Hi all –
It was lovely to see so many of you join us for the Almscliffe Crag Run on Thursday. The sun shone, no-one got lost, and we were back in time for last orders. Perfect.
Results
Carol Morgan and Simon Franklin have successfully completed the gruelling Dragon’s Back Challenge in Wales. For those of you who know better than to enter such things, it’s a gruelling (although over-used in running write-ups, ‘gruelling’ really is the right word), 5-day, 300k challenge from Conwy to the Brecon Beacons, taking in 16,000m of ascent. Of the 121 people who started, only 64 finished, so the results are even more remarkable. Carol finished 30th in a jaw-droppingly impressive 61:19:10, followed by Simon in 60th in 71:55:36. Yorkshire folk would probably describe people who do that kind of thing as a few sandwiches short of a picnic, but it certainly doesn’t detract from the achievement. Well done to you both.
At Harrogate Parkrun this week, it was a new PB for Jon Easton (20:12), so the training in chasing criminals down the streets of West Yorkshire is clearly paying dividends. No news on Dan Eagling’s attempt at the 20 minute barrier this week, I’m afraid. I’ll let you know when I have any news (come on, Dan, pick your feet up!).
Up at Fountains Parkrun, Jamie Dilasser (18:25) and Andy Todd (19:06) put in two spectacularly speedy performances. No sign of any of us mere mortals there, though.
Sarah Chalmers completed the 13.7m Wharfedale Two Peaks Challenge on Satruday, taking in Great Whernside and Buckden Pike (she must really have enjoyed Buckden that much last week). Sarah finished the course in 5:20, coming 40th of 130. Sarah did, however, walk the course. Yes, ladies and gentleman: walk. And to think she’s on the committee, too! Still, they still gave her a technical t-shirt and a pork pie at the end, so they must have been impressed with her achievement. Well done, Sarah.
A team of Nidds have been out this morning tackling the Staveley Stampede. Results aren’t yet out for this 10k course, but well done to all who took part. We’ll try and get your results out next week.
Last week it was Philippa’s bike ride, and this week it’s been Sarah’s big walk. Maybe you’ve made your breakfast, cut the grass or tied your own shoelaces? If you’ve got a non-running related achievement you’d like to share with the club, then get in touch: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Week Ahead
• Tuesday & Thursday: meet at the Hockey Club, ready to run at 7pm. Will it be the gorge? Will it be Knaresborough, or maybe even Hookie Woods? You’ll have to be there to find out.
• Sunday: it’s the next one in the road championships counter: the Harrogate 10k. This is hosted by our local (friendly) rivals, Harrogate Harriers, and is a town centre race taking in two laps of the Duchy Estate. Entry is available on the day (places pending), but you’d do better to get your entry in quick: http://www.harrogate-harriers.co.uk/harrogate10k/harrogate-town-centre-10k-2015/. It might not be the most interesting race on the face of the planet, but you won’t get any points if you don’t turn up, and it’s good to try and support the Harriers as they always make a consistently good show at the Guy Fawkes 10. So go on, pop your trainers on and get down there.
Burton Leonard 10k
Not that I’m bitter about losing out to the Knaresborough Striders in the Evening League, but revenge is a dish best served in running shoes. It’s our annual ‘mob match’ with the Striders at the Burton Leonard 10k on 19 July 2015. We took the trophy in the inaugural race in 2014 and we’re not going to give it back. You know what you need to do, people: http://burtonleonardrun.org.uk/.
The more eagle-eyed among you will realise that our website states the race is on 12 July. I’ve checked and it’s on the 19 July. So with nearly three week’s notice, you’ve got no excuses for not taking part. See you there.
Which Nidd has lost their bottle?
Someone left their water bottle in the bar after the Almscliffe Crag run on Thursday night. It’s currently making a nice ornamental centrepiece on my kitchen table. If it’s yours and you’d like it back, then let me know.
A Word to the Wise
“The strength of the team is in each individual member. The strength of each individual member is in the team” – courtesy of Sarah Hughan (though she didn’t write it, so don’t start thinking she’s cleverer than she looks).
I’m now going away for a couple of weeks, and so next week’s missive will be dispatched to you by a guest editor. They’ve been polishing their typewriter and honing their wittiest one-liners. To find out who it could be, you’ll have to tune back in next week. If the boredom isn’t killing you, maybe the suspense will.
Wherever your running takes you, have a good week folks.
Sam x