The ‘ha you fools let me do this again’ issue

Well the skipper is still away so I’ve bodged a collection of information for you to peruse at your leisure. Looks like people got out and about at a range of events and social runs, and I trust you all had a good time. Some inspiring performances from all levels this week as well, which I hope have sparked your running bones as much as mine. Keep going GDH.

I look forward to my final report next week which will involve epic battles and Faustian pacts from the road championships.

Race Reports

First call this weekend is to the South East Lancashire Cross Country – Astley Park where the ladies put on a fine show with Kirsty J leading not just the team but the whole field home in first place. Cracking work, the ducks will be proud. Kirsty was backed up by Jo B as 3^rd V50 in 34^th, and Laurie B continuing her great form in 64^th. As a team the Ladies also finished in the top ten for the series so a big hand to all those responsible.

Also turning out for some fun in the mud was Claire C who got out in the Isle of Wight XC, no stats but she was first GDH home and put in a cracking run by all accounts.

Mid-week saw perennial lamppost botherers Tim C and Alice at work in an Inner City Orienteering event, slight nav issue (all lamppost look the same at night!) put them 18^th but still a long way from the back. I blame the pants (see picture above).

Further navigation based fun took place t’other side of our hills at the New Chew Orienteering, round Dovestone. John S went out on the long score and came back 19^th having leant all his lucky gear to two chancers from the North East, Emma P and Joe T. These two, aided by Johns waterproof with taped seams and hood, rocked up 1^st pair and 4^th overall on the short course which is a cracking effort.

John H (58^th) returned to form and continued his conversion to (GDH) fell runner efforts on Alice S (68^th and 4^th), at the Flower Scar Fell Race in Todmorden on a course that  looks ‘fun’. Yeah that kind of fun!

Next up a man who has no idea how to run a short race, Nick H, who continued his phobia of single figure distances at the Silverdale Circuit a twenty mile affair with good views of the coast and local wildlife but no results service. Sure Nick will have an update soon and have some great photos to boot.

This weekends border raiding was down to Wendy T who paid a visit to Wrecsam for the Village Bakery Half, a tidy little road race with added Bara Brith. She came back with a cracking time of 1h41:49 in 464^th, and hopefully some Welsh Cakes as well.

Championships Update

Next up in the Trail and Road Champs is the Stockport Trail Half Marathon on the 26^th of Feb, at least 22 GDH already signed up and places are still available so competition will be strong for valuable points.

Parkrun Corner

Down Manor Park way we had 18 odd GDH out, with Rob W setting a PB as first finisher (yes that is the same line I wrote last week, nowt like consistency!), and somehow Matt K and friend also set a new PB, though I hear the commissars would like to check that buggy for a motor!

The new members were out in force as well with Tony H knocking out a PB at Stamford Park and Frank F setting the bar high down at Hyde. Also at Hyde Were Andy B, Dez M and David M, with the last two also sneaking PBs. Andrew F spent the morning at Marple, Lizzie L went back to Durham, Matt C cruised around Clumber Park and Paul P represented at Lancaster.

After starting a trend for GDH doing island based Parkruns Claire C on Medina IOW has been followed by Tim B and Lynne T who rocked up at Hobart down in Tasmania, winning the furthest travelled prize forever.

Yoof Section

The GDH Padawans were back out in force again this with Wyatt B putting in a strong show at the South East Lancs Cross Country, double hi five for being the clubs sole male representative as well. Adam C once again gained bragging rights at home by hitting the tape ahead of dad at Clumber Park Parkrun with another solid time. Keep it going lads.

STOP PRESS: It appears that quiet and shy Ezme B, has obviously been saving her belly fire for the South East Lancs Cross Country series where she has laid down the fury and stormed to a top three place this week. Cracking result.

Coming Up Next Week

Coach J will be inflicting pain and improvements on the Simmondley trail this Tuesday at 18h45, keep an eye on fb for details of the punishments in store.

Darren C has been to the Cock Hill trig 48 times but he still hasn’t found what he’s looking for, if you fancy helping him he’ll be up there every day this week so give him a shout.

Much self inflicted beasting going on in Bankswood Park very early on weekday mornings, speak to Steve C and Andy B but don’t eat first.

Edale Skyline recce, next Saturday. Mostly organised by new parents so we may forget, or sleep in, or just cry most the way round. Watch fb, and no laughing.

Don’t forget the Social Run on Thursday, meet at the Leisure Centre at 19h00. Looks like John S will be taking folk for a wander, details on fb nearer the time, should also be a Jules and Charlie fell run as well, details on the night (bring your adventure pants).

Till next time