Evening all…
So we went for fish and chips after the Bridlington Half Marathon, like you do. When in Rome and all of that. Only it wasn’t Rome, because it wasn’t sunny and we couldn’t find the Spanish Steps. It was hoying it down with rain. Anyway, while Martin was educating us all on the virtues of pickled eggs and mushy peas, Warren and Dan decided they’d skip lunch and head straight to Wetherspoons. We caught up with them an hour later to see them in full flow on the Birra Moretti and Dan relishing in his new found role as Bantersaurus Rex and offering advice to all and sundry on the local area and it’s inhabitants:
“I’m in Jeremy Kyle country here. Get a beer and get out”
The man never shut up, later advising his bestie:
“You’re in East Yorkshire, Warren. Forget your middle class ideas and get out”
And get out we did, Dan diverting via the off-licence to get more beer to drink illicitly on the back of the bus. This gave the newly appointed Archbishop of Banterbury the chance to tell us about his difficulties in paying the shop assistant because she only had two fingers. Once he’d given his views on all the pubs, bars, taxi firms and seedy joints in Harrogate, he decided to give some life coaching to Alex P, all the while ducking behind the seat in front to sip at his beer. Without pausing for breath (and he really didn’t, not even Debbie G could get a word in edgeways, bless her), he then struck up with conversation with driver and asked him if he had enjoyed his fish and chips. The driver replied:
“I didn’t have fish and chips. You’ve asked me three times already”
Without a doubt, the best day ever. And with those fond memories and a hangover, let’s have a look at this week’s results.
Results
First off the blocks this week is Andy Todd, who has been over the sea in the Netherlands. Andy (3:04:38) competed in the Amsterdam Marathon at the weekend, and as you’ll see managed to get an incredible time on the course. Say what you like about that part of the world being pan flat, it really doesn’t matter. That’s an amazing time. Well done, Andy.
I bloody love, Alex Crowton, I really do. Cheers me up every time I see the loveable Brummie. His fellow natives might have described ‘our kid’ as ‘yampy’ for tackling the Birmingham Half Marathon at the weekend, but his performance was ‘bostin’ as he (1:43:05) romped home to a brand new PB. His Facebook post dedicates his victory to all “the brothers and sisters at Nidd Valley Road Runners”. I’m not sure whether he had been drinking or not. I’ll let you come to your own conclusions on that, but we appreciate his sentiment either way.
They say that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. And by that we mean that Cath Barber, Edoardo Piano, Alan Davidson, Carol Morgan, Fingers Harris and Sarah Chalmers grabbed their waterproof jackets and laced up their off-road shoes to compete in the British Fell Relays up in Loch Lomond. Under the watchful eye of their Jedi Master, Fell Running Phil, they battled through high winds, torrential rain and dire visibility to claim 89th place (6:39:something) out of 115 teams – an amazing achievement when you consider the quality of the field (not the actual field, obviously, I assume that was just muddy and field-like, but you know what I mean). Nine teams didn’t even finish, so if that doesn’t say something profound about the effort of our lot, then nothing will. Anyway, well done to you all. That’s a great achievement, and I’m relieved to hear that the Nidd Valley flag remained suitably erect despite the poor weather conditions.
My love for these people. What can I say, it’s pretty spectacular…
The weather wasn’t much better yesterday when we headed over to East Yorkshire to get involved in the penultimate race in the club championships: the Bridlington Half Marathon. It was lovely weather beforehand. It was lovely weather afterwards. But for the two hours that we were out there, it did nothing but pour down, with headlong winds making the last two miles into town even more of a challenge. Anyway, I’m a running club Chairman and not a Michael Fish, so I’ll get straight to the result. Warren Lowcock (1:22:32) took tenth position overall in the 530-strong field, while Martin Lofthouse (1:24:01) pulled out all the stops to deny Alex Patrickson (1:27:50) second place in an exciting twist of fortunes. I have really no idea how I (1:32:59) managed to take so much from my PB, but am pleased to the extent that I am not even trying to be self-effacing when people congratulate me. But less of me! Spare a thought for Adam Kirk (1:36:26) whose asthma got the better of him, allowing Dan Eagling (1:34:31) to take a lead in the last two miles. It’s hard to believe that it was Jon Easton’s (1:37:19) first ever half marathon, and I’m sure you’ll agree it was a great performance to get that particular ball rolling. Fiona (1:39:10) and Mike (1:39:20) Deacon were the next to finish, with Mike, ever chivalrous, maintaining that he let Fi win. Emma Dooley (1:43:00) was on cracking form as she stretched her legs after her performance at Berlin last month, before Jim Cook (1:43:47) and Chris Beattie (1:45:51) came a-slippin’ and a-slidin’ down the harbour front as the rain poured harder still. The show was rounded up with Debbie Gibson (1:53:00), Rachel Hebblewhite (1:53:09) and Mark Armstrong (1:55:36), all coming in comfortably under two hours. Special thanks to Ann and Dave Rushton, who were cheering us like only Nidders can as we passed through the halfway point at Bempton, and also to Sarah Hughan who acted as coat-carrier and key-holder in her new role as Nidd Valley’s Pastoral Care Officer.
The boys are back in town!
Right, this impressive stuff on my part. With nothing but a slightly ambiguous Facebook status a couple of photos to go on, I’ve managed to deduce that Matt Wilkinson competed in the Bedford Autodrome Duathlon yesterday. Impressed? Yeah, so you should be. Matt (2:10:17) took tenth place overall out of the 33 hardy souls who lined up at the start. Congrats, Wilks.
You’ve been spared the long parkrun write up this week, as most of you were down at the Stray helping out Nidd Valley host what was – in my humble opinion – a truly magnificent parkrun. Thanks to all of you who turned out, whether you paced, scanned, marshalled, cajoled, timed, or just hung around and cheered. We got some really good feedback, and I appreciate it very much. We’ve had a few people enquire about coming along to the club since Saturday, so you’re clearly doing something right. Thanks, team!
Race Director, Baby G
But on the subject of parkrun, I’ll allow Fiona Robinson (31:43) a quick mention for her showing at Doncaster parkrun as she continued in her campaign to do all the Saturday 5ks in Yorkshire. If you want to know why she wasn’t on the Stray with you all, then you’ll have to bring it up with her when you see her. Well done, Fiona!
Don’t be like Matt. Send me your result instead: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Week Ahead
If it is a Tuesday, it is a club run. But you knew that so I have no doubt that you’ll be at the Hockey Club for 7pm. We’ll have a run round the supermarkets. Leave the club towards Iron Bridge, down the back pass towards ASDA, through town and past Waitrose, and from there you head over the Stray towards the Showground and Sainsburys – you can add in a detour via M&S en route if you’re feeling sparky – then up Forest Moor towards Morrisons and up to the club. I’ll be sorry to miss it, but work calls.
As is becoming usual on a Tuesday, Catherine Barber will be leading a ‘steady’ group for those of you who don’t have the speed, inclination or confidence to go haring off. The pace will be one everyone can keep up with, and no one will be left behind. You see, you really have no excuse not to be involved. Meet at the Hockey Club with everyone else at 7pm. More details on the general ethos of this can be found here: https://niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk/2016/10/17/steady-group/
On Thursday, let’s have another crack at Knox. Well, I like the hills. From the Hockey Club, it’s over the bridge and onto Woodfield Road, down Tennyson and Bachelor Gardens before climbing up onto Skipton Road. From there, you can head back to the club, or push up Ripon Road into Town, extending round the Stray if you have it in you. It’s your call. After that, we’ll be letting our hair down as things get totally out of hand in the club house bar. It’ll be a night to remember, I promise you that much.
In readiness for the GF10, we’ve got the first of the reccie runs for you on Saturday. This one is ably led by Jon Easton, so you’ll be in the safest of hands. If you haven’t run the course before, don’t know your marshal position (see below!), or are able to help deliver leaflets to the natives of Nidderdale, then you need to be at the carpark in Ripley for 9.30am. Go on, we’ll even let you off parkrun for a week to take part.
If you fancy something a bit different on Saturday, you could always head up to Kettlewell to take part in the Great Whernside Fell Race. It’s only 4m and comes with an attractive £5 price tag. If you can get yourself there for the 11.30am start, then you’ll need to do your preparation here: http://www.fellrunner.org.uk/races.php?id=4259.
On Sunday, we’re back at the club championships with the final race of the season: the Whixley 10k. Bloody hell, they’re offering a snack pack to all finishers. I can think of nothing that isn’t to love about this race. Entry is £11.50 for Nidders, and you need to get your name in by the Friday deadline. Well, go on, what are you waiting for? Get on it: http://www.whixley.org/?p=8232.
Talking About the Championships…
A few of you have been asking to see the standings for the club and fell championships. The results take a few days to filter through (Mark D has to do some techy things with them. He tried to explain it to me but I just looked bewildered so he kindly gave up and promised not to confuse me again), so the results from Withins and Bridlington won’t be uploaded yet. Still, you’ll notice that it is quite close and there is all to play for. Have a look, if you’re that way inclined.
- Can anyone knock Moira McTague from pole position in the female road champs?: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10u0qsWuGOPGVOC2feeknqAt4B-tUdiRIINDcouSpKjw/edit#gid=1414091648
- Is Martin Lofthouse invincible at the top of the tree in the male road champs?: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MWNt3pABvnWk8JhG3qJq6KAU7s9mJY5cnEoI5AL28ms/edit#gid=1256078909
- It’s squeaky close between Sarah, Carol and Cath for the female fell trophy: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/139-16NyiYr-1Jk8a_DJPkd6fwzQmj5uXgVAG1oMTVJ8/edit#gid=1575366197
- Will Mark David be able to cause enough upset to Alan Davidson as the male fell champs comes to a nail biting finish?: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DuATRvZ6CKgbH0Q9T5jdVtTgn75lNO0kk8-RzzpTWSI/edit#gid=1930020786
These links will continue to work as we update them, so just save the ones that you are interested in, and keep an eye on your competition. Keep your enemies close, and all that…
Guy Fawkes 10: 6 November 2016
Right, okay. You really do know the deal by now. Whether it is affirmation or excuses, I need to hear from you (especially if you’re name is Laura Angus and you find yourself promoted from the reserve list into your very own position). Marshal plan attached here and I am where I have always been: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
I’ll be sending Alan Harby round with the baseball bat and piano wires to get the answers from you if they’re not forthcoming. Nobody wants that.
Oh yeah, and by the way, we’ll be doing the usual goody-bag packing in Ripley Village Hall on the Saturday from about 10am. I’ll confirm nearer the time. But many hands make light work yadda yadda yadda… If you could pop up after parkrun and help out (it usually takes no more than an hour), Race Director Matt will give you a big hug.
Mike & Fiona’s Housewarming Run: 20 November 2016
Some advanced notice here. Mike and Fiona want to invite you up to the new Deacon Towers so you can marvel in jealousy at the brand new rural idyll. You know the kind of thing, go for a run and they’ll pop the kettle on afterwards. All sounds lovely, and it will be even lovelier when more details emerge in the next few weeks. Just pop the date in your diary.
Word to the Wise
So at a club run last week, Sarah H was out with one of those flashing light things clipped to her so that she could be seen by motorists and so we could shout her back if she got all excited and ran off into the darkness. And one of her fellow Nidder had a thought to share:
“You look like one of those dogs on the Stray, Sarah” – Dave Seaman, playing with fire.
I’ll leave it there.
Sam x