Hi all –
Results
London Marathon results are in, and, well, what spectacular reading they make. If you didn’t see the four athletic figures in yellow and black bounding through the thousands of runners, then you might like to know that Matt Rickard was first home for the club in a staggering 3:30:04, followed by Rick Dallaston in 3:58:40, Sarah Gordon in 4:12:15, and Debbie Handslip in 5:28:28. That is a seriously fabulous effort from all of you.
Carol Morgan took to the fells to complete the grueling Fellsman Challenge – 60 miles of undulating pain from Ingleton to Threshfield, if you’re thinking of entering next year – and did so in an inspirational 14:13.
An absolute crowd of Nidds went and took part at the Harrogate Parkrun, and I’d bore you all silly if I named them all, but I wanted to make special mention for Michelle ‘zero to hero’ Dinsdale who tamed that 30 minute barrier and came storming home in 29:38. Nice one, Michelle. More inspirational reading here:http://www.parkrun.org.uk/harrogate/results/latestresults/.
Apology of the week goes to Debbie Gibson, who for the past fortnight has reminded me of all of these races she’s done and that she’s not got a mention in this weekly round-up (seriously, there is no pleasing some people, there really isn’t. I’ll never hear the end of this). Sorry Debbie. If you want to avoid the social shame and utter humiliation of being left out, then why not let me and Jon know of all your achievements so we can spread the Nidd Joy far and wide? My email:chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Week Ahead
· Tuesday: Oh my, oh my. Can this really be it? Yes, it’s the last of the interval sessions and will be ably led by Mike. Meet at the Hockey Club at 7pm, or at Trinity Church Oval for about 7.10pm. The last one… I can hardly believe it. It’ll be emotional. Don’t miss it.
· Thursday: Regular club run from the Hockey Club at 7pm, followed by pints of lager, packets of crisps and riveting conversation in the bar upstairs afterwards.
· Saturday: Coniston Fell Race! I’ll be hauling myself and my hangover (it’s a tradition, now) up to the top of one of the highest peaks in England. If you haven’t experienced being overtaken half way up a mountain by a bearded octogenarian in a knitted running vest, then you don’t know what you’re missing. Have a chat with Fell Running Phil at the club or send him an email at philiprobinson@orangehome.co.uk. He’s always on the lookout for more victims, sorry, I mean runners to join our merry band…
· Sunday: Bluebell Trail Race. This next exciting feature in the Club Champs is, unfortunately, sold out. Sorry if you missed the boat, kids. You won’t hang around so long next time.
Bed Race – Volunteers Needed!
I’ve been contacted by John Dickinson from Knaresborough Lions, and the folks there are desperately short of volunteers to marshal the race course on the day. They need some more volunteers for the waterside part of the course (which would mean that you only have to marshal the race and not the parade, so it wouldn’t be so much of your time). If you can help, please contact John directly onlionbedrace@hotmail.co.uk. He would love to hear from you.
Reminder to both teams racing: you need to still provide a marshal per bed, and let John know when you have done this as they’ll need to attend a safety briefing.
Evening League
The Evening League starts next week with the Harrogate Harriers Race on Tuesday night! Everyone is very excited here at Nidd Valley HQ. Dave has been consulting his maps, Sarah and Michelle have been talking tactics, and to be honest Matt has talked about little else for months. If you haven’t got your number – and if not, why not? – speak to Dave or Michelle straight away! They might be able to squeeze you in.
A Word to the Wise
“Listen to your body. Don’t be a blind and deaf tenant” – George Sheean
Have a good week, everyone.
Sam x