Bonjour!
Sorry to moan, but this injury really is very frustrating. I’ve had to resort to swimming, for crying out loud. I haven’t got the body for swimming, put it that way, and having to try and do your lengths between irritating children, old ladies swimming like swans, and Olympic athletes in budgie smugglers is incredibly difficult. It’s all very unsatisfactory. Anyway, that’s enough from me. The results beckon.
Results
On the Stray, Dan Eagling (21:41) led the troops home over the muddy course, followed by Maurice Kelly (23:54), Martin Lofthouse (25:36), Moira McTague (25:47), Dave Prince (26:08), Dave Rushton (28:13), Tony LC (28:19) and Sarah Hughan (28:20). You won’t be surprised to hear that Andy Todd (18:58) bossed it at Fountains Abbey, finishing fifth place overall.
I went over to York to watch Andy Harris (19:07), Matt Rickard (20:46), Steve Newton (23:20) and Andy’s mum, Susan (40:00), battle a very windy course round the Knavesmire. After that, we decamped to a local cafe for mugs of hot tea and bacon sandwiches while Mrs Harris expertly fielded questions about what she was doing out in town with four nice young men.
From the Juniors, Sarah Lofthouse (25:35) came home second female overall at the Harrogate Parkrun, followed by Ben Bradley (29:58) and Zoe Andrews (also 29:58 – what are the chances of that happening, hey?). At Junior Parkrun this morning, Harrison Iles (8:11) bagged himself a tasty new PB, opening the show for a string of excellent performances: Joe Sutcliffe (8:22), Jake Stalker (08:30 – PB!), James Harvey (9:02), the indefatigable Sarah Lofthouse (09:21), Aidan Ranns (09:45), Euan Madden (10:27) and the athletically named Spike Brownlees (11:02). Well done, peeps
It’s been a quiet week results-wise, so that’s your lot I’m afraid. Still, keep me updated with your news and make your Chairman proud: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk #doitforsam.
The Week Ahead
And what a busy week it is, too! It’s all hands on deck here on board HMS Nidd Valley as we try and get everything ship-shape for the week ahead.
- Tuesday: Oh good. It’s Knaresborough. Thrilled. This one’s out round the back of club, round Bogs Lane, down the hill to Knaresborough, along the riverside, back over Forest Moor, past Morrisons and home. Route here: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/926360373. Meet at the Hockey Club for 7pm
- Thursday: It’s the Showground run. To spice things up (we live on the wild side here at Nidd Valley House, I tell you), we’ll be doing it in reverse. So it’s out from the club, along York Place, down Leeds Road, back down Hookstone Road, round the Showground, past Freeman’s Corner, past Morrisons and then back up the hill. Route here: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/935943383. See you at the Hockey Club for 7pm.
- Saturday: Ex-chairman Steve Newton will be running his 50th Parkrun at Harrogate. If you too would like to join the lycra-clad ginger complete his three laps of the Stray, then be on the start line for 9am.
- Saturday: The Christmas run will now start at 10:30am to allow for people to get from the Parkrun down to Calcutt. This 8 mile run will be a social and relaxed affair, so don’t you go fretting about getting left behind. Have a look at the route here: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/926063497. I’m still hoping to be match fit so I can lead the run, although Dave will stand in if I’m still out of action.
- Saturday: After the exertions of the previous week, you’ll be ready for a beer. So get your festive party swag on and come to Team Nidd’s Christmas Drinks. Meet at the Harrogate Tap from 8pm. More details on Facey B: https://www.facebook.com/events/1044567955561567/.
- Sunday: It’s the next of the PECO cross country races. So if you’re not too wobbly after the night out, you need to get yourself to the STEP Community Centre, 244 Queenwood Drive, Leeds, LS6 3ND. Registration opens at 9am. Price-wise, it’s a steal at only £3 if you have a number from last time, and £6 if you want to enter as a guest. More details here: http://www.pecoxc.co.uk/pages/race2.html.
So are you one those impressionable and easily led Nidds that Philippa Moorse has cajoled into doing the Marcothon – the challenge where you run at least three miles every day in December? I’m told there’s a Facebook group to encourage each other and have a generally good old bitch about why you hate running, that kind of thing. If you are, the very best of luck to you.
Emma’s Stretch of the Week
From a normal standing position take a step forward. Keep both feet flat on the floor and your toes pointing forwards. Bend your back knee and lean forward from the hip keeping the front leg straight. When you feel a mild stretch in the back of the thigh hold for at least 10 seconds and then change legs. The stretch will also be felt in the calf if you lift the front foot up as in the picture.
Steady Runners
I’ve had an idea. Quite a good one, actually. Many of our more social, less speedy runners are not coming to club runs for fear that there’ll be no one else wanting to run at a slower pace or a shorter distance. I’m wondering if we set up an email group uniquely for these people (just like the bit one for the full club), giving people a way to liaise with others and check that others are going to be there, and motivate those who’ve lost their mojo. Nidd Valley is as much a club for the steady and social runners as it is for the speedy, and I want to make sure that you feel able to turn up. If you identify yourself as one of these runners and want to be part of this group, please let me know: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
Save the Date
Please keep these dates in your diary, folks:
- Saturday 19 December 2015: Ladies Brunch and Secret Santa. As men aren’t allowed to this one, I’ll spend the day doing manly things like drinking beer and using power tools.
- Saturday 30 January 2016: Awards Night. #onit
- Thursday 18 February 2016: AGM. Wanna be chairman?
A Word to the Wise
“Don’t dream of winning. Train for it.” – Mo Farah.
And on that inspirational note, it’s goodbye from me. Sleep tight.
Sam x