Thirsk & Sowerby Harriers

Wonderful Effort Jack

Marian — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:02:53 +0000

Whitby was the venue for the last race, apart from the relays, in the NYSD cross country season and 6 Harriers were among the starters on a sunny but cold day. The course was mostly interesting the with number of laps depending on the race and with a tricky hill to negotiate several times! Jack Spence set the ball rolling with his wonderful effort in the U15 boys’ race, coming a very good 2nd in 14.07. In the ladies race, Christine Burn finished 37th in 32.39 and Marian Codling 46th in 41.15. Stephan Tomaszewski led the club runners home to come 25th in 38.17 with Rob Burn 49th in 41.43 and Graham Robinson 53rd in 43.39.
The previous weekend, Hester Cox was the sole representative in the Beacon Fell Race. 130 competitors lined up on a cold morning which did gradually warm up but left conditions slippery, and Hester finished 69th in a very creditable 78 minutes.

From Whitby xc To The Clart

Rob — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:56:26 +0000

If you didn’t already know we had quite a large turn out last wednesday night, 35 in the group. I was very impressed with the work input and also your pace judgement. All the effort over the last few weeks are now beginning to give rewards. Lets keep it going.

Today is the the xcountry at Whitby so I hope to see a few of you there. Next week is the next club championship race. A fell race in Commondale. It is where my Grandparents came from so it may account for a lot!! Apart from the steep climb at the start it is not too difficult, I think Ampleforth is a tougher race so hopefully this will encourage a few more to take part.

Next week we are back in school, Monday 7pm in the gym
Wednesday 7pm in the sports hall. The outside group session. 3,4,5,6 minute efforts/ 1min recovery.
Gavin/ Mervin, you will have your work cut out trying to keep the group together.

This year is a leap year and the good lord blessed us with a wednesday, harriers. This will be the monthly time trial night. Christine has a list of names of those who are keen to run the North Yorks/ South Durham relays, 11th March on the Flatts at Thirsk but we could do with More!! For those wishing to be picked for the first teams ( 3 women, 4 men) please try and take part in the time trial. Let your team captains see how fast you are running so it will help them pick a winning team. Those who don’t quite make the first team run like the wind and prove to them they made a mistake and make sure you get picked the next time!!

The seasons are changing! I have now, for the first time ever cut lawns every month in the last twelve months. We now look after gardens all year around, you will all have seen the masses of bulbs everywhere and even the birds have started to sing early in the morning. I love this time of the year and you will all be pleased to know that Christine is bonding well with her new wheel barrow. I have my eyes on a new colour co-ordinated lawn mower for her to use but I think I will keep that untill a little nearer Easter, more of an early easter present sort of thing.

take care and see you soon

From Absent Friends To Liversedge

Marian — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:04:05 +0000

A couple of races at the weekend saw Ian Codling and Graham Robinson at the friendly Absent Friends 5 mile trail race at Cowpen Bewerley Country Park near Billingham. 182 runners finished the mainly flat course over woodland trails and Graham Robinson had another good run to come 34th in 36.56 with Ian Codling 144th in 50.49.

Paul Atkinson and Alan Harman had an altogether tougher race, the Liversedge Half Marathon, renowned for its hills! It was an overcast morning, ideal for running and Paul Atkinson, running well as usual, came 72nd in 1.33.28 with Alan Harman 314th in 1.56.21.

Half Term But No Let Up

Rob — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:05:49 +0000

Christine and I have just come back from a run in Kilburn woods. The snow was taking a stud nicely and we really enjoyed it.

Next week is half term week so we have no school open, however I have been thinking!!

If you fancy a run on Monday night (13th) Christine and I will be going down to the Athletic Club and if you fancy joining us for 40/45 minutes social, steady run we’d be pleased to see you. This will be off road, around the field but we will be starting at 7pm prompt. I will open the changing rooms so you will have somewhere warm to meet. (I know it might sound boring but so is Coronation Street).

Wednesday night (15th )7pm, also at the Athletic Club will be a bit more serious ( 8 x 2 mims/ 1 rec ) but will be on the same field. This means we can all stay together, suffer as a group and not lose anyone in the process. We seem to be in a bit of a cold spell at the moment so a silly hat might be appropriate!.

Regards Rob

HDSL

Gavin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:13:36 +0000

The final planning meeting for the 2012 Season of the HDSL took place last week.

Fixtures were finalised as follows :-

Tuesday 1st. May 7.45 pm Ikley Harriers

Tuesday 15th. May 7.45 pm Thirsk & Sowerby Harriers

Thursday 31st. May 7.45 pm Dragons RC

Thursday 21st. June 7.45 pm Swaledale RR (New Course to be advised.)

Thursday 28th. June 7.45 pm Nidd Valley RR ( Assisted by Vocallink RC)

Thursday 12th. July 7.20 pm Ripon Runners, Norman Smith Handicap and League Presentation.

At the Leagues meeting in December 2011 the Secretary was ask to review the Veteran Awards,

as a result of this a decision was taken at the January meeting to award an additional trophy for

the FV45 to 49 and V65+, with medals or similar for FV60+.

The main criteria for making additional awards was based on the fact that in the last two years

there has been ‘real’ competition in the relevant classes where new awards will be made, however

sadly there is a real drop off in FV 50 + classes with only one or two ladies competing over the series.

Water will be provided at the finish by all hosting Clubs.

Last year we hosted the first race and had 277 runners, a brilliant turnout and we can expect about the

same this year. The Harriers had 45 members registered to run, up 15 on the previous two years.

Lets see if we can get half our members participating this year, for new members this is an excellent

series to dip your feet into competition, races are about 5 miles long and cater for ALL abilities.

At the end of the fun bit it is back to Club house’s for supper, and it costs you nothing as the Club pays

the £5.00 entry fee which covers all the races, real value for money.

Can all members who wish to take part please e-mail and I will add you to the Leagues spread sheet

and allocate numbers, but note you have to sign the League liability disclaimer to say you take part

at your own risk. e-mail ern26.2@btinternet.com

The closing date for the Club to send all members entry details to the League Secretary is

Wednesday 18th. April 2012.

The information that is required is Christian Name, Surname, and DOB.

League web site www.harrogate-league.org.uk where full series details can be found.

Regards,

Ernie Huck

Chairman

Snow Excuse For Some

Marian — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:52:44 +0000

Nine stalwarts braved the snowy conditions and uncertain roads to take part in the lates NYSD cross country league fixture at Richmond. In fact, there was less snow than expected and mud on the course was more of an issue in places. Sunshine prevailed, with uphill sections always seeming to be against the wind, and Nicola Booth, getting back to fitness after injury, finished 25th over the 5k course in a time of 24.19. Christine Burn had another good run to come 37th in 29.46 with Cath Lumb and Sue Reynard finishing almost together, 43rd and 44th, in about 33 minutes. Phil Utley continued his club dominance to come 11th in 36.58 with Stephan Tomaszewski 28th in 40.10, Kevin Winfield 49th in 43.00, Rob Burn 54th in 43.47 and Geoff Bullock 76th in 50.13, this over 9.5k. Congratulations and thanks are due to Richmond and Zetland Harriers who managed to put on the races in such difficult conditions and to the officials and marshals who braved the cold, and without which such events could not go ahead.
Four Harriers were at Ripon for the 7th running of the Muddy Boots 10k, again facing several inches of snow. The multi-terrain course was mostly off-road and Les Sutton-Haigh led the team home to finish 35th out of 178 entrants in 48.13 with Alan Harman 80th in 54.50, Nik Sutton-Haigh 110th in 58.32 and Ian Codling 160th in 67.54. All enjoyed this friendly, well organised race and, again, thanks to those responsible.
The previous day, before the snows came, but on a bitingly cold day with hard frost underfoot, Jack Spence represented North Yorkshire in a schools inter-counties cross country competition. This was a superb achievement for Jack and he did well to finish 23rd out of the 57 competitors, and 4th North Yorkshire finisher, over a very challenging course. He was very keen to get back home over the A66 from Kirkby Stephen after the race before the heavy snow set in!
John Yates, meanwhile, in pleasanter, warmer conditions, came a very good 18th in 1.15.17 in the recent Salisbury Plain Crazy 12 mile race. It is good to know he is flying the club colours even though he no longer lives near Thirsk.

XC Goes Well In Richmond

Rob — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:54:13 +0000

Yes, the cross country was on and congratulations to all those who ran. However it wasn’t too difficult, the sun was shining and very little snow. We had more mud to deal with than anything and it was the usual slog from start to finish. Why is it, on the up hill sections at Richmond it is always against the wind?

Monday 6th Feb 7pm Thirsk. School gym.
Wednesday 8th Feb Thirsk. School sports hall. We are now up to 16mins and we’ll keep at this level for a couple of weeks. 4 x 4mins/ 2mins recovery.

From now on I will right down the wed pm sesssion as I know of quite a few who follow this schedule, those who can’t make it, on hols etc so I hope this will help and keep you on a level with the rest of the core group. Stay with the session and if you are really struggling ease off on the pace. Rob

January Time Trial Station Road 2012

Gavin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:15:19 +0000

Position	Name	Start Time	FinishTime	Actual Time
1	Steve Middleton	07:45	19:23	11:38
2	Cameron Choules	05:45	17:52	12:07
3	Steph Tomaszewsky	04:30	16:45	12:15
4	Jack Spence	06:00	18:20	12:20
5	Paul Atkinson	07:00	19:41	12:41
6	Gavin Coventry	00:00	12:55	12:55
7	Noel Clough	07:30	20:49	13:19
8	Merv Burn	08:00	21:22	13:22
9	Graham Robinson	05:00	18:31	13:31
10	Stewart Mechie	07:15	20:50	13:35
11	Lorraine Hiles	04:45	18:29	13:44
12	Hester Cox	06:15	20:01	13:46
=13	Sarah Glover	06:30	20:18	13:48
=13	Geoff W Bullock	02:30	16:18	13:48
15	Nikki Booth	03:00	17:07	14:07
16	David Shorrocks	08:15	22:31	14:16
17	Geoff Bullock	02:00	16:35	14:35
18	Rob Burn	06:45	21:35	14:50
19	Patrick Holtby	04:15	19:18	15:03
20	Fran Jeffery	03:45	19:20	15:35
21	Hilary Coventry	01:45	17:22	15:37
22	Nik Sutton-Haigh	02:45	18:27	15:42
23	Pat Kirby	02:15	19:08	16:53
24	Christine Burn	04:00	21:51	17:51
25	Ken Evitt	01:00	18:58	17:58
26	Lynne Jackson	05:15	23:15	18:00
27	Phillip Craig	01:30	19:33	18:03
27	Richard Easby	00:45	18:59	18:14
28	Janet Balmain	05:30	23:56	18:26
29	Ian Codling	01:15	19:52	18:37
30	Fiona Lane	03:15	22:13	18:58
31	Stace Haigh	00:30	20:15	19:45
32	Andrea Watson	00:15	21:06	20:51
33	Sheila Christian	03:30	29:07	25:37
34	Marian Codling	00:00	25:43	25:43

Gold Finch

Rob — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:16:58 +0000

What a beautiful morning!! We have a flock of 20-30 gold finch which call in each morning for a feed, their colours are amazing and I quite enjoy my cuppa seeing them fight for a mouthful of food.

Monday 30th. School gym. 7pm

Wednesday 1st. School sports hall. 7pm This week our speed session is up to 15 minutes which is the time I achieved on the time trial. Not much to brag about on that one but I was impressed with the number who did run the time trial. Steve has worked your times out and they will be with you shortly. I am aware that wednesday night is quite a big session however you must keep within your limits and work at it a bit at a time. Anyone who is struggling or might need some extra help, advice etc just give me call. I’m sure we can work some thing out and i’d only be too pleased to help.

Yesterday Steve also helped us measure out an accurate 1mile relay lap on the flats.(11th March ) It is going to be quite technical due to the uneven ground, the twists and turns but it will be a good spectator course. From now on I would suggest you practice a short, sharp stride as you trot along which will help you get accross the ground more quickly.

Sometimes you just can’t please anyone!! I went out yeterday and bought Christine a brand new wheel barrow. I asked her to come and have a look at it when I arrived home and she didn’t seem very pleased at all. It must be the colour she doesn’t like because when I said she could go faster with this one because the wheel was round, she just turned around and walked away.

brass-monkey-2012sarahs-1st-half-marathon-002

Gavin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:39:34 +0000