(TLDR. The Headlines: on Tuesday we have intervals at 6pm and 7pm at Harlow Oval, and on Thursday our club run takes places round the supermarkets. There aren’t any championship races this week, although there are a few races in the locality that are worth a look. Read on for other info about up and coming events, the first meeting of the new committee, and signing up for a new year’s membership).
Hi all,
Thanks to all who came to the AGM on Thursday and enabled us to get through it reasonably unscathed and in just over the hour. Thanks to all who have been on the committee in the past year and to those who are staying on or joining this year. As I said on Thursday, so much of what you do goes unseen and often unrecognised, and I’m happy to put my thanks and gratitude on the record.
Of course, as you’d expect, it was all very glamorous at Nidd Valley House as our three new committee members – Jon, Karen, and Carolyn – were sworn in. They took the Oath of Allegiance in front of invited guests in the Committee State Rooms, before saluting the flag. They were then presented with the Regalia of State (some new socks and a buff) before the Nidd Valley Choral Society then led us in the Club Anthem. It was all very patriotic. We then had the after-party which went on until the early hours. Sylvia and Dave are quite the party animals, I don’t mind telling you. But still, what happens in Nidd Valley House stays in Nidd Valley House. Let’s have a look at the results, why don’t we?
Results from the Week That Was…
So the apology of the week goes to Philly Thompson. It was Nick Smith who emailed in from some Alpine slope (he’s skiing, you know) to remind me that Philly took part in the Middlesbrough Half Marathon last weekend, and got round smoggy land in a cracking time of 1:49.13. Well done, Philly, and apologies for the belated write up.
Sarah Staiano and Steve Newbould were over in York on Friday night for a bit of 5km action on the fresh hell that is the EvenSplits time trial at Heslington. Steve sped round in 17.54, whereas rumour does tell that Sarah got a PB of 21.10. Congratulations, both.
Yesterday, we had four Nidds take part in the At The Double Fell Race near Skinningrove. This is one of the few fell races where you run alongside the coast, and even take a shortcut through the North Sea if you don’t mind getting wet feet. Makes a change from sheep poo, I suppose. As FRP says, we can’t expect the results anytime soon (what with this being fell running and all of that), so you’ll just have to settle for the finishing order: Nick Andralojc, Simon Cocker, Dianne Winnard, and FRP himself. It’s well done to all of you, but especially to Dianne who managed to bag herself the 2nd FV55 prize. We always love a bit of silverware in the cabinet here at Nidd Valley House.
Those of you who pay keen attention to Facebook will have seen that we had a trio of Nidds up high in the Dales to take part in the Dentdale Run. Fiona Deacon (who has, I’m sure you’ve seen, recently turned 60 years old, so a very happy birthday to her) completed the 14.2 mile course in 1:56.52, while Mike Deacon (1:05.53) and Vicky Thomas (1:11.17) completed the 7.9 mile course. All very odd distances for races, I’m sure you’ll agree, but who can’t complain when the race finishes with such excellent tea and cake. Well done to you all.
I will tell you something. Dazzler is a right old mess. He’s been moping round Nidd Valley House in one hell of a state because the XC championships have finished for another year with the Keighley 10km this morning. He’s now curled up on his bed, clutching his race number and sobbing uncontrollably into his Nidd Valley vest. He’s utterly unconsolable, the poor thing. Still, let’s have a look at the results and whether they will help to turn his frown upside down.
Josh Bryer (38.42) was the first to the finish with all of that youthful exuberance that we have come to expect, while Captain Dazzler (41.29), Brian Hainsworth (43.28) and Chris Carvey (45.48) were the next three fo finish. Oh hang on, I’ve just seen that Martin Lofthouse finished in 42.45. I’d missed his result as he didn’t enter as a Nidder. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? And to think that he used to be a club captain, too. Disgusting behaviour.
Kev Nicholas (47.10) managed not to lose his shoes this time, so we were all very relieved about that. Laura Francis (47.45) took top points for the ladies, leaving Richard Evans (47.56), Mark Tyrell (48.46), Jim Holding (48.48) and Nigel Scaife (50.46) in her muddy wake.
Jeremy Scott (51.26) was a few steps ahead of Christine Holleran (51.43), while Steve Newton (53.35) doubtlessly had his ear chewed off by Chatty McChatface (53.37). Sarah Bracher (1:00.34) was the first to finish in just over the hour, while Guy Parker (1:03.01) and Moira McTague (1:03.01) finished side by side. Karen McCartney (1:03.41), Sarah Gore (1:04.25), Susy Rhodes (also 1:04.25) were just ahead of Joanne ‘50 Parkruns’ Lane (1:07.15), and our famous five finishers make thrilling reading indeed: the magnificent Michelle Smith (1:08.30), Jill Hornsby (1:11.44), Sylvia Morten (1:14.11), Liz Ahmed (1:16.55) and Mrs Robinson (1:27.35). Brilliant efforts all round. Well done!
Talking about Mrs Robinson – and indeed, why wouldn’t we? Jesus loves her more than she will know, whoa, whoa, whoa – I am pleased to tell you that was the sole representative of Nidd Valley at York Knavesmire Parkrun yesterday. Adam Kirk, Saeed Anslow and John Mallett ran at Roundhay, Karen McCartney ran at Stewart Park in Middlesbrough, and Philly Thompson was back doing her thing at Darlington South Parkrun. Andy Iddon and Babs were over in Skipton, Katharine Woodhead was in Lyme Park, Beth Whiley was at Wetherby, and Ian and Emily Wighton headed down to Oakwell Hall. Richard Evans was at Northallerton, Jeremy Scott was in Bramley, and Sarah Staino, Karen Mills and Steve Newbould were down in Selby.
Of course, you’ll be all wanting to know about the recent additions to the MallettMap. First off, we’ve got Pauline Hogg who ran at Wanaka in New Zealand, and we had Rob and Louise Kingston in Yeppoon in Queensland as they continued to intersperse their honeymoon with the weekly parkrun. All very glamorous. No less glamorous, our third MallettMap marker is in Lincolnshire, courtesy of Steve Newton and Sarah Gore who ran at Yarborough Leisure Centre Parkrun.
As per usual arrangements, we had plenty of Nidds running at both Conyngham Hall and at Fountains Abbey, as well as on our home course at Harrogate. You can inspect the full parkrun results here, should you be that way inclined: https://tinyurl.com/47nsmxd6.
Well, I’m just a modern guy / Of course, I’ve had it in my ear before / ‘Cause of a lust for life / ‘Cause of a lust for life: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Fixtures for the Week Ahead
Tuesday brings with it yet more intervals. Yeah, I know, I am as happy as you are about that. This week, we are meeting at Harlow Oval. If you were wondering, this is the one tucked behind the Co-op on Otley Road. It looks like one of those ones where Emma will have us running around circles again. Anyway, Jane and Nigel will be taking care of you at the 6pm session, and Karen and Sarah S will be keeping you in line at 7pm.
Our club run on Thursday sees us doing a little bit of shopping with the supermarket sweep run. Meet at the Hockey Club and be good to go for 7pm. Head out towards iron bridge, taking the path along towards ASDA. Run through town, past the bus station and Waitrose. From there, you can head over the Stray and past St Aidan’s School to the Showground, although you can extend towards Leeds Road M&S and then head alongside Hookstone Road. From the Showground, run down past Sainsburys, and then either return to the club up Wetherby Road, or past Morrisons and back up through Starbeck. There are so many choices and variations with this route, it really is the gift that keeps on giving. Feel free to change and amend as the mood takes you. As ever, we’ll regroup in the bar for a pint and a bag of crisps afterwards, and it would be lovely to see you.
There aren’t any races in the club championships this weekend, but there are a few races that are in the local area and open for entries, so if you fancy donning the mighty Black & Gold and putting your best foot forward, then there is plenty to choose from. On Sunday, there is the Lightwater Valley 10km (https://tinyurl.com/32dhwhxj), and there is also the Vale of York 5m and 10m Races ion Rufforth (https://tinyurl.com/mpce4wsv). Give them a look, why don’t you?
If you fancy your impromptu racing to be a little more off-road, then there is the Heartbeat Hobble near Whitby on Sunday. Entry is £8 on the day, so if this is your kind of thing then why not have a look? More details here: https://tinyurl.com/58bbtj55.
Further Ahead & Booking Now Open
On 23rd March 2024, we have the second race in the fell championships: We Need to Talk About Chevin. With 2,000ft of climb spread over nine miles, it’s quite the challenge, but it looks like a lot of fun. Well, it depends on your definition of fun, I suppose. Anway, do have a think about giving it a go. The fellies are always delighted when they get another victim, sorry, I mean runner, to swell their ranks. More info on the race, here: https://tinyurl.com/4e63awyr.
Membership
You’ll have seen via your emails and a Facebook posting from Nick Crebbin that renewals are now open for 2024-2025 year. I mean, sure, you could choose not to renew or, heaven forbid, go to another running club, but what on earth would you want to do that for? Let’s face it, if we were to cut you in half, then you’d have black and gold running through you like a stick of Blackpool rock. Please get yourself signed up for what promises to be yet another brilliant year for our club.
Committee Meeting: 20th March 2024
The committee will be getting together for the first time next Wednesday. If there is anything that you would like us to discuss while we have our mouths full of biscuits, then please let us know. Sure, you can’t please all of the people all of the time and all of that, but we’re happy to consider any question, idea or proposal that you might send our way. The best way to do this is to let our much esteemed secretary Jonathan Kay know, so feel free to drop him an email: secretary@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk. He would just love to hear from you.
Word to the Wise
Nothing this week, I’m afraid. Not a bad thing, though.
Hope to see you this week as I start to venture out again in my running shoes. Have a wonderful week, whatever you do.
Chairman Sam x