub by then, however the good news was she crossed the river and finished in style. The bad news is that Marshmellow women had floated across 10 minutes earlier! 

The Island of Iz


The small island of Iz is just over an hour ferry journey from Zadar. We are currently staying in a huge apartment with expansive views of the Adriatic. The owner is a Croat who lived in Berlin for many years. Last night he invited us to join him, his wife and a number of friends for dinner. It was an amazing act of genuine hospitality and we were made most welcome. Dinner was locally sourced fish barbecued on a traditional wood fire. After dinner out came everyone's home made spirits. It was a great evening!

Footnote (Literally) : You may have noticed I haven't made much reference to my training recently! Unfortunately my training and mountain walking has aggrevated my Achilles which has become sore and swollen. I therefore decided that further training would do more harm than good and so I have been resting up. Only 2 days now until the race! Who knows how it will hold up but no excuses I'll be there at the starting line! 

Zadar - Croatia


After a direct flight from Newcastle to Zadar we found ourselves in Sunny Croatia! Living in Australia I do miss not being in such close proximity to continental Europe and how within a couple of hours you can make such a big jump between 2 such distinctly different cultures and climates. Croatia is quite a nostalgic holiday destination for dad and I as we used to come here often during the 70s and 80s.

Vindolanda


Hadrian's wall was built by Roman Emperor Hadrian in a time of consolidation of the Roman Empire. It spans from coast to coast at the narrowest point of Northern England just below the Scottish border. Along the wall was a series of Roman forts that guarded the wall.  On one such fort named Vindolanda, dad and I had the opportunity to assist in the archaeological  excavations back in 2017 for a couple of weeks. It was a great experience and we made a number of friends including Tim who had again retuned for the 2022 excavation season . It was a great opportunity to catch up with Tim and the archaeologists and to see what progress had been made since our last visit.
Fascinating fact: A visit to Hadrian's Wall inspired the author of The Game of Thrones to create the Ice wall after imaging how isolated the Romans must have felt so far from home, guarding the wall against the wild Celtic warriors!

Road Tripping across the UK

On my return to England, I picked up a car rental and the next day headed to Nottingham with dad to visit my Nephew, Michael, his girlfriend, Louise and my sister-in-law, Alex. Coincidentally my Hurstbridge friend Austin is also currently visiting his parents in Bedford and we stopped in on route for a hello and a cup of tea.
Sadly we only had 2 days with family which went all too fast but it gave us a chance to catch up over some good food! Before we knew it we were heading further north to Hadrian's Wall.

Reconnecting with friends - Ireland

We all met back in 1997 at a time where we were all at a similar stage of our lives, enjoying adult life without the responsibilities, but conscious that decisions had to be made that would define the next chapter of our lives. Mine was whether to take the plunge and marry and emigrate to Australia. A hard decision when I had such a strong sense of belonging in the UK, my friends and my Mrs!
 We were like minded people whose lives converged when we all worked in an outdoor equipment store in Guildford. Richard, the assistant manager and his girlfriend Ann Marie were both from Ireland. Vinnie and I became good friends until our paths went separate ways and at a time when internet was not so mainstream we lost contact. Fast forward to COVID lock downs and time filled with internet surfing and wine and during an evening of nostalgia I found Richard online who had become a successful mountain guide in the hills that he grew up in. The offer to take me up into the mountains on my return to the UK was proposed and not knowing at the time when that would be I hungrily accepted!
Well after 25 year since we had last met, that time finally arrived and I had a fantastic time reconnecting with Richard & Ann Marie and their beautiful family.  What amazing hosts they were! Many pubs were frequented and I got my day in the hills which was an incredible. The scenery was fantastic as you will see from the photos at the bottom of the page. It was one of those perfect days in the mountains where high up on a ridge the low level cloud would suddenly part revealing awesome views of the horse shoe chain of mountains we were climbing and the ancient glacial valley below. Thank you Richard and Ann Marie for a great and memorable time, see you in Lucca in 2024!

Meet Richard


This is Richard a family friend who lives in a 15th century farm house in the village. As a teenager I used to garden for him as did both my brother's when they were young. His property drops down to the river that I will have to wade through at the end of the marathon. His ancestors have been involved in all sorts of significant historical events and it didn't surprise me when he said his great great grandfather was Sir Frederick Weld, the 6th Premier of New Zealand who is attributed to introducing sheep to the country!

What's behind the fence?

On the edge of Elstead, down a narrow country lane is a high fence which allows no insight to what lays behind. As a kid I used to cycle past it on occasions on my way to a local lake for a spot of fishing. Behind the fence is a large period home named Brookfield and the reason for the privacy is that it was once owned by a number of celebs looking for respite from their public lives. Peter Sellers (The Pink Panther) owned it for a number of years before selling it on to Ringo Starr after meeting on a film set. Ringo only lived there for a couple of years before selling it on to American musician Stephen Stills of Crosby Stills Nash and Young. Through out that period the garden was cared for by a local called Johnny and Stephen Stills wrote a song about him called Johnny's Garden. You can find it on YouTube!

Local Walkabout

Many Australians consider Britain to be an over crowded Island and in some parts it is. I was lucky to be brought up in a rural village surrounded by areas of national beauty both natural and historical. When ever I return home I will often catch up with my old mate Richard and he will take me on a grand tour of my childhood haunts. There is a huge network of public footpaths dating back centuries, many of which I have never explored or forgotten. This time Richard took me on a 15 mile epic, stopping off at historical sites of interest, The Barley Mow pub and a number of relics from WW2. 
The ruins of Waverley Abbey date back to the 11th century. I went to a school near by of the same name. Richard pointed out a fire place that Simon Pegg jumped out of in Hot Fuzz!
Scattered around Elstead is a number of WW2 pill boxes that guarded the local bridges and open fields in preparation for the expected invasion that never happened. We must have come across a dozen over the day. Another remnant of WW2 is the Adriatic Wall. This was a wall built by Canadian troops using plans stolen and smuggled out of Nazi occupied France of the German defences just prior to the D Day landings. After its construction the Canadian then used explosives to work out the best way to breach it.
It was a great walk broken up by a beer in the garden of one of the local pubs.

Queens Jubilee

I have never seen so many Union Jack's, they are every where, in windows, on bunting, gates and walls. The Queen's Jubilee celebrating 70 years on the throne has shown there is still a strong sense of national pride for the old dear. Every where I have gone there have been street parties and fetes and dad's road was no exception. It was impromptu to take advantage of a sunny day and by the end even I had caught the sun. It was a great opportunity to catch up with the neighbors, many of whom I have known all my life. The gathering was infront of the impressive 18th century lodge at the end of our small cul de sac.

My niece's


Let me introduce you to Paul's daughters, Vicki & Lizzie. Both came down to Elstead from Basingstoke to visit for a couple of days. Vicki on the right is going to run in the marathon with me which is an amazing effort considering she has cystic fibrosis. A condition she has managed amazingly well all her life. Whilst they were down Vicki and I did another training run with Alison.

First training run on Elstead Commons


The message read as follows: 'Morning! How are doing? I'm up for it if you are? Meet u at the bus shelter at bottom of Hookley Lane at 9?'

No this wasn't a sleazy liaison for a spot of dogging  (I know of one work mate who is under the impression that dogging is a national pass time in England). This was a proposal from my childhood friend, Alison to get in a training session on part of the marathon course.

It was a great confidence booster as although the pace was slow it reassured me that it was doable. It was fantastic to catch up with Alison and blow out some of the cobwebs whilst my senses took in the scents and sights of my childhood! Didn't pull up sore so must be making some progress with my fitness! 

St James Church


So this is the church that Vinnie and I were married in back in 1998. It is also where half of mums ashes were spread when she succumbed to brain cancer and her name is on a memorial stone within the grave yard. The other half of her ashes are in a church in the township of Ouse in Tasmania due to her love of the Apple Isle. St James is a historical church with parts of the church dating back to the 12th Century.

Home!


So after 3 long years I am finally back home, with dad in the small village of Elstead. Here we are standing in front of the house I was born and raised in. As an ex-pat, Elstead is a great place to return to as it never really changes and it is just as familiar today as when I was a child. Dad is more fit and agile than many people I know with lesser years on the clock. He has never done a days exercise for the sake of exercise in his life (other than walking) and his fitness can be attributed to his love of gardening.

The Detectorist


On arriving in the UK I self isolated for the first few days in farm stay accommodation. To keep myself entertained I brought my metal detector and had got the owners permission to detect. Not much was found, a few things of interest but I won't bore you with details. Anyhow it was a chilled out few days to unwind and get over my jet lag and ensure I was COVID free before seeing my dad,

Run Fat Boy Run!


No time was wasted inflight in preparation for the marathon and I sought inspiration from Simon Pegg, that any unfit chubbster can break through the pain barrier to achieve  physical greatness! By the way, after watching the movie I am now considering a change in charities and running for National Erectile Dysfunction Awareness!

On my way....


So sitting at the gate and my name is called. Upgrade here I come!! Thought I had built up some rapport with the check-in lady... No I had dropped my UK passport in departures  (Expired but may come in handy in a hostage situation..or not) It had been picked up by a friendly ABF Officer! Bloody hell I am a liability to myself! Good job ABF had my back. Better prepare myself for the smart arse comments about have I got my passport on my return, lol!  Anyhow I owe that officer a drink . I hope it's someone I like!!

FOOTNOTE: Can you believe it! On the Singapore to London leg I scored a free upgrade after my cattle class seat next to the toilet was found to be damaged. Do not underestimate the power of the mind. Dream big and make your dreams a reality!!!!

Sweet 16!


This is me more than a third of the age of what I am now near the end of the Elstead Marathon. At this point in the run my feet would have been soaked as you have to run through a river before climbing up the hill to the finish line on the village green.

I’m fundraising for Cancer Council Victoria to help stop cancer.

As some will know I will be returning to the UK in May 2022. to visit my 92 year old father in the village of Elstead in Surrey where I was born and raised. It will be a happy occasion after years of being unable to return home.  

Coincidently my last day in Elstead on 24 June is also the date of the 110th year of the Elstead 'Marathon' a 5.5 mile race that I last competed in when I was 17 years old. My late brother Paul, was the cup holder in both 1976 & 1977.

I have therefore decided to run in memory of Paul and my mum Jessie both of whom were taken early by cancer. Running with me will be a number of childhood friends whose families have also been significantly impacted by cancer. 

Every year more than 35,000 Victorians hear the words ‘you have cancer’.

Thanks in part to generous Victorians, 7 in 10 of them will survive five years after a cancer diagnosis, but there’s still so much work to be done.

Cancer Council needs our support more than ever this year. Every dollar raised gives hope for a cancer free future. By supporting my  run, you’re funding life-saving cancer treatments, prevention programs, and support services that ensure no one has to face cancer alone.

Thank you in advance for your donation!

Cheers

Andy

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$1,021

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$500

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Thank you to my Sponsors

$20.88

Sarah Mcclease

Great effort Andy, well done on finishing in one piece and keeping the butter chicken down :)

$100

Anonymous

$33

Vincenza Cummaudo

Congratulations sweetheart.

$26.10

Roberta D'amicis

Thank-You for sharing your trip with us. All the best for the Marathon!!

$20.88

Julie Williamson

Good luck Andy - loving the blog too.

$73.08

Mgf Team

Donated from our Morning tea. A big congrats and good luck from the whole team!

$31.32

Jamie Rowe

Good luck on the run!

$20.88

Kathleen Ryan

Good Luck Andy!!!

$20.88

Harv Ey Illingworth

All the best Andy

$26.10

Andrew Richards

Well done Andy. I reckon I would be doing well running 9 metres let alone 9 kilometres.

$20.88

Marianne Elliott

Good luck… I’ll be cheering you on!

$20.88

Julie Hosking

Good on you Andy. Such a worthwhile cause

$104.40

Maria Frank Daniel Julian

$50

Adrian Callipari

Good luck!

$50

Lisa Callipari

$26.10

Carmela Pottini

Good luck Andy

$100

Frances Yamakoshi

$52.20

Mike Frith

Good luck Andy, two years ago i had cancer removed from a saliva gland and this year i have had, 1 MRI, 1 Pet scan, 2 CT scan,s 2 Biopsy's and a Gastroscopy

$100

A, K And L.

Good luck!

$20.88

Emy Turner

Best wishes and good luck!

$52.20

Dale Tindal

5.5 mile or 8.8 km - id be dead at the 5k mark id reckon - good luck

$50

Andrew Cowell

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