(TLDR. No club runs this week, and a quiet-ish week on the results. Read on for details of the Awards Night and the plan for runs over the Christmas break. Jane Evans gives us our final wise word of 2024).
It’s Christmas here at Nidd Valley House. We had carols around the Christmas tree earlier this afternoon (and who would have thought that Dave Seaman could remember the descant to O Little Town of Bethlehem from his days as a boy chorister?), and the committee are now enjoying their Christmas get-together. Sylvia and Sarah have made some egg-nog (apparently there is nothing that says the spirit of Christmas more than getting blasted on alcoholic custard), Nick and Jonathan are comparing their Christmas jumpers, and everybody is very much looking forward to the secret santa. To be honest with you (and keep this between the two of us), there is still loads to be done, and I haven’t even got to the wrapping yet. But I’m not going to let that spoil the fun. Tonight, the festive lights are on here at Nidd Valley House, and all are welcome. Pour yourself a glass of your favourite tipple and come and join us. In the words of Noddy Holder: it’s Chriiiiiistmaaaas!
Results from the Week That Was
Quite sparse this week on the old results, but what we lack in the quantity we more than make up in quality. Get this, right. Yesterday, Emma Kicks went and took part in the Tour de Helvellyn Fell Race in the Lake District. Some 37 miles with heaven only knows how many feet of ascent in the middle of a storm is enough to persuade most right minded people to stay at home, but our Emma is a tough old cookie. She had it done and dusted in 10:19.11, finishing 107th out of 148 finishers (the number of runners who pulled up is quite long, too, which makes Emma’s achievement all the more admirable). Well done, Kicks!
Adam Kirk did his parkrun at Roundhay (coming 13th, if you’re taking notes), and Martin Luxton was that creature of habit that we have come to expect to see at Sedgefield. Emily Wighton was down at Sandall Park (which might be a MallettMap marker. John?) and Andy Todd was back over at Millfield Park in Easingwold. FRP and Fiona were at Bower Park (no, me neither), Pauline Hogg was on Withernsea Promenade, and Billy Fox was in Westpark in Munich. No Nidds north of the border this week, and none at Fountains due to the weather, but we had plenty turn up to brave the elements at Harrogate and Conyngham Hall. Read up on all of the results here: https://tinyurl.com/47nsmxd6.
I could have been someone / Well so could anyone / You took my dreams from me / When I first found you / I kept them with me babe / I put them with my own / Can’t make it all alone / I’ve built my dreams around you: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Fixtures for the Week Ahead
We’ve put the out of office reply on here at Nidd Valley House, and there won’t be any club-organised running for the next two weeks. But if you cannot stomach another mince pie or if the kids are really getting on your tits and you find yourself yearning for a run, then put a shout out via the email group or the socials. You’ll be sure to find someone willing to join you for a plod. The club will spin back into action with intervals on Tuesday 7th January 2025.
For your festive parkruns, Harrogate will be out on Christmas Day but not New Year’s Day, whereas Fountains Abbey is on New Year’s Day but not Christmas Day. Conyngham Hall and Wetherby are holding events on both days.
Race-wise, good luck to those racing at the Chevin Chase on Boxing Day (expect mud) and the Jolly Holly Jog/Bog/Slog at Ripon on Sunday (expect more mud). These races are now both sold out so, if you have missed the athletic boat, then hopefully you’ll remember to make your booking as speedy as your running next year.
Further Ahead & Booking Now Open
Just the one for you to bear in mind: the next of the PECOs. This is on Sunday 5th January 2024 and will be round a new course at Stockeld Park (so at least it is a local jaunt). I expect that most of you have your numbers now, although they do some entries on the day if it tickles your fancy. All the details are here: https://tinyurl.com/bde5uhkz.
Awards Night: Saturday 25th January 2025
I suspect we have likely reached saturation point with this, although we do have ten places left. If you would like to get involved (and if not, why not?), then we would love to have you on board. You can make your food choices and make sure you are seated next to your besties via this link: https://tinyurl.com/4ztnctpw
Word to the Wise
The final wise word of the year comes to you courtesy of Jane Evans. Driving to a party last night, we passed a runner who had stopped to catch her breath. We idly wondered whether or not they were a Nidder.
“No, they can’t be a Nidder. They’re doing proper stretches and everything…” – Jane Evans, who clearly knows us all too well.
Right, that’s it for the year. Whether you have plenty to celebrate or whether you have had a year that you would sooner forget, I hope that your Christmas is filled with love, with light, and with laughter. Happy Christmas, my lovelies. See you on the other side.
Chairman Sam x