27 Jul 2015
Ladies and gents,
On Friday I was running steadily along the winding slabbed path that crosses the moors between Kinder Scout and the Snake Pass when Nigel Heppell thought to congratulate me. This, due to a lack of internet access in the day prior to the start of the relay was, after he'd noticed by puzzlement and explained, was how I found out that I'm back in the seat until the AGM in October. For this responsibility, I thank all of you who nominated and seconded me to return for the post - one that I did not expect to return to after recent events. I further thank all of you who have expressed your thoughts on the matter and on general club issues of late. My intention is, along with the other committee members, to attempt to put behind us the unpleasantness of recent events, learning from that which could have been done better, and to continue to train and race as we have done for so long - together, as a club that is truly multi-ability and multi-disciplinary. I hope and believe that the charity relay over the weekend has helped remind us all of our strengths when we pull together for nothing but the satisfaction of daring to attempt that which was seemingly impossible (those who ran distance/terrain PBs on Saturday and Sunday, this means you)...and for the money we raised for two worthy local charities, for which donations are still being taken. I thank each and every one of you who helped sanity-check the initial idea, helped with logistics, ran and donated - this was truly a great club effort and I hope will live long in the memory and serve to remind, in the inevitable periods we all experience when running seems barely worthwhile, of how great this sport can be for mind and body.
So, to business as promised:
- I may or may not be personally present on Wednesday, dependent upon when I escape work, but the club handicap is on, consisting of the standard 4.8 mile course around Houghall. This is a deservedly popular event and is an excellent chance to compete on a levelled playing field against those otherwise faster or slower than oneself, with chance for chat and catching up whilst waiting and upon finishing. Additionally, Camilla Lauren-Maatta is taking a 10min/mile approx run to Kepier Woods, distance probably 6-7m and Allan is taking his track session as usual.
- Harrier League fixtures have now been released and rules confirmed for the season. Excitingly, there are now three women's divisions to encourage more competition, though the number of counters remains constant. It all kicks off in two months and I hope we can build on what was a very good season last winter in terms of numbers, competition and spirit.
- Following on from this, the release of NEHL fixtures provides the spur for compilation of the club GP fixtures for next season. The categories are constant -shorts (<7m), longs (>7m), fells (assorted distance) and XC - though the fixtures change. We've had a lot of feedback on fixtures this season, both qualitative and in terms of numbers competing, most of it good and all of it listened to. The plan is to deliver an interesting list of fixtures which all members, with training, can compete in (no 50m ultramarathons, fell races up and down Ben Nevis or races where you have to fork out £50 way in advance with no refunds or transfers, and the longer races will NOT be at the start of the season). The list is compiled basically by good-natured argument and vote of a sub-committee composed of those with the time and geekiness to attend to this and opinions are always welcomed - let me know if there is any race you think ought to be included on the basis of course quality, PB potential, challenge or just potential for a good club day out.
That is all for now from me: whilst unexpected, it is lovely to be back.
Paul
