A successful weekend for the Hatchards!

The Harriers is full of running couples and Lisa and Tony Hatchard are one of several examples in the club who manage to juggle work, family life and both of their training and running schedules with huge success. A key process in this success seems to be mutual support and give and take, so that they both get a crack at doing the sport they love. If their performances from this weekend are anything to go by, this pair are getting it spot on!

On the Saturday, Tony stormed around Killerton parkrun to 3rd place overall and a massive new course PB of 17:52. This will be a great confidence boost for him as he has been working hard on getting his fitness back ready for the Torbay Half in 4 weeks time.

Tony at Killerton parkrun, on his way to a sub 18 min clocking

Lisa was spectating and on parent duty on the Saturday, but on the Sunday it was her turn to take centre stage as she prepared to tackle something totally new to her (and, indeed, to most members of the Harriers): an aquathlon. Organised by the Exeter Tri Club, this event formed part of a wider series of events that have been taking place around the region throughout Srping. This particular round was held at Exeter University in their outdoor swimming pool.

Lisa first had to swim 600m (24 lengths) and then run 5k. She was contesting the novice event, as this was her first attempt at a dual discipline race, and she did superbly well, finishing as top female and in 2nd place overall. Her swim time was a brisk 8:37 and her run, on a hilly 5k course, 24:06. Amazingly, her run time was the fastest overall by 2 minutes, beating all the men in the process! If this debut is anything to go by, Lisa could have found a new niche talent for multi-discipline events!

Well done Lisa! We're all very proud and in awe of you for trying something completely new!