(TLDR. The Headlines: On Tuesday, we have intervals in Knaresborough at 6.30pm and a club run down the Gorge from the club at 7pm. Thursday takes us for a 7pm club run round Hookstone Woods. No championship races this weekend, but I’ve thrown in all the relevant info about up and coming and need to know things, Read on…).
Hi all,
Sorry folks. Tonight, I’m haggard with fatigue, so we’re just going to cut straight the the chase. So, without further ado: the week that was….
Results from the Week That Was…
Forgive me this week for starting with a bit of non-running related news, but I couldn’t not mention our very own Dave Seaman who has finally completed his mission to ascend all 282 Munro Peaks in Scotland. Last week, Dave completed the set by dragging his family and friends up Carn Dearg in Monadhliath and puring Talisker whisky down their necks at the summit. Talk about leading people astray, something must be done. It wouldn’t be kind of me to mention the particular bit of Munro-bagging when our Dave went off grid and his wife called the police to try and track him down. So we won’t do that. So Dave, from all of us at Nidd Valley House and at Police Scotland, it’s a hearty well done! What an achievement!
And so to Manchester. Well, this was really a Tale of Two Kevins, as Kev Clark (wears the cheerful socks, you know the one) was the first to finish in 3:03.51 while the ever-lovely Kev Dalton (3:06.32) bagged himself a PB that far exceeded his 3:15 ambitions. Brilliant stuff! Laura Francis (3:44.45) slipped in under the three-quarter hour mark, securing a good for age rating for herself, while Heval Turel (3:55.45) and Denise Allsopp (4:08.26) gave a fitting conclusion to what had been a great showing in Manchester.
It isn’t often we say we’d like to go to Lincolnshire, but we are where we are. In the marathon this morning, Jim Cook (4:13.26) was the sole flag waver for the Black & Gold on the full 26.2 miles at the Boston Marathon. I’ve just seen him in the pub and he seems to be doing fine, so that’s a relief all round. We need to spare a thought for all of those who shared a lift with Karen Mills, who regaled them all with her thoughts on Married at First Sight Australia. Still, it looks like they get there alive and I’m more than happy to share the results from the half marathon with you. Martin Lofthouse (1:28.52) was up in front, with Nigel Scaife (1:36.50) – also in the pub tonight – hot on his heels. Karen Mills (1:49.38) got herself a new PB, as did Sue Ball (2:00.56) and Sarah Bracher (2:33.08). Squeezed in between them was the Nidd Valley faithful Chris Morris (1:51.42), while Carolyn Jones (3:18.14) concluded proceedings with style and aplomb. Well done to you all.
Martin Luxton was the first to show at the Vale of York 10 Mile today, completing the course in an impressive 1:23.09, while Kevi Nicholas worked it into a longer 20 mile marathon training run and completed this timed run in a brilliant 1:29.47. We’ve no shortage of cheers for Michelle Dinsale (2:20.18) who put in a sterling performance to round things off for the team.
On Friday night, we had the York 5k series, where Captain Emma Kicks (24.01) chased the ever-speedy Andrew Davis (20.34) round the five lap course. Alison Isles made a welcome return for the club, clocking in a very respectable 24.51. Very well done to you all.
In parkrun, Adam Kirk and Lisa Gibson joined Iain Scott at Woodhouse Moor, while Andrew Davis headed to York Knavesmire. Kevin Nicholas was at Bradford parkrun, while junior Isaac Moorland was at Hartlepool (no, I don’t know why, either). Laura Francis ran at Crichton, Nick Smith ran at Portabello in Edinburgh, Karen Mills had a spin at Oakwell, Colleen Gruenwald was at Whinlatter, and Chandra Shekar had a run out with his girls at Northallerton. Mollie Mitton ran at Peel and John Mallet took a tour of the Chevin, in addition to the usual suspects at Conyngham, Harrogate and Fountains. Read all about it: https://tinyurl.com/47nsmxd6.
Go on, what do you know? Whisper in my ear: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Fixtures for the Week Ahead
On Tuesday, Emma will be leading more intervals up and down Bed Race Hill. Meet at Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough for 6.30pm for a warm up jog before you start to smash reps of that most unforgiving of hills. You’ll have a great time, I promise.
If that does not float your boat, I’ll be sorting a Tuesday run out from the Hockey Club as per usual arrangements, meeting and being good to run by 7pm. I fancy a first trip down the Gorge. You might want some grippier shoes on than usual. We’ll organise ourselves and divide into groups when we know who is with us and what people want to achieve, but we won’t leave anyone behind obviously
Now, if you come down to the woods today you’re in for a big surprise because, on Thursday, we are heading to run the Hookstone Woods route. For this, we’ll head from the Hockey Club at 7pm and over the Stray, through the cut and onto the Saints. Head through Hookstone Woods and pass the Squash Club, working your way round behind the brewery and onto the Fulwith Mill Lane. From there, extend over the fields onto Leadhall Lane and past the Cricket Club, or just head straight up Leeds Road. Both route take you back to the club where, after a two week break, the bar will be open and conversation and pints await those with little else to do with their time.
Now, this is unusual but there is nothing in the championships at the weekend, so you’ve got yourself a week off. Get the lawns mowed, get the kids haircut, clean out the cupboards, do whatever needs to be done. Still, if you’re heading out for a run and fancy a bit of company, then why not pop a message on the old Facebook or group email? You’ll be sure to find someone with some time on their hands who’d be up for a steady few miles.
Of course, steady and a gentle jog isn’t on your mind if you’ve got a place in the London Marathon, which is on Sunday. If you’re a Nidd running for charity or if you’re out in the glorious Black & Gold, it matters not. We’re rooting for you every step of the way. The very best of luck to you all.
Further Ahead & Booking Now Open
On 30 Apr 2023, the roach championships throws up the Melmerby 10k. It’s a local race and a good chance to get yourself a PB in addition to those all important championships points. There is literally not excuse to miss the race. Get yourself involved: https://tinyurl.com/vszyt6h7.
On Bank Holiday Monday (that’s the 01 May 2023), we’ve got the Coiners Fell Race in the Fell Championships. Pre-entry is available, so you’re encouraged to get booked early. This is a BM race, the M meaning medium length and the B meaning that it isn’t so steep that you’ll think about throwing off a mountain in despair. Still, for a tenner it seems like an absolute gem of a fell race with lots to be recommended. I’d have a look, if I were you:: https://tinyurl.com/2p83nut9.
Committee Meeting
Hmmmm, so the committee is meeting again on Wednesday night. I’m terribly excited, as I’m sure you can imagine. There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing. Nothing else it is, then. Seriously, though, if there’s something you’d like to bring to our attention or anything you’d like us to discuss, please let club secretary Jonathan know: me@j-kay.co.uk.
Subs
I mean, yes, other running clubs are technically available but you know that you were born to be a Nidd. Maybe you’ve known this for years, or maybe you’ve recently seen the error of your ways, repented, and have come to the light. All are welcome in the broad church that is Nidd Valley. So you need to get those subs paid and secure for yourself another year in this most wonderful of running clubs: https://tinyurl.com/mr35h8aw. Instructions for how to pay follow at the end of the form.
Evening League: Entries now Open!
Oh now this is very exciting. The entries are open for the evening league. I mean, who wouldn’t like to show the Harriers and Striders and all those mere mortals from lesser running clubs the power of the mighty Black & Gold? Contrary to what you might have heard, every runner counts and so we need you to get involved and get to the start line. There’s no Nidd Valley without you (yes, I’m taking to you). Get involved: https://tinyurl.com/86sc49rc. You can secure for yourself a £4 discount with the code NIDD23, just as a treat for being the little superstars that you are.
Word to the Wise
I leave you with the words of Steve Newbould as he prepares to tackle the streets of Boston, Massachusetts…
“Behind every marathon runner is a village, and my Nidd village is incredible…”
Wise words, indeed.
And so from Steve, from me, and from everyone else at Nidd Valley House, have a great week.
See you soon.
Chairman Sam x