Hi peeps,
So who enjoyed Sarah Hughan’s unique approach to a coaching session warm-up on Tuesday? It was a couple of leg warmers short of a Mr Motivator video as Team Nidd grapevined their way back and forth across Maplins carpark. Tyson Fury had some interesting comments, one of which is daringly reprinted in Word to the Wise. But before that, there’s an air of excitement at the Nidd Valley Theatre as the curtain goes up for the first act of the evening. So without further delay, ladies and gentlemen, it’s the results.
Results
And we couldn’t start anywhere else than in the Atlantic Ocean, where Carol Morgan completed the Trans Gran Canaria mountain race. Known to fell running aficionados as the Tranny Granny (I know, I’ve just vommed in my mouth too. Vile image…), this 125km race takes in 26,246ft of ascent and must be completed within 30 hours. Carol put the race to bed in 20:33:56, finishing 117th overall and taking the 11th female position. The technically inclined among you might want to have a look at her results profile: http://transgrancanaria.livetrail.net/coureur.php?rech=150. Seriously, kids, I couldn’t even imagine running that kind of distance and for that long. Well done, Carol, it’s a great achievement.
There’s clearly something about theme parks in this week’s write up. First off the blocks in the UK, we have got Moira McTague (51:51) and Jane Hill (62.62) who tackled the muddy and undulating Lightwater Valley 10k near Ripon. Then we’ve got Edoardo Piano (41:20) who threw himself round the Flamingo Land 10k in a cracking time yesterday. Edoardo is also proud to point out that he beat 4 Harriers in the process, so we’ll give him free membership next year for that. Edoardo was clearly impressed at running a race surrounded by so many animals, and suggested unleashing a couple of flesh-eating big cats to make sure that everyone runs to the best of their ability. As if the coaches needed any new ideas…
Like butter wouldn’t melt…
It was all very emotional at Harrogate parkrun where Matt Rickard (21:39) got a big cheer for his 50th parkrun. He’s a marvel, that man, he really is. He was joined in his celebrations by Jon Easton (21:35), John Mitton (22:33), Mike Deacon (22:39), Steve Newton (22:51) and Matt Wilkinson (23:27). Fiona Deacon (24:09) was first of the Nidd Valley ladies home, and was soon joined by Jim Cook (25:23), Nick Smith (25:37) and Sarah Hughan (26:14). Fingers Harris (27:11) was next over the line, and it was nice to see Christine Jones (27:23) grace us with her presence after the longest holiday in living memory. It was also lovely to see Parkrun Dave (28:17), Potty-mouth Ventress (28:22) and Hannah Peagram (28:35) make up our finishing trio.
Keeping it suitably Shakespearean, Martin Lofthouse (18:22) took fifth place at the Stratford-upon-Avon parkrun – O Martin, Martin! Wherefore art thou Lofthouse? – while Fiona Robinson (32:54) made her usual trip to Wetherby, bagging herself a terrific time to boot. Up at Fountains, we got some good results from Andy Todd (19:14) and Michelle Dinsdale (31:02), with Junior Jake Stalker (21:55) giving them a run for their money. Well done to you all.
It’s hard to believe that three Nidds have been on bikes rather than in their running shoes, but we best mention those of you that competed in the Leeds Sportive today. Philippa Moorse raced the 55 mile course (and to think she’s on the committee, too!), while Tim Harvey took things up a notch to pedal 75 miles. Bill Hitchcock mixed it up by taking a little from both routes to create his own personal challenge. Either way, all jolly impressive. Congratulations chaps.
I’m afraid I’ve got no news from the little people this week, as the junior parkrun was cancelled due to ice on the course. It’s almost as feeble an excuse as leaves on the line, isn’t it? Sorry kids.
This week, I’ve got more on my plate than a spinster at a wedding, so I’d appreciate it if you could make my life a lot easier and send me your results without me having to trawl t’internet in search of them. You know what to do: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
The Week Ahead
We’ve now passed the half way point in our season of intervals training, and we’ll be celebrating on Tuesday with another pyramid session. Yes, I know that they knack like nothing else, but Emma and Mike assure me that they’re good for you and I’m certainly in no position to argue. Meet at the Hockey Club at 7pm or on Slingsby Walk opposite the hospital for 7.10pm.
On Wednesday we’ve got a committee meeting, and we are breaking with tradition by meeting in the pub. It’ll take the edge of things, if nothing else. If there’s anything you want discussing, anyone you want sacking, that kind of thing, can you please let Sarah H know? We’ve even let her have her own email address: enquiries@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
If the intervals don’t finish you off, on Thursday we are running the Valley Gardens route. Get yourself to the Hockey Club for 7pm, and we’ll be off through town in readiness for the long pull up Cornwall Road, along Harlow Moor, with options to then either head back to the club down Otley Road, or take a further spin out round Beckwith Road. Inspirational map reading here: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/926365165. This week’s club run was chosen by Rachael Prince, so you can blame her if you don’t like it. If you too would like to feel special and suggest a route, you only have to ask nicely: chair@niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk.
On Sunday, I’m going with Steve, Martin and Fingers to test my racing legs at the Liverpool Half Marathon. They are still taking entries, so if you fancy joining in all the Scouser fun and saying goodbye to your hubcaps, then you can find out all the relevant race details here: http://www.btrliverpool.com/#!liverpool-half-marathon/cjg9.
If you’re feeling sparky, you might want to have a look at the Haworth Hobble on Sunday. It’s a 32 miler, so you’ll want your wits about you and some experience and training in your legs. If you’re daft enough, then this is where you need to find out more: http://www.fellrunner.org.uk/races.php?id=4450.
Emma’s Stretch of the Week
Here’s an upper body stretch for this week. When I’ve been off-road running I often get stiff upper arms from using them to help me balance (not always successfully) so try this one for your shoulders and upper back if you’ve been off the beaten track this weekend:
Complete with the Latin names, too. We’ll be testing you on this next week.
Stand upright and place one arm across the top of your chest. Bend the arm to 90 degrees and pull your elbow towards your opposite shoulder. Hold for 10 – 15 seconds each side and repeat.
Evening League: Tuesday 24 May 2016
You know how it is. You join a running club then some absolute clown puts you on a rota to help out. But what can you do, other than keep this evening free? Please have a look at the marshal list and marshal map, although this is subject to change once I know what the deal is regarding first aid (this is likely to be provided by a third party), parking (we can’t use the school) and the finishing funnel (we’re going to chip timing). Any problems, complaints or feeble excuses, then please let me or Michelle S know as soon as possible.
Word to the Wise
“Well this is what happens when you let women lead the warm up” – Phil ‘Tyson Fury’ Robinson, this time bringing his illuminating insight to shine upon the coaching sessions.
He strikes again.
And on that egalitarian note, I’ll leave it there. Enjoy your week.
Sam x