(TLDR. The Headlines: On Tuesday, you’ve got the choice between an interval session from the Hockey Club or an off road run round Thurscross – both at 7pm. Omn Thursday, we have a club run down the Greenway to Killinghall followed by drinks in the bar, and Sunday takes us to the Guiseley Gallop. Read on for other news about the Evening League, paying subs, and buying tee-shirts).
Bonjour, bonjour! Bienvenue à la maison de Nidd Valley. Tout le monde est très excité. Yes, indeed, we’ve got the latest from our diplomat in Paris where Sam Heathcoate has just finished the Paris Marathon. Do you want to know how he did? I bet you do. So, with a nonchalant Gallic shrug, let’s take a look at the results for the week.
Results from the Week That Was…
As per the usual arrangements, we start with a weekly apology, and this week’s aggrieved Nidd is Nigel Scaife who had written in with his result from the Liverpool Half last week, only to find that I had forgotten to include it. Well, let’s get that record straightened and I’m proud to be the one to tell you that Nigel finished in a brilliant I:36.55, while his missus Sarah Bracher finished in 2:35.08. Steve Newton was back on his scouser home turf, and completed the ten mile race but his result does not appear on the official results. Steve, if you want to let us know your result then we’ll get your achievement up in shining lights.
And so to Paris. You’ve gotta hand it to Sam Heathcoate, he’s put in the legwork and the training for this and he more than certainly rose to the occasion as he pounded the arrondissements of the City of Love. Sam conquered the marathon in a brilliant 3:41.11! Well done, Sam! We couldn’t be prouder of you, and hope you’ve found yourself a bar for a nice sit down and a pint or two of something refreshing.
Yesterday, we had some of the muddy brethren of Nidd Valley competing in the Pendle Fell Race. To call it an absolute pain in the backside would not be doing this race justice. The run is pretty straightforward out of Barley Village and up towards the summit only – and at this point the trig point is actually in sight – to find that the route runs you off the edge of hill, back down to the bottom before turning sharp left and bringing you straight back up to the summit via a near vertical climb. Utterly ghastly. Everytime I looked up, the summit was no closer, and I was treated to close up views of the assorted arses of fell runners as they climbed up on their hands and knees like apes in expensive running kit. Still, enough of fell runners and their simian ways. The descent was tremendous fun – and where else could you run downhill in a stream but in fell running?! – and the finish line a welcome sight all round. Martin Lofthouse (43.44) drew the first blood for the team, with Fingers Harris (45.09) making a welcome return from injury. Nigel Scaife (45.46) was never too far behind, while Emma David (56.57) secured her advantage over Sam Fugill (1:00.09) on the more technical descent, with Jane Evans (1:01.07) making easy work of the run in. Jeremy Leggings (1:03.17) was just ahead of Chatty McChatface (1:03.55), and we were delighted to see our Wodger (1:05.29) back out on the fells. Dave Seaman (1:09.45) was soon joined by Sarah Chalmers (1:16.29) as she brought the curtain down on a brilliant performance for Team Nidd. Well done to you all!
Big congratulations to our Kevin Clark – you know the one, him with the cheerful attire – as he competed in the Grim up North Millenium Way Ultra yesterday. Official results aren’t yet out, but Strava tells us that Kev completed the 47 mile run without too much trouble, and took third place overall. Well done to you, Kevlar!
In parkrun, Nigel Scaife was at Endcliffe, Adam Kirk and Lisa Gibson were at Roundhay, Karen Mills was at Dewsbury, Jeremy Leggings was in Skipton, Denise Allsopp was at Belvoir Castle, the Deacons were in Oxford, the Tiffins were at Queenstown and the Mallets were at Nostell Priory. All very well travelled, obviously. Still, the usual homesick homebirds stuck close to the home turfs of Harrogate, Fountains and Conyngham, and you can read all about their results here: https://tinyurl.com/47nsmxd6.
And I’m not gonna take it back / And I’m not gonna say I don’t mean that / You’re the target that I’m aiming at / And I’ll get that message home: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Fixtures for the Week Ahead
There are a couple of options for Tuesday. The first is a club session where captains Emma and Dazzler have a bonus interval session lined up for you. It’s all very much under wraps but – if you want in on the action – then you’ll need to get yourself to the Hockey Club where all shall be revealed at 7pm.
Also on Tuesday, I’m planning on an off-road run around Thruscross Reservoir as the weather forecast looks good. Meet at the carpark by the dam and be ready to bounce by 7pm, and we’ll head clockwise so we are out of the woods – both literally and metaphorically – before the light starts to fade. You’ll need some grippy shoes and I’d recommend bringing a head-torch just in case. Hope to see as many of you as can make it.
On Thursday, let’s head up the Greenway. Meet at the Hockey Club and be good to leave by 7pm, and we’ll run out over the iron bridge and head over Bilton Crossing and the viaduct. Keep going until you get to the Killinghall bridge, and then head back through the village to Knox Mill and then work your way back up through Bilton to the club. It’s about seven miles all in, so feel free to amend and shorten if the mood takes you. We’ll be meeting for beers in the bar afterwards (soft drinks also available) so why not come and join us for a drink and a natter? I mean, you get Friday off work, too, so you really have no excuse not to get involved.
The Easter Bunny isn’t just bringing chocolate this year, as on Sunday he (or she, or they… I’m not right sure) also brings the Guiseley Gallop 10k. This is a race in our road championships and the all important points are up for grabs. Entry is £18 for this scenic and local run, and it would be great if you could get involved. All the details here: https://tinyurl.com/mr4yjydr.
Further Ahead & Booking Now Open
On 16 Apr 2023, we head to Lincolnshire (nothing to be proud of, I know) for the Boston Half Marathon, which offers further points for those hunting for prestige in the club road championships. There are also marathon and 10k options available, and entries are still open, so have a look and see if anything tickles your fancy: https://tinyurl.com/4d386d25.
On 30 Apr 2023, we’ve got the Melmerby 10k which is a further chance for points in the road championships. Entry is £15 and this course is short, sharp and fast – ideal for those PB hunters! More entry details here: https://tinyurl.com/vszyt6h7.
Subs
You know how it is. Subs are due, and at only £35 they are a total bargain. We’re like a carpet warehouse closing down sale, we’re offering such good value. Anyway, if you want to keep running with the club – and why wouldn’t I?, I hear you cry – then you need to get yourself registered. You’ll make membership secretary Nick Crebbin unbelievably pleased, if you do, and will add a splash of welcome colour to his otherwise lonely and monotone life. Make Mr C happy: https://tinyurl.com/mr35h8aw. Instructions for how to pay follow at the end of the form.
Evening League: Entries now Open!
Don’t forget that entries for the Evening League are now open. This is a beautiful series of evening races in which we pitt our mighty athletic prowess against the other local running clubs. It’s always worth doing, if only for the buffet afterwards. I’m not saying entry is mandatory, but it kind of is, as we need every Nidd to get on the startline and get counted. #yourclubneedsyou. Entry is £20 but if Nidd Valley members use the code NIDD23, then they will get a discounted entry of £16. Entry details are here: https://tinyurl.com/86sc49rc.
Tee-shirts
Sylvia is placing an order for tee-shirts on Tuesday, so this is your last chance to get in on the current order. You’ll look smashing in black and gold, I promise, so do think about getting yourself some new threads (£27 for short sleeved and £30.60 for long sleeved). If you are interested in a new tee shirt, then please email Sylvia directly: sylviamorten1@gmail.com by the end of March.
Word to the Wise
This weeks wise words come from Roger Duckworth prior to tackling the Pendle Fell Race yesterday. Looking up at Pendle from the village, Roger imparted the following wisdom.
“Call that a hill? This is Lancashire, not Yorkshire. That’s f*** all, is that…”
So from Roger, from me, and everyone else here at Nidd Valley House, have a great week. See you soon.
Chairman Sam x