Hi all –
Well, folks, it’s all very busy at Nidd Valley HQ. We’ve got another cracking Evening League performance under our running belts, the Bed Race is looming large (gulp), and there’s a few races in the pipeline. Read on, why don’t you?
Results
Over thirty Nidds travelled up to Thirsk on Tuesday to compete in the third of the Evening League Series. For Sarah Hughan, this short, sharp and flat course must have been Manna from Heaven (those of you who were taking notes will remember Sarah’s choice comments on hill running after our trip to Yeadon). Andy Todd (30:39) was first home for the team, with Matt Wilkinson (30:46) and Martin Lofthouse (30:59) hot on his heels. Yours truly (32:47) rediscovered his running mojo whilst trying to keep Paul Geary (33:08) at bay. By the way, standing next to Paul at the start line, I learned that Paul has three tattoos. I saw only two, and chose not to ask where the third was. Still, you think you know someone… Every day is a school day, I tell you.
Carol Morgan (34:05), Jonathan Easton (34:29), Simon Franklin (34:30) followed next, chased by Paul Eagling (35:49) in an impressive sprint to the line. Emma Dooley (36:13) and Alison Isles (39:19) led Ian McLeod (36:50) onto the home straight, followed by Paul Manning (37:02), Christine Holleran (37:04), Christine Jones (37:59), Fiona Deacon (38:01), Jim Cook (38:06), Emma David (39:01) and Jenny Manning (39:33). Rachel Eastaff (39:56) sneaked in under the 40 minute barrier, chased down by Sarah “I love running on flat roads” Hughan (40:43), Debbie Gibson (41:08), Debbie Dilasser (41:25), Sarah Gordon (41:31) and Nick Smith (41:38). Alison Little (43:30) was next over the line and joined the crowds to cheer on Ewa Scott (44:45), Michelle Smith (44:54), Tony Chapman (46:01), Jane Hill (46:39), Aimi Blueman (46:54) and Natalie Lanscova (47:33). Michelle Dinsdale (50:26) brought the curtain down on an excellent team performance.
Unfortunately, the more observant among you will realise that we have slipped behind Knaresborough Striders in the league table. Obviously, we were missing a few runners on Tuesday, which will have contributed to this. Although I don’t want to name and shame people, could the following people please wait behind to see me after class: Matt Rickard, Dan Eagling, Dave Seaman and Philippa Moorse.
Talking of Philippa, she and Matt Wilkinson tackled the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride on Saturday, completing the hilly 70 mile challenge from Wetherby to Filey in an impressive 4:30. They then took their jelly legs to Derbyshire to complete the ‘Derby Ramathon’, and Matt paced Philippa (2:18:27) to her second ever best half marathon time. Well done to you both.
The fell runners were at it again (when are they ever off it?), this time with the popular Wharfedale Half Marathon. Carol Morgan (2:08) led the team home, followed closely by the lesser spotted Rick Dallaston (2:17), Emma David (2:18) and Sarah Gordon (2:19).
In the ever exciting world that is Park Running, 13 Nidds took to the Harrogate course. Rising star of Nidd Valley Juniors, Harrison Isles (25:06), stormed home, showing the adults how it’s done. Well done, Harrison (though do be careful, if you keep up that kind of pace they’ll have you bed racing as soon as your old enough). I’m also pleased to report that Steve managed to tie his own shoe laces. Well done, Steve, we’re all very proud of you. Full results: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/harrogate/results/latestresults/. Up at Fountains, Nick Smith (24:36) got himself a new PB, and Andy Todd (19:02) put in another strong performance.
I seem to spend most of my time peering over lists of results like Ebenezer Scrooge hunched over a ledger. Why not keep me busy with your results? My email: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Week Ahead
• Tuesday: it’s the usual run from the Hockey Club, meeting at 7pm. Come on down, why don’t you? There’s nothing on the TV, anyway.
• Wednesday: it’s the infamous Otley 10. Now that’s what I call a hill. Seriously, this is a race with one hell of a climb (cracking views from the top, though) and previous Nidds who’ve entered it have sought medical attention afterwards. Unfortunately for you, this race is in the Road Championships so I’m afraid you have no choice but to enter. Further instructions here: http://otleyac.org.uk/otley-10-mile-road-race/. Enjoy!
• Thursday: back to the Hockey Club for a steady run at 7pm, followed by the opportunity to block out the whole experience with a few pints in the bar afterwards.
Bed Race
The excitement at Nidd Valley House about Bed Race is palpable. It’s only 5 sleeps to go. Matt hasn’t been this excited since he asked Father Christmas for a working model of Tracy Island. We’ve got two teams – a men’s team led by Matt, and a ladies’ team led by Jane– as well as a couple of other Nidds running for other teams. Alone, my fancy dress this year is enough to get you down to watch. Trust me. So get yourself down, get a drink, and get ready to make some noise. If previous years are anything to go by, you wouldn’t want to miss it. More details here: http://www.bedrace.co.uk/.
Club Vests
Nick Smith has kindly driven down to Ilkley to collect the latest consignment of Nidd Valley Vests (those fine yellow tops we wear to races). You can collect yours for a bargain price (can’t remember what that is – sorry) at Up & Running in Harrogate. We do ask, if you race as a member of the Club, that you wear the Club colours. Trust me, you’ll look fabulous in yellow and black.
Ripon Races
Let me know if you still want a place at Ripon Races on 15 August 2015. I’m hoping to get it booked by the end of June.
A Word to the Wise
“Champions are not the ones who always win races – champions are the ones who get out there and try. And try harder the next time. And even harder the next time. ‘Champion’ is a state of mind. They are devoted. They compete to best themselves as much if not more than they compete to best others. Champions are not just athletes.” – Simon Sinek (no, I hadn’t heard of him either).
Whatever you’re doing this week, make it a good one and I’ll hopefully see you at the club.
Sam x