Hi all –
Results
On Sunday, 9 intrepid Nidds took to the Bluebell Trail 10 near Halifax, an undulating race which claims to be unique for its river crossing. They’ve clearly never heard of the Knaresborough Bed Race… Official results aren’t out, and I haven’t heard a peep from anyone, so I can only assume that everyone stormed the gig and that it was PBs all round (and if not, then you clearly weren’t working hard enough during intervals!). Well done to all who took part, and I look forward to hearing how you got on.
On Saturday, I joined Sarah Chalmers, Phil Robinson and 233 other fruitcakes for the Coniston Fell Race. “It’ll be great” said Phil cheerfully as we drove into the Lake District, rain bouncing off the windscreen. “Is that the hill? Oh f***ing hell”, I whimpered as Coniston rose majestically into view, the snow capped summit disappearing into swirling mists and fog. Sarah quietly asked “Oh Jesus Christ, why am I here?”, as we parked up, collected our numbers, checked our bags and lumbered up to the start line. Well slap me silly and call me Susan. It was a toughie. Over 3,500ft of climb, most of it in driving wind, rain, snow and hail, taking in the three peaks of Wetherlam, Swirlhow and Coniston Old Man, before a thrilling descent off the edge of the mountain back into the village. Due to the deteriorating conditions, the Coniston Mountain Rescue Team were acting as marshals on each of the summits – and when the Mountain Rescue Team have preemptively placed themselves on a mountain top in a fell race, it does give you pause to ask just quite what you think you’re playing at – and the organisers had imposed a strict cut off point. Sarah took the hardest decision of all, and called it a day just before Swirlhow, having decided it wasn’t safe to go on, and joined a group of other runners and headed for home. Official results are yet to appear, although I came crashing over the finish line in 02:06, followed by Fell Running Phil in 02:15.
Up North, Matt Wilkinson completed the Sunderland Half Marathon in 01:21. What kept you, Matt?! Good effort.
Andy Todd was a lone runner for Team Valley at Fountains Abbey Parkrun, finishing in 18:50. Dan Eagling was first home at Harrogate with a spectacular 20:00 (the sub-20 is now tantalisingly close, Dan!), followed by Nick Iles (22:17), Dave Prince (23:22), Nick Smith (25:08), Rebecca Ventress (26:05), Michelle Dinsdale (30:30) and Sue Reast (30:38). Well done all!
I may oft be mistaken for Mystic Meg, although I write this email every week in the full knowledge that someone will nab me at club and ask why I didn’t include their results, at which point I’ll mumble a pathetic apology and look down at my running shoes. I’d hate it to be you, so if you want your results in, please let me know. My email: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Week Ahead
· Tuesday: It’s the Evening League, and Team Nidd will be flying the flag in the first match of the season, hosted by our local rivals Harrogate Harriers. The race starts at 7.30pm on Beckwith Head Road (near the new police station), and will conclude with a buffet in the Squinting Cat pub. Further details here:http://www.harrogate-league.org.uk/. Good luck to all competing. For those who aren’t racing, Alan Harby will leading a gentle run from the Hockey Club at 7pm.
· Thursday: Usual club from the Hockey Club at 7pm, followed by a cheeky pint in the bar, before you all head off to place your votes in the General Election.
Bed Race: Help Needed
Jane Hill – captain of the intrepid ladies bed race team – is on the lookout for a 6thmember of their team since they’ve had a drop out. By nature of the team, this exciting position is open to ladies only, but if you’ve ever wanted to throw yourself down Bond End and through the River Nidd in full view of everyone in Knaresborough, then this could be the position for you. Please get in touch with Jane on janeyahill@hotmail.co.uk.
The Lions are also on the lookout for any additional marshals. If you can help, please contact John Dickinson from the Lions directly onlionbedrace@hotmail.co.uk. He would love to hear from you.
Reminder to both teams racing: you need to still provide a marshal per bed, and let John know when you have done this as they’ll need to attend a safety briefing.
A Word to the Wise
“The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare” – Juma Ikangaa (winner of the 1989 New York City Marathon, in case you’re taking notes).
Have a good week, everyone.
Sam x