Sunday saw the second race in this year’s Harriers Grand Prix. This race was a trail at South Shields. Unlike most other races in the series this one was only a 5k, a relative doddle me thinks, & listening this week to my fellow harriers making comments like ‘I’m not going all the way up there for a 5k’ maybe I’ll get a few points for this one.
So out of bed at 7:00am & on the road at 8:00am after shovelling in a geet walla bowl of porridge.
I was first to arrive at the White Horse pub, and soon after some of my fellow Harriers appeared. I started checking out who had shown up from division 2 to work out my expected points haul for the day.
Christine. Well there goes the maximum of 10.
Ian. Well that’s 9 down the pan.
Paul. Oh flip, remembering being passed in last year’s 400m. I decided I would have to be happy with 7, that’s assuming no one else turns up.
Marie & some of the usual Sunday morning crew said they were doing a couple of miles warm up & a few miles after. This would count towards the other challenge a few of us are doing of 500 Sunday miles for the year.
We set out on the course ready to enjoy the view down to the seafront. A few hundred yards in, there was an arrow indicating the direction… up, up & more up. It was mountainous. Needless to say my 2 mile warm up became 1 mile & I let the others go.
Arriving back at the pub I had a little smirk to myself in the knowledge that my fellows at the registration desk did not have a clue what lay ahead – as if that gave me some form of advantage!
So a gentle jog to the start, this time it was downhill which only meant one thing, with the finish being at the pub there was going to be more up than down and plenty of it!
So the race started & we set off on a gentle climb knowing much worse was to come with a harassment of harriers strung out on the course. Soon I was onto the lung busting climbs and decided no one in their right mind would run up here, so like many others, the thought of having two feet off the ground became a distant memory and I began to ambulate (notice how I managed to avoid the ‘w’ word).
The downhill bits weren’t much better as it wasn’t easy on the terrain, still I had my trail shoes on so I gave it my best shot on my already tired legs. And then there were the steps, these were impossible to run down – steep & completely the wrong pitch for my stride length. Towards the bottom I spotted a muddy path just to my right & thought I could have run down that instead.
So with the expectation of more lung busting pain I started the second lap, this time our swarm was a bit more spread out & after nearly taking a wrong turn & not too soon I arrived at the steps again. I saw the top of the little path & decided that’s the route for me… Big mistake. The reasonably steep slope soon changed to what only can be described as north face of the Eiger, and I found myself careering down with arms flailing as if I was doing semaphore with a wasp up my shirt.
By the time I got to the bit I’d seen earlier all four limbs were now completely out of sync and my running style could only be described as demented. How I stayed upright heaven only knows. The marshal at the bottom was very impressed though, stating ‘you negotiated that well’. (I’ve never really understood sarcasm).
One more hill & then on to the finish where I collapsed in the usual fashion –
I survived. That’ll do for me.
After a brief rest I set out with the aforementioned Sunday crew to complete this week’s instalment of the Proclaimers 500 club challenge – 6 more miles along the seafront making a total of 10.6 for the day. I was shattered & it was now raining. Still I had a good day & the blister I discovered later on my little toe didn’t dampen the occasion.
Doddle… I think not.
by Dave Round.
With the ‘Proclaimers Club’ (500 miles…) afterwards
Always beware a smiling Pete. As Helen and I have a little jog to warm up, Peter and Paul running in the opposite direction pass, and Pete smiles and says those fateful words – ‘You’ll do a rundown for this one won’t you Sue?’ He then jogs off, so even if you could think of an excuse, he is no longer there to hear it.
So here goes.
A 5k trail race. Meet at the White Horse pub. All sounds fairly tame. After all, it’s just like a parkrun. So why at the end was everyone saying ‘that was tough’?
It all started so well. The first positive was there wasn’t a queue at the toilets. A major bonus for the nervy runner. A quick warm up with Helen, and then off to the start. Everyone was very friendly. One of the regulars described the route; steep climb, quarry and steps were mentioned but I put those to the back of my mind. There was only a small group of runners and the race official gave the Sedgefield Harriers a special mention and a round of applause, which was lovely.
Normally I run with my head down watching where I am going, the joy of wearing varifocals, but as Pete had asked me to write the blog I thought I had better try and look up occasionally and take in my surroundings. So after a flat start, I negotiated the horse/cycle/pedestrian barrier – I went for the pedestrian route whilst others did a bunny hop over the horse barrier – turned right and right again and into the quarry. At the far end we climbed back out up a muddy path and then across grassland up hill to the top. Here the route opened out with a great view. I glanced back to see the sea and then caught sight of a majestic brick water tower off to the left. Then more importantly I could see the line of Sedgefield Harriers in front of me……Ian, Chris, Dave, Mike, Paul. My target was Mike as he is in my division, but he was a long way ahead. Still we are not half way round yet, so I’ll try and keep in touch.
At the far end of the park we dropped down a muddy path, a left, a right, then right again up a steep hill. I can see some people walking ahead so I try and keep running to gain some time, but eventually I decide walking will be quicker. Then the path drops down and we reach the start line via a set of steps. Then its round again for lap two.
I manage to pass Paul in the quarry and he shouts some encouragement to ‘go and catch Mike’ who is up ahead. Mike has started to walk up the hill out of the quarry but has a sneaky look back, sees me and accelerates. In my head I shout ‘wait for me Mike’. When I reach the highest point I can see the Harriers ahead but they are now a bit more spread out. Oh well, I’ll try and keep Mike in my sights.
Legs beginning to hurt now and breathing’s more difficult but nearly there. I drop down onto the bottom path. Slightly confused. Dave Walker is walking one way; Abbie is running the other way; then my brain kicks in – Dave has finished and is walking back to encourage Abbie, who is in the home straight and I have to go to the right and back up the hill and then down the steps! As I turn up the hill I see Pete in the distance; I bet he is still smiling! As I run along towards the finish I can still see Mike but the points are going to be his. But I am happy with myself for not giving up.
I cross the line, to cheers of encouragement from my fellow Harriers – the best bit of any race. Lots of discussion about it being tough, a varied route, slippery under foot – so it wasn’t just me. I shake Mike’s hand – maybe next time?
We turned to watch Helen. She had a good sprint finish and then the reason became apparent as she was being followed by two huge horses, luckily with riders.
So all the Harriers were safely round. After the team photo some went off for more running along the coast. I was happy to head back to Sedgefield with Paul and Helen and to celebrate with a hot shower and breakfast.
When Paul brought up the subject over Christmas of doing Old Monks on Sunday 5 January, I felt a mild panic as I hadn’t done any running during all of December (due to either partying or illness, with a touch of laziness added in too!). Managed to cram in 3 very short runs beforehand which only highlighted how unfit I was. So on the day I felt very apprehensive indeed. Thankfully it wasn’t as cold and wintry as last year, just damp and rather windy. I was praying hard that the wind would help me along.
Registration was quick and easy and I was given a couple of useful trainer bags. Managed to catch up with other Harriers that were gathering and some were also wondering why they’d decided to do it too! Paul and I thought we had probably better go and warm up but then I found myself having a natter with Jayne Freeman instead. I remember saying all I remember about the race from last year was the beginning and the end but nothing about the in between bits, and that might be a good thing! Well that soon changed once the race started and it all came flooding back in all its muddy and hilly glory.
I had a race plan – keep breathing, don’t throw up, go slow and steady and stay upright, and I only just managed all of those. Paul ran with me for a while but I waved him on and watched him disappear into the distance. Then half way round I realised how much I actually really enjoy trail running and that this course is very scenic but challenging which includes going through an old graveyard, and the dene a couple of times and not forgetting the two very big and muddy hills. All the marshals were very friendly and encouraging, especially loved the 3 marshals playing House of Pains “Jump Around” and I even managed a little fist pump in the air!
I’m not one for splits and stats (my race plan might have been a giveaway), but there was a good turnout of about 270 runners and some good results for our Harriers.
So it may not have been my finest hour (literally, I did it in just over an hour!), I was slower than last year and struggled a lot, but I did it and was very thankful for my hot bath as soon as I got home.
I’ll be back next year, I wonder what my race plan will be!
The Sunday, pre Christmas, was an escape from the preparations for the big man’s visit and a new challenge to add to my trail running habit. I have no idea who thought it would be a good idea to try and run 10 miles through Chopwell woods, but the mad person in me wasn’t even put off with the prospect of 1000ft elevation. I love a challenge.
Four of us took up the challenge, Rosie, Fay and myself taking on the 10 mile and Aileen tackling the 4 mile.
Aileen was off first, after the kids’ Santa run, and looked amazing as she went by with a huge smile on her face. She was back on the trails after her Scottish marathon exploits. Looking at the photo as she crossed the line, she must have enjoyed it as always!
Then it was the 10 Milers! By this time, I was nervous and getting a bit cold as I had chosen short sleeves! We wished each other good luck and I took my traditional place at the back of the field! Oh boy what had I let myself in for? I quickly made friends with the tail runner, dressed as a Christmas tree, as the rest of the field raced off leaving me behind. Rookie error as all the slower runners had entered the 4 mile, not the 10!
To succeed in the trail I had already decided I would walk up the hills and enjoy the running down and so it began. The trails were muddy, but not slippery and wound their way through the woods. Gradually I caught up with other slower runners and began the toing and froing of run/walk, passing and being passed.
As the paths looped around the woods, I caught a glimpse of Rosie and Fay and cheerily waved. That would be the last I saw of them as they are much faster than me.
I was surprised how the 10 miles soon were eaten up and I was in sight of the finish………but the route took us away for another mile before I crossed the finish line where I was greeted by an enthusiastic Aileen. Being a slower runner, she always looks out for the ones who are on a personal challenge and happy to finish.
Trail running is not all about the time, it’s about ‘me’ time out in the countryside and woodlands, challenging your abilities and getting to the finish with a smile on your face and a great sense of achievement. So what if you end up walking some of it……especially the uphill bits, you do get there in the end. Take time to listen to your heart beating and admire the views as trails can take you to some amazing places. And Wild Deer Events, who organised this event, have some amazing trails over different distances from 5 mile to half marathon.
A Nav4 Adventure event. 38 miles, 2000 metres climb.
Well here I am once again, and would just like to thank Peter King for this privilege 😇…….. This event started back in June /July time when Mr Thwaites managed to twist my arm once again 😂😂 plus Justin Cox had forgotten he had entered mid summer. I’m sure he wasn’t trying to get out of it ?????
It was going to be a next step up in my running adventures with mileage and terrain. I didn’t think much about it til looking at the kit list and thinking I was short on a few things…… so over the summer I pulled it all together. As the date drew closer, travel plans fell into place which was great as Gary and Aaron (Gary’s friend) were picking me up on route so feet up all the way. Talk on the way over was about the route … and hoping not to get lost with all those hills and turns. It helped that Gary and myself had run over that way in the summer so I had the route in my head. I was just hoping there would be no snow or much fog, which would have made things a little interesting????
Once we had arrived at Askham, things seemed to turn out bad from the start as the car sank into the mud where we had to park. After helping three cars out we chanced it and left ours there til Saturday evening (just what you need after an ultra) but luckily things weren’t that bad on the night and it pushed out very easily……. As we signed in the village hall I had a flashback and realised I had been here previously with Chris Lines, Diane Baines and Doreen in an event called the Grand Day Out back in 2016 after all the floods. That was a tough 10 miler and I still think about my favourite Berghaus gloves I lost there….. But on the bright side a bit of relief as it was part of the course which we had not run in the summer so hopefully it would come back to me.
So as we were sleeping in the hall we set up camp, sleeping bags and air bed …..”how first class we roll !“. But it makes part of the whole weekend. All set up we popped to one of the local pubs to carb up and hydrate so they say ???
Saturday morning arrived and lights in the hall came on around 6am to the smell of freshly made porridge and coffee: right up my street…… Once fuelled and packed away people were arriving and the atmosphere started to build. People could set off from 7am but you couldn’t pass a certain checkpoint before 9:30am which was around 10 miles away so we decided 8am would be a better time to start, plus it gave time for the sun to rise a little more. Once you had your kit checked off you passed though the side door, they scanned you off and you were on your way up the road like wild sheep heading in the same direction; only around 40 miles to go….
With only three miles in I was hot hot hot with all the gear we had to carry and waterproof jacket. “Good time for a photo!” We had the weather gods with us as the previous weekend was very different… As you could guess the route was very hilly but with the fantastic views you could forgive them for now !!!!!
As I ran towards the first climb, which I knew from the summer, it all became real 😳. Proper hills these hills, up and over I went but remembering the down hills are just as fun !!!!! You had to be careful watching your footing in places. Checkpoint passed then onto Glenridding to the one climb which stuck in my head from the summer …….Sticks Pass which is a killer ….. time for another photo but this was where I found out my gloves were very hard to put back on. So much for expensive clothes, so I put the photos on hold!!!!
Once up (and I mean up the pass) it was foggy and was starting to try its best to rain …. !! Great, good job I didn’t need to take a map bearing…..thanks to my gps watch working as it should (but I had to keep quiet about it as only map readers allowed on this event 😂😂) The watch and I did help a few out, guiding the way, while up on the top though. And no I didn’t feel like I was one of the wise men! I know it’s Christmas 😂😂😂 Sometimes technology does have its place.
Coming off the top was another great experience; legs burning as you tried your best to come down with grace …. Half way down, these so called fell runners showed me how to do it!!! But there was no chance I was throwing myself down the hill….. Once down all in one piece (only two slips) I scanned in with the marshal at the bottom and off around to the next main checkpoint, a very gnarly path which caught me out quite a few times so took it easy here. Another checkpoint, water bottles filled and away off down a forest road where you could have a run before coming to another sweet climb!!!! NOT ! It was straight up a rocky climb which was very slippery but halfway up I met Santa 🎅 . Go on then, photo time ….. but again, my gloves took a good half hour to pull back on while climbing up and over the top.
See, see I did see SANTA…… but he wasn’t under the bloody Christmas tree…. He was half way up a sodding great big hill” !!!!!
I should have taken a left turn to follow the path down…… but no……. I followed two lads straight over the top and down the other side which was hard and daft as I hit knee-deep bogs and a few big holes to boot….. but it seemed a faster route and it took me to the bridge where everyone was heading. You could do this if you knew the ways…. but I wouldn’t do that again !!! “Stick to your route!”
The miles were building up now and the body seemed okay. I kept up the fuelling and just had to keep moving forward, The main plan was for me was to be over the last climb (which was also the first as we went back the way we came) before sunset as I didn’t fancy doing it in the dark …… so at the last main checkpoint, I grabbed a coffee, swapped my gloves, put head touch in pocket, filled water bottles and was back up ready for action. Plus, I even had chance to check in with Boss back at home as I had a phone signal. It didn’t go to plan though as she thought I had finished but I still had another 10 more miles to go. The response was not great but I’m sure that’s called positive encouragement 😂😂.
Up and over all safely done… nice one. Now for a little run along the farm road back to the church and a turn back along towards Pooley Bridge – a long uphill slog. Now as the day passed and darkness had fallen I slowed it a little as the path was a minefield for trips and falls – so close now to the end I had to be sensible. With around 3 miles to the finish this was where you had to remember where to turn as in the past it had caught a few out and I didn’t fancy any free extra miles…. But all was good heading for home, footing better for a little run, passing people “yes passing!” At this stage of the race I must have had the famous Joe’s soup in my head; “not far now” I thought but that thought was longer than before, now it was dark.
Down, back in Askham and the village hall in sight, all lit up, I was like a moth heading to the flame. It was a great feeling. Through the door, scanned back in safe and well, handed a nice new buff and a slip of paper with my time. In the hall it was all tables set with food and Joe’s soup… I was greeted with handshakes all round by Gazza and his friends (who I’ve met in the past, a great group from Peterlee Runners). After a quick change and a good feed, I headed to the pub next door for my sixth pint of the year!!! (now back in double figures) The pub was like an oven so off we went to the Golden Arches for a fill and a milkshake: good call 👍👍.
Rising the next morning….. (well you could say rise) we fell out of our sleeping bags and made tracks for home ….. But just one small stop off; the café that probably everyone drives past over the A66 on the top. Full English all around… “cherry on the cake” 😁
So to sum the weekend up: great event, well organised, great volunteers, marshalled in places where needed. If you’re thinking of fell running or walking out in the hills I can see why the equipment and gear is important as conditions could have been very different.
https://www.nav4.co.uk/ : if you’re looking for something different for 2020, some good looking events.
Also well done to Gary and Justin as they both ran fantasticall, plus the lads from Peterlee. Thanks again Aaron for the lift .
And a MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, HERE’S TO A GREAT 2020
(ps my legs the day after feel great…. honest ). RAY out 🙋🏼♂️🎤.
When I saw the Poultry Run website it was advertised as a friendly run, with, as is always important to me, no cut off time – sounded right up my street. The day before the run a fellow volunteer at parkrun told me “it’s a hard run, you run uphill for ages but once you get to the farm its all downhill from there”, had I bitten off more than I could chew? Hopefully Sheree’s hill training through the summer would put me in good stead.
Sunday morning was cold, very cold, after scraping the ice off my car I almost bottled it. I was very tempted to finally join the steady Sunday morning run at Wynyard which I’ve been wanting to join for ages but never managed to get there. Luckily I’m a Yorkshire lass and had paid so I was going, plus there was a T-Shirt with my name on it – I do love a free T-Shirt.
Driving towards Saltburn I noticed several cars driving in the opposite direction with their roofs covered in a good couple of inches of snow. Should I have checked the website before leaving, do they cancel for snow? I had no idea.
On arriving at Loftus leisure centre a friendly marshal directed me into the housing estate to try and find a parking space. Parking space found I started a precarious walk back down to the start, I felt like Bambi on ice; my sense of balance is never the best, should I be wearing trail shoes? Running was going to be fun when I struggled to walk.
All doubts were put to one side as I arrived at the start, Christmas music blasting, loads of runners dressed up in Christmas paraphernalia and a lovely atmosphere I was glad I came but definitely felt underdressed in my Harriers vest. I knew there were more Harriers competing but didn’t spot any vests as I took my usual place at the very back as the race was started.
The initial climb was through the housing estate where several people were out to cheer the runners on, a great spectacle of runners dressed in all sorts of weird, wonderful and festive costumes. The climb continued, at one point I overtook a woman dressed in an inflatable cow outfit, whilst another runner asked if she could mooove out of the way, bet she heard that a few times over the 8 mile course.
I find it difficult to recall the exact route of the course as I tend to be more of a one foot in front of the other, repeat, kind of runner. It definitely involved quite a bit of climbing and every time I looked up I could just see the masses of runners in the distance still climbing. Every time we came to a farm I prayed this was the one I had been told about prior to the descent. After about 4 miles we turned off through a farmland track and here the mud was so thick I had to walk in order to keep myself upright and most seemed to be on the same wavelength. The ground soon firmed up and we were running along the icy fields. At one point we ran past a waving family who had built a snowman to help cheer us on.
We joined a country road and here the scenery was lovely, white fields to either side and the sea in the distance. At this point I was talking to a runner from South Shields who commented how lucky we were to be running in a winter wonderland. At last we seemed to be going downhill I’m always a slightly nervous downhill runner and the ice didn’t help matters. Soon we were at the five-mile point, only a parkrun left and I was still feeling surprisingly fresh.
The descent began in earnest back through the estate and to the finish. The last 2 miles were all downhill so I decided it was time I just enjoyed it, if I fell over I no longer cared. Anyone who knows me will know that falling down is a pastime of mine especially after a drink or two. Running the last part of the race I overtook a giant Christmas pudding – what an achievement.
With the finish line in sight I even managed a bit of a sprint finish, a lovely friendly challenging run and I loved it. I will definitely be back next year and have promised to make a bit more effort with my outfit.
Well done to my fellow Harriers who completed the run, they were probably enjoying their fish and chips by the time I crossed the line.
Not sure where to start really as the Town Moor marathon was on my mind for most of the year. I love NEMC races and the Town Moor is no different. I know some don’t fancy the prospect of a 7-lap marathon, but I don’t mind. It never feels too lonely when you are out running for hours and you get to see the same lovely marshals loads of times! Also, it’s a lot easier to organise.
Why Town Moor and why try and run 100 marathons? Well, the Town Moor was the first marathon I ever enjoyed. Removing all the pressure of a big event proved brilliant for me. I knew I had to run a certain pace to hit my time goal, but my previous marathons saw me shoot off way too fast then suffer badly for the last 10K. It was a light bulb moment in pacing, which has served me well over the years. Also, I found my bunch of people. All walks of life from all over the world, but we share a love of running marathons. My 100th marathon had to be on the Town Moor.
I did not plan on going for my 100th marathon in 2019, but I wanted to try and raise some money for Get Kids Going. I thought I might struggle to raise donations for charity, so I needed a bigger challenge. I did the maths and if all went well then completing my 100th looked possible.
I know the drill during the build up to a marathon, so a lot of things just took care of themselves, but I did find myself getting nervous. It’s all I was thinking about and pretty much all I was talking about too. I had some fantastic messages of support. I even had a shout out from my favourite podcast courtesy of David Bentley! That really did take me by surprise. Thanks for doing that David. I was blown away with all the support.
I did my usual check of the weather and got my kit sorted for the next day. Forecast was canny. A windy day on the Moor would have been miserable and no fun for anyone. It rained a bit, but for November I think we got lucky.
I never get used to waking in the Dark. I had a rubbish sleep and could have snoozed for ages. No time for hanging around though. I stopped dragging the kids to marathons a long time ago. It’s not much fun for them. Hanging around for ages while I run, the early starts are miserable too. Lisa was coming up to cheer me on and marshal, so the kids had to come. They seemed fine and in good spirits when I saw them every lap. I think the steady supply of hot chocolate from the café helped distract them…
We parked up in Jesmond and walked through the tunnel to registration. I was supposed to be helping with registration, so I grabbed a high viz vest and took my position. I didn’t stay on registration long as they had lots of help. However, I was on it long enough to notice lots of familiar Harrier names! At first, I didn’t think much of it apart from it would be great to catch up with people, but there was a lot more than I was used too for a NEMC race. Then I started to see everyone arrive. I have to say it was such a lovely surprise. I don’t get over to Sedgefield much these days and I really miss the community and the sessions. I noticed a pic of me attached Melanie’s back which made me laugh. Well, until I saw loads of them and kept seeing them all morning… It was weird! I managed to come home with a large stash of the picture too!
I have shared quite a few miles with Ray over the years and I really wanted to run with him today too. We even have Razza and Gazza marathon club vests 😊 I represented all my clubs that day. First few laps in my NEMC vest then finish off in my Sedgefield vest and I wore my run Peterlee buff. Three great local clubs. Justin said he would stay with us once he lapped us, so he shot off and myself, Ray, Paula and Rosie set off together. The run itself went well. We chatted all the way, I kept stopping for toilets breaks and jelly babies. Ray had made me a Gazza drinks cup 😊 and the steady stream of Harriers who kept appearing and running with us was a real treat. It was nice to see a few PBs for the half marathon. Great running everyone!
Who would you choose to be with in a zombie apocalypse?
Good to his word once Justin caught us, he stayed with us. Like Ray, Justin and I have become good friends over the years and travelled to quite a few races together. We’ve run together over longer distances, but I can’t usually keep up with him over the marathon distance. It was great to finish the marathon with these two. The race was great. We chatted all the way and finished comfortably under 4 hours. Constantly bumping into Harriers really helped. The miles and miles always feel better when you can have a chat.
George wanted to run to the finish with me. He was waiting for me at the pond and we ran to the finish together. We both loved it. I don’t normally go for stuff like that, but it was such a special moment to share with George. The finish was the best finish to any race ever! To see everyone making a tunnel for us to run through was amazing and a lovely thing to do.
After the race we all gathered for some photos. Ray produced some marathon chocolate bars, which went down lovely with a brew once I got home. We then went to the café for a coffee and cake. Unfortunately, the cafe wouldn’t let us eat the cake, but we managed to make our way through it all the following week at cross country.
Ray presented me with a lovely card with loads of lovely messages from Harriers. It was great to read them all and something I’ll cherish forever. I love my 100-marathon t-shirt and bracelet too. Also, a load of money for the Get Kids Going Charity! Thank you all so much.
I have to say I was taken back with all the generosity and kindness that day. I have seen the group chat, so I know all the effort that has gone on behind the scenes to make the day so special. A big thank you to everyone! I won’t try and list everyone because I would hate to miss anyone out, but an extra special shout out to Ray. I’m sure most of you remember him and his tractor helping at XC a few years ago. He achieved legend status that day. Well, Ray is truly the best of us. I often have a chat with my son about what and who would I like with me if there ever was a zombie apocalypse. Well, Razza would be first on the list. Nailed on he’ll have coffee and chocolate.
Thanks to all the marshals who gave up a massive chunk of their Sunday, thanks for NEMC for another great event and big shout out to my long-suffering wife Lisa who marshaled too. I even bagged a kiss every lap. She made cake too, so we have eaten a lot of cake lately.
Trail shoes, cross country spikes, road shoes and football boots(!) were all around as I lined up for the Muddy Roads 5k race in memory of Gavin Duffy (Billingham Marsh House). Caught up in the euphoria of completing the muddy cross country the previous day, I was encouraged by Ray to take part. David would pick me up so I was fast running out of excuses.
I’d never taken part in a Muddy Roads event so didn’t really know what to expect. They operate a similar system to Parkrun with a barcode procedure being used so entry on the day was really straightforward.
After a minute’s silence for Gavin we were off. It was quite a narrow and frantic start and I felt comfortable in the footwear choice as the runners in spikes darted off to the side to find some softer ground. I remember Ray mentioning there is a tight turn coming up and it gets congested which was why I suddenly felt him breathing down my neck. First tight left turn reached and my mild smugness regarding the footwear choice soon evaporated. The next section involved some serious mud and the spiked runners disappeared into the distance and away up the hill!
We’d been warned about the “slippery bit” on the downhill section of the hill which was soon upon me. Slipping and sliding around the corner like a cross country skier I was free from the ankle deep mud into just mud. One kilometre further along you started to pass some of the runners at the bottom of the hill (words/grunts of encouragement were exchanged) before turning towards the finish to start another lap and more mud (have I mentioned that yet?).
The finish was a friendly affair just like a Parkrun, with everyone queuing to have their barcode scanned, before Team Sedgefield (Lisa, Graham, David, Ray and myself) showed the others a clean pair of heels and headed to the visitors centre for the lovely finishers’ cake.
Well this was my first but certainly won’t be my last Muddy Roads event. It was well organised, friendly and great value for money. It was lovely to hear that over £700 was raised for local charities from the event.
*So how did the football boots fare I hear you ask? Well unfortunately I don’t know if they were the right choice of footwear (1st place went to spikes with wellies in second), so if anyone wants to give them a go, let us all know how you get on!
Scrolling through Facebook I noticed that my good friend Andy Corfied had entered a 10k trail race to be held at Slaley hall. With my interest piqued I mentioned it at parkrun and with only modest arm twisting I was persuaded to enter.
The event is organised by Wild Deer events and is a multi terrain 10k trail race.
Andy and I travelled up on a very wet Sunday morning and met up with Karen Killingly there. We had arrived early, but killing time wasn’t an issue as we sat in the car park watching the concept of one way traffic destroyed, culminating in an amusing messy soft verge incident and exasperated officials.
Once the floor show had finished. It was time to address the ‘which shoes to wear?’ issue. With my spanking new Inov8 Trailtalons selected we made our way to the hall to collect our numbers and join the gathering athletes on the start line. On the start line a runner tells his friend he’ll be happy with sub 60 and I concur. That’s my target for today. The rain had mercifully stopped as we listened to the race briefing. The first time I’ve been asked not to make a mess of a golf course at a briefing.
The rain may have stopped, but as the race started it was clear it was going to be a clarty affair. The first 3 km was a steady climb. I took it very steady, being unsure of my own fitness or what to expect on the route. A short section of tarmac became a forestry road, then narrowing trails. The Trailtalons were awesome. A little further though and it was a different story. With a clarty mashed up field to cross the pace slowed and the Trailtalons were now diving boots coated in swarfega and ball bearings. Relief came in the form of another hard trail and at the top we enjoyed a long decent stretch through pine woods with what turned out to be the last of the serious clart on the other end.
A very enjoyable and rapid decent followed, along the edge of the golf course. As I ran I couldn’t help but wonder at who was daftest, us or the golfers hunched under their brollies and bags of golf bats. They were possibly as puzzled, but were very vocal and supportive.
We’ve reached about 6km now and it’s now a rollercoaster of very steep ups and downs for another 2km. We hit tarmac at 8km and with the scent of the finish in my nostrils I get a bit of a move on along this road. This turned out to be a cruel prank on the part of the organisers as a smiling marshal directed me back onto the clart for another 500m of ups and downs to 9km. From here in I can see that it’s an unrelenting climb back to the hall and I’m regretting my earlier exuberance. Still it’s nearly over and the Inov8s are returning to normal service. It’s a real slog in now and I don’t want to look at my watch at this point. There are a few more cruel twists and turns to negotiate before the now visible finish line can be reached, but I do in 57.27 and all of a sudden the world is a much nicer place.
Karen, Andy and myself regroup and adjourn to the hall for a well earned T shirt and sausages sandwich.
All in all a hard but very interesting route, well marshalled and organised. I’ll definitely give it another go. Thanks Andy and Karen for your great company.
I am increasingly aware that my daughter will now beat me over any distance less than 5km (and after her 2 min parkrun PB at the weekend I’ll extend it to now include 5km). For now I’m safe in 10km and above, mainly because she’s too young to enter those distances. So when the Middlesbrough Mile gave Ellie an opportunity to have bragging rights over me (again) I was very surprised she passed it up in favour of attending the regular sprints session coached by Frances Barlow and David Walker. It just goes to show how much she values and enjoys these sessions. High praise indeed to our junior coaches.
I decided I would go anyway. The mile was delivered by Stride Out Events and the people organising it, Scott Hydon and Kieran Walker have been an integral part of our club for many years. Scott’s enthusiasm and expertise for athletics have benefited so many of our juniors in the past and continues to do so. We are very lucky to have him as part of our club.
A great one from the archives. Scott cheering Kieran on to bronze at the North East Cross Country Championships.
So, plans were made to take a car full and I picked up Thomas and Becky Rowe and Rory Letts on the way and the conversation soon turned to the topic of cake. How much can you eat before a run / after a run and somewhere in between.
Pre registration was essential for this race as each race was graded and so all who entered were put into a race with others of a similar ability. I was hoping to get sub 7 so entered 7 minutes and soon found myself up against Rosie, Lisa and Callum who are far faster than me. I revisited my goal to include the target not to be last!
Race 1.
The route utilised the cycle track at Prissick, a 1km loop which is mainly flat and fast with sweeping bends rather than tight corners as cycle racing demands. It is an ideal route for a PB if you are in form.
The first race set off at 7pm with a lead and tail bike although it was impossible to get lost. The finish times in that race ranged between 6.34 and 10.21 with the majority nearing the 10.21 finishing time. It does seem that someone was definitely quicker than they had anticipated!
Andy in race 2.
There was a great turn out of 13 harriers and the club was represented in race 2 by Paula, Andy Corfield and Graham Darby.
I was in race 3 and we were quickly heading off down the slight decline in the track and I was just thinking don’t get carried away in the first part. Having said that, both Lisa and Rosie definitely got carried away and shot off in front and by the end of the first bend Lisa was out of sight. Of course she maintained her pace (why wouldn’t she?) and finished as strong as ever in 6.21 only to be beaten by Callum who won our race in 6. Rosie put in a great performance of 6.30 and having not set off too fast I managed to finish in 6.48. I was very pleased with sub 7. I quite fancy having a crack at 6.45 next time!
As I headed off to watch Rosie make me a cup of tea (I was still out of breath) race 4 was underway. I liked the relaxed but organised atmosphere. Make your own tea and coffee, help yourself to biscuits and check your results (which are available immediately after the race) although published and linked to power of 10 the next day.
The next event (always held first Wednesday in the month, 4th December) in the series is a 5km. It’s fast, flat and PB potential. Get yourselves along. Pre entry is essential so that you are allocated into the right event. The plan is for two races, the first for those who predict a finish time of sub 21 minutes and the second race for over 21 minutes. All abilities are welcome and encouraged to come along; don’t be put off by the sound of the second race (it sounds fast to me), I predict that finishing times will range to include 35 minutes plus….. I also predict that Ellie will beat me.
