January 2012

Grumpy Elf spotted on Chevin! Even more from ‘two wheels good’ Turnips! Mushy peas! All the race results fit to print! All this and more

inside.... Photo courtesy of Otley AC via Rob Furness Ed’s Notes Hello again all - Well I hope you all had a great Christmas and that 2012 will be kind to us all and you are all full of plans - running and otherwise - for the forthcoming year. My own progress overcoming injury is still painfully slow, but I hope 2012 will see a return to running proper, hope- fully sooner rather than later. One of the main things I’ve been doing as part of my rehab is aqua jogging. This gets you some strange looks from other swim- mers in the pool and at least once a Salivating runners reluctantly line up for Christmas Run (and photo!) ahead of pie, mushy week I get asked what the hell I’m doing, peas and cake frenzy! Pic from Angus Teanby. But it really seems to work (for me at any your club and sport. Harriers out hard work’ and after the dust of the rate) and if you are injured (and if OK’d needs volunteers to help out at the first 2010/11 season we are handing out by your doc/physio/gym instructor etc.), Vets Grand Prix race which we palms (And what do palms make? worth giving a try. are hosting, from our Hall Park HQ, on Prizes!) at our Presentation Evening at February 12th. Steve Raby and Bev Hurst Yarnbury RUFC on Friday 10th February. In the interim, I’ve been volunteering. are taking up the Vets organising mantle I’ve marked the course and marshalled Here the accolades are handed out to from Tina this year, but as this is their at the Morpeth 11K (organised by the great and good (and not always the first event they’ll get a helping hand friends) and prior to that been in charge fastest) by ‘The Supreme Athlete’ from the race committee (and anybody of enormous vats of mushy peas as part him/herself (I think the SA has else we can press gang!). If you could of the Christmas Run Catering Corps. transcended gender these days) and help out at this race please see Steve, I mention this because it’s something there is also a bar, buffet and a live Bev, Bob Foulkes or myself and let us every runner should do at some point band, allowing you all to ‘bust some know. (volunteer, not necessarily oversee moves’ as I believe the young folk call it. mushy peas..) and vitally important to We also need runners for the race as we Admission by ticket only, available from have a proud tradition to uphold in this the ever expanding Bev Elliot, FREE to competition - as we do in the PECO XC club members, £5.00 to non-member League - and I recommend these runs to guests. all club members of whatever standard. I’ve left details of Marie’s Thursday The Vets GP races in particular, where evening training sessions elsewhere in points are scored for the overall club the newsletter as these are continuing total no matter where you finish or how apace until the lighter evenings at least long it takes you (and you can bet your when the track sessions start again. team mates will be at the finish to cheer you home) are particularly important. Once again I wish you the best of luck for Pudsey Pacers ran away with the compe- 2012 in your endeavours, running or tition last year, not because they are all otherwise. But if I see any more mushy blindingly quick, but because they peas in 2012 it will be too soon..... swamped the races with their runners. Ian Park So dig out your blue and white club vest - or obtain from Hils if you haven’t already got one (why not?) - they MUST be worn in these races - and take note of the upcoming race dates printed else- where in the newsletter. Maybe I’ll see you there at some point in my vest! I am old enough to have gone to a school Here’s a pic of Angie Pattinson - and one which had a motto. It was (and scholars I can publish without risking an outbreak of Latin should perhaps forgive me here) of violence on my person by Angie! - on the ‘Non Sine Pulvere Palme’. This means Chevin Chase in full Santa garb, courtesy of Simon Walker Photography. See more ‘No Palms Without Dust’ which is a long Chevin Chase pics on Aire Centre Pacers winded way of saying ‘No rewards with- website. Absolute Beginners - out and about with Hils Do you know the off road paths and trails accessible for club runs? Would you like to learn them? Are you available at any time during the day and willing to jog slowly? If ‘YES’ please contact me. I am willing and (still) able to show you paths you never knew existed. If you learn them before the nights get lighter you will then be able to lead them in the spring and summer. NOW is the time to act. Please contact me on [email protected] or 0113 2505673 or txt 07780 704 243

2) Using the prefixed velcro fastener and Wrist Action a corresponding velcro piece supplied separately on a roll, adjust and affix the We’ve trialled, and produced, some identify you and notify next of kin even if band to suit your wrist. identity wrist bands to be worn by you aren’t in a position to do so. Clearly 3) The band is made of ‘plastic paper’ so runners on Tuesday/Thursday night we hope there’ll never be any need for should be reuseable for several sessions training sessions (or any other runs for them to be used in earnest, but with so as it should resist rain, sweat and some that matter). The idea is to have runners many runners at the club these days it chafing! So try and make use of a band identified with details of a contact phone seems sensible to make provisions in for multiple sessions, rather than use a number and some indication of any case of any unfortunate occurence. new one every time you run. We can then specific medical allergies or require- The way it works is like this: - semi accurately! - gauge the average ments in event of accident or illness length of time these last and (re)order during a run. 1) Take a band on a Tuesday night and fill in the details on the back. (Block accordingly. Of course, if you are running alone these capitals suggested for legibility). Hopefully they are light enough not to become even more important and the be a nuisance while running. band will be able to Of course if you have any comments or suggestions that might improve how these bands work, please let Marc or myself (Ian Park) know. Vets Spot

YOUR VETS TEAM NEEDS

Your Vets Team Leaders /Mob- Mobilisers Bev Hurstfor 2012! Steve Raby Greetings Fellow Harriers we have a strong history of excellence in categories this year. And yes, I know and a Happy New Year to all. the competition, both as a team and as Pudsey Pacers have to hire double- individuals. For example, last year both decker buses to get all their runners to We hope that you have all enjoyed the the Ladies and Men’s teams came 2nd in events, and I know that Pudsey & festive period, a time of eating, drinking the “All to Count” categories and both Bramley have got Pegasus, Pheidippides and general excess. Luckily, we have the won the “Rest to Count” prize. In the & Dick Dastardly all running for them, perfect antidote for those extra pounds individual categories we had the Winner but hey, let’s give it a crack!! That means which you may have piled on recently M65 (Kevin Watson), Winner and Runner we need quality and quantity for each (well it would have been a SHAME to Up F60 (Cheryl Wilkes, Shirley Walker), race, because every finisher counts! The leave that last mince pie on the plate!). Runner Up F65 (Hilary), 3rd F55 (Angela only acceptable excuses for non-appear- Yes, believe it or not, its time to start Johnson), 3rd F40 (Angela Pattinson), ance will be broken limbs (you must be thinking again about turning out for your 3rd M45 (Nathan Crossley). The follow- in plaster) or attending a vital engage- beloved club’s Yorkshire Vets Team. ing Harriers all finished in the top five of ment (like a Knighthood, or a Spurs Luckily you don’t have to insert your arm their age groups and are worthy of men- match) - no hangovers, letters from your up a cow’s rear end to qualify as a Vet, tion, if only because the list includes mum, or minor ailments! Our role as you just have to be a little long in the yours truly! Alan Squire, Marc Springer, Team Leaders will be to encourage, tooth (let’s call it mature) or to be more Cath Gray, Bev Hurst and, last and arm-twist, threaten, beg or bribe as precise, be 35 or over. Sadly most of us least, Steve Raby. Big thumbs up to many runners as possible to turn out for hit that criteria, but anyone lucky EVERYONE who ran for the Harriers last each race - from the elites to us mere enough not to qualify can still run as a year. mortals. We’ll also circulate a race guest, so no excuses! report after each event and highlight the But, but, but..... we don’t want to rest on notable performers, improvers, and the As most of you know, the Yorkshire Vets our laurels (mainly because they are odd faller, shoe-loser or muscle-puller Grand Prix series is the “Champions thorny and prickly) so we need an even as appropriate. We’ll be in touch again League” for running clubs and although bigger, better, faster six-million-dollar- nearer the first event (which is our the participants are not quite as well man (or lady) performance in 2012. After Home fixture on the 12th February) with paid (OK in fact we all have to pay to all, it is Olympic Year, for anyone who’s reminders, information and general take part!) the prestige is almost as been asleep for the last 8 years. Now, nagging! high. To continue the football analogy, some people say that 2nd is just the we might not quite be Barcelona, but we “first loser”, so we need to be aiming for These events are great fun, all run off are certainly Real Madrid, or maybe 1st Place, Gold Medal, Top of the road in the beautiful Yorkshire scenery Spurs (no bias there then!). This means Podium, Primus-Inter-Pares etc, in all (i.e. hilly), and usually offer some healthy grub afterwards - what more can you ask for £3.50 per race? It’s best to FOUND! Marathon register online in advance at Talk http://www.yvaa.org/ and then you One pair Ron Hill just pay on the day at each event running gloves left in Newish member Mark Dorrington is throughout the season. There are prizes Town Street Tavern after seeking running buddies for those long, at each race, including spot awards, so Alan Squire’s Office long, marathon training runs as he gears everyone stands a chance. So come on, Christmas Party! up for London (I presume). GSOH what’s stopping you, you know you Need clean but will required, etc., etc. If you want company want to...... on your big runs or can help out contact fit newsletter editor Mark at the club or via his e-mail: Get the following race dates in your if not claimed!! [email protected] diary, smart-phone, PC, calendar, tablet - or just tie a knot in your hankie! Returning member Mandy Bamford - PECO XC Dates, who left to get involved with horses, fell 12 February Horsforth 1030 off, fractured her pelvis and ruptured a 04 March Otley 1300 season 2011-12 cruciate ligament (and you thought run- 22 May Kirkstall 1930 ning was dangerous...) - is back again 29 May Bingley 1930 Race 4: February 19th and also gearing up to pound the streets 12 June Pudsey 1930 at Golden Acre Park, of London. TBA Jul Meanwood 1930 (organising clubs: Abbey 11 Nov Spenborough 1100 assisted by Chapel Allerton) She is running to raise money for Children with Cancer (not Orthopaedics Other races may be added later. Race 5: March 11th at Otley Chevin as you might have thought!) and if you’d Any questions, please contact either of like to donate she has a fundraising (organising clubs: Hyde Park us: page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving assisted by Valley Striders) Bev’s Mobile Telephone: 07748 353229 .com/mandybamford. For up to date info nearer or e-mail: [email protected] She may also come amongst you with date of each race see: Steve’s Mobile Telephone: 07941 235617 sponsor form at some point on a training or e-mail: [email protected] www.pecoxc.co.uk evening..... Marie’s winter training sessions (Thursdays from 10th October 2011. NB January 26th is week 4!) We set off running at 7.00pm from ‘The Week 1. 400 - 700 metres stretches. Old Ball’ pub in Horsforth (just up from Aim is to practice pushing off the top/street corners and downhill running technique. Horsforth train station). Remember no Week 2. Set intervals of between 600 metres - 1000metres with set recovery. parking permitted in the Old Ball Aim is to practice pace judgement and increase speed stamina. car park, unless drinking afterwards!!! Week 3. Hills. Aim is to develop strength and technique and drive off the top (imagine that finish PLEASE WEAR REFLECTIVE GEAR AS line 20 metres ahead). The steepness will vary but these are to be done as slow or as ALL THE TRAINING IS ON STREETS. fast as you want. A sort of rest week really!!! Week 4. 12 x 400 mtrs with set recovery The sessions will be between 5 - 8 miles Aim is to develop speed and strengthen lung capacity. in distance with the efforts totalling Week 5. Combination of 800 (approx), 500, 400 and 150 metre reps 3 - 4miles (plus or minus a little!!!!!) These are to build on the previous weeks training sessions with added sprint efforts This is a 5 week rolling session. You are designed to get you accustomed to that last burst to carry you over that finish line welcome to come along on any or all of regardless of how tired you feel. This may help get you that PB or get you under that elusive time for a marathon, even if it’s by only a few seconds. the weeks. If you are unsure as to whether you’d be able to manage the sessions, COME ALONG, To benefit from these sessions you need give it a go, you will be fine. I want you to benefit, not to be put off, but most of all to be able to run at least 6 miles without I want you to ENJOY training to improve your enjoyment of running. Whatever speed stopping at below 10 minute mile pace. you run the sessions at you will not be left behind as they are all on loops. See you Thursday. Marie Finally! As promised... in their own words - Team Turnip go C2C! Coast to Coast Bike Ride group we had to split across 2 B &B’s our way along the dismantled railway each night and the hardest part was get- track to Threlkeld and beyond. Sadly the 20th - 23rd September ting folks to decide where they wanted weather gods weren’t on our side, as the A group of 10 Horsforth Harriers plus to sleep at night, (and who with, rain and wind set in early on. Shaun 3 friends to the club completed the 136 although the blossoming “Bromance” spotted a cycling cafe on the map mile coast to coast bike ride from between Shaun & Ed made this easier around Greystoke, so we stopped for Whitehaven to Tynemouth late this for the chaps...), not to mention having shelter, tea and “slankets” (although it summer. This is the story of the journey to let Lindsey down gently on the lack of was warmer outside than in, think Bothy through the eyes of several of the team: available Wi-Fi access en route. in the arse-end of Scottish highlands and that would be about right...) Julia’s Story: Our plan to ride the route in 2.5 days was, we thought “ambitious but achiev- The Sun Inn at Langwathby was the next Well it seems a long time ago since the able”, and we weren’t deterred even attempt to dry out for an hour, with a Great North Bike Ride (August 2010) when the friendly woman at Allenheads friendly landlord whose log fire and when in a moment of low blood sugar at Inn commented to me whilst booking the culinary expertise were pushed to the Warksworth Bridge feed station, the B & B, “will you be riding the whole limit (liver and onions, in a sandwich??? idea of completing the c2c as “a bit of a distance, not many women do that” and “it’s the future” like Peter Kay’s “garlic holiday” was first mooted with Gordon. “are you sure you want to ride that far in bread”, eh, Angus?). With full bellies, Fast forward to January 2011, and the a day, normally folks come over from it was onwards and upwards (quite idea started to take shape, particularly Penrith (40 miles away), not Keswick literally) as we climbed out of when Gordon (fresh with newly replaced (58 miles) & they look all done in”.... Langwathby via the “warm up” Alston knee) started to study the c2c guide bank, to then hit the mother of all climbs book as part of his rehabilitation pro- So here goes (as measured by Garmin): - Hartside summit (1903ft and a four gramme, with the clear instruction that Day 1 – Whitehaven to the we’d be “...taking it easy” as a Keswick (31.91 miles) social/holiday.... Gordon navigated us with his eerie Somewhere between uttering those “virtual” map reading skills to the start words “we’ll be taking it easy”, and and after dipping wheels in water, Gordon getting back into the saddle, the (and nearly slipping in duck shoite down idea got hijacked by the regular the steep ramp) and waved off by one of Thursday Team Turnip Club cyclists Trudy’s pals we were soon on our way. (aka “the challenge nutters”) and a Sun was shining, banter flowing, Elvis decision was made, 140 odd miles in sighted (and bearing an uncanny resem- 2.5 days, on a mountain bike ...there’s a blance to Angus as they posed for a holiday lurking in there somewhere, but Jedward style photo shoot) and then it’s shy... came “the biggie”, Whinlatter Pass... As the months passed, interest was 4 miles of steady, lung bursting climb growing as were the up-front cash pay- and then we were home and dry to ments, until we had 14 of us confirmed respective B&B’s in Keswick to enjoy to give it a whirl. Ralph did a sterling job a few early pints & goulash in the in sourcing Paul, the-heart-attack-wait- Dog & Gun. ing-to-happen driver, who transported Day 2 – Keswick to us with, bikes, luggage, flapjack and Allenheads (57.32 miles) nervous apprehension (that’s you Serena, by the way) to the start in Having successfully negotiated an illicit Whitehaven and back home again. hash brown breakfast item swop at the B &B run by over-sized Flumps (you had My role as Hotel and Catering manager The cycling ‘must have’ fashion accessory to be there...) Gordon soon had us on was easy enough - although as a big - ‘The Slanket’ mile steady pull). On reaching the top – My first recollection of the trip was time for photo shoot and another vain everyone excited at the start dipping the attempt to dry out in the well placed cafe wheels in the sea at Whitehaven and the on the top of the hill. thought of things to come after the first climb over Whinlatter Pass, but we all Now the 6 mile downhill section from the had a great night in Keswick. cafe did lull us all into a false sense of security at “being done with the hills” We all know what happened on the for the day, but alas, not so lucky. second day with the weather but we all Nenthead. A sharp right hand turn to this just got on with it knowing we had a long silent “biggie” – and no landmark sign- day in the saddle. My recollection of that post telling you how high you are with day was waiting under a tree trying to this one (although this is the highest keep dry whilst somebody (Angus) went point on the route) just the dizzy head, back to the pub to retrieve his haversack aching legs and incessant swearing on and then setting off again through the the ascent lets you know it’s there. next village where the wind got up and the leaves from the trees were swirling Not long after Nenthead, I started to feel round and the rain decided to come the pace, and it felt like riding through Gordon... “Eerie map reading skills...” down even harder and I’m thinking only treacle as the others gleefully sailed From here, we knew we’d all make it to another 35 miles to go, great. The hills past and I thought I was paying for the the finish, and with 15 miles of downhill of course that day also stuck in the efforts on the hill climbs, but then the along the Waskerley Way and Hadrian’s memory and wanting the pub at shouts from Shaun – “Julia, you’ve got a Cycleway we breezed into Newcastle, Allenheads to appear ASAP. We were flat” spurred into action “Team Walker out the other side and onwards to the well looked after that night with the bike Puncture Repair Team” as Michael and official finish post at Tynemouth where storage and drying of wet clothes and Shaun came to my aid to get me back my pal “Geordie Jo” was waiting to cheer the food. going again. The last 10 miles to us in and be official photographer. Allenheads in fading light were a chore And the overnight stay in Whitley Bay The next day was a bit cruel with the for us all, and I had the words of the with crackin’ curry, drug-dealing hilly start but the weather was much B& B lady ringing in my ears “are you bouncer in the only bar that wasn’t a better and the long downhill before the sure you want to go that far in a day...”, lap dancing club, made for an next climb was a bonus. I remember but having rung ahead at Langwathby to interesting “cultural” experience to most people congratulating themselves tell her we’d be late for dinner, bless her, round off the trip! thinking that was the last hill but accord- she and her staff were all waiting for us ing to my map there was one more to go with a round of applause as we finally Would we all do it again? Well, I think and what a hill that was!! But at least rounded the bend and made it to her pub we all decided “probably not”. Not ‘cos when we reached the top it was downhill for many well earned pies and pints. we found it hard (which it was, in parts) from there on in, and the cuppa at the or didn’t enjoy it (which we did, a lot), top was very welcome. Day 3 – Allenheads to but because there are plenty of new Tynemouth / Whitley Bay challenges out there to be tackled, so if When we reached the finish and we all (52.46 miles) you’re interested in swapping your then could congratulate ourselves with a drink or two but then it was off to Sneaky little “incline” out of Allenheads hamstrings for your quadriceps, come Whitley Bay for last night’s stay. I must to the Northumberland county border to and join us for the next ride...... admit as we left Tynemouth Abbey to start with made us thankful for skipping Gordon’s Story: cycle to Whitley Bay, the cycling got the heavy fry- up, and then the section faster and faster of course led by Julia through to Rookhope was all nicely The first thing to say is well done to Julia (she was the only one who knew where downhill and bleakly interesting as you for organising the overnight stops and we were going!!). What a place that is ride through mining works. The final hill, the luggage bus which were very good but the good part was we had good the appropriately named Crawleyside and worked out well and to Ralph for accommodation and we all enjoyed the Bank at Stanhope came soon after, but organising the transport to the start and curry. The “night cap”drink was some- after cursing and crossing fingers not to from the finish which was on time and thing to behold as we were playing pool, run out of gears, we all made it to the top didn’t breakdown as previous transport it seemed like drug dealing was going on and onto Parkhead station cafe for a has done and well done to everyone for in the gents toilet with the dealer guard- well-earned brew. completing the ride. ing the door but I can guarantee that Only once managing to catch up with nobody from our group indulged. Julia “Queen of the Mountain” and find- ing out it was only because she was I can’t wait to see what’s planned for pedalling on a flat tyre. next year’s challenge but count me in boys and girls. The sticky floor in the late night bar on Angus’s Story: the Whitley Bay strip with the transves- tites and the drug dealer doing business For me the trip was thrown into doubt as outside the gents toilets. the back problems that started in February just got worse, developing into Highlights: the dreaded sciatica, but I decided to The goulash in the Dog and Gun in give it a go. I figured that I could bail out Keswick. halfway through the trip by catching a The landlady of the Allenheads Inn train home from Langwathby should the standing in the road clapping us as we need arise. arrived in the dregs of the daylight. The whole event was a logistical night- The railway track from the Parkhead mare to work out how to get 14 people Station café – downhill all the way to with bikes (only 13 did the trip as unfor- Tynemouth! tunately Steve O’Hara had to drop out at the last minute due to a nasty illness) to Setting off pedalling coast to coast with the start and back home from the finish a bunch of people I barely knew and plus luggage transportation between coming back with a bunch of people who Serena resorts to Palmistry as weather overnight B&B stop off points. All suit- felt like old friends. forecasting guide: “I can tell you that you are going to get very wet. Very soon”. ably planned and managed by Julia and Thanks very for having me along to Julia Ralph. I’ve never seen such a huge bike “see ya at the top” Day, Gordon “the watched it on the iPhone. were trailer as the one used to transport our map” Little, Angus “what sciatica?” losing so I switched it off. Lovely full bikes; it was made from a converted Teanby, Michael “keeping my powder English breakfast and off on the hardest caravan. dry” Walker, Barry “whippersnapper” day of the Anyway, each day was hard work but Matthews, Bob “so this is retirement” 3. Serena - Enjoyed the trails sections rewarding and the beer each night went Foulkes, Ralph “too cool for a helmet” skidding, downhill, no fear! And also the down a treat. The pictures posted on the George, Lyndsey “who needs a granny long downhill sections particularly from web accessible via a link from the ring” Clegg, Phil “not me” McGeever, Hartside when we went downhill for HH website say it all I guess. Serena “dark horse” Blackburn, Shaun 5 miles. “I love gravity” Riordan and Ed “monster I didn’t need to catch the train from 4. Phil - Arrival at Allenheads couldn't wheels” Banham. Langwathby as it happened but how come soon enough as we were exhaust- I suffered the weeks afterwards. But was Serena and Phil’s jottings: ed and Serena had muscle cramps in the it worth it?.... You bet. 1. Serena - I didn't want to go because it stomach at this point and could hardly Trudy’s Story: felt too far and I didn't feel confident but eat her tea but managed a sandwich at Phil persuaded me. So I got my bike 4.00 in the morning, feeling better. Phil It’s a bit of a distant memory already but serviced, Phil didn't bother ( ha ha) made a nice cup of tea for us. here are my best and worst bits: 2. Phil - We got on the mini bus and the 5 Serena - Phil’s bike only had 9 of his 27 Lowlights: only seat left was the backseat which gears working, so had to push hard up Putting my sodden wet socks and shoes was fine but the draft through backseat the hills, chasing Julia up most of the back on in the pub in Langwathby and made Serena ask the driver to close his them. wishing I hadn’t taken them off in the window. 6. Phil - Day 3 was amazing, it was all first place. 3. Phil - At the first B&B in Keswick we downhill, all the way to the sea. Seeing the road zigzag up Hartshead got showered and then out to the pub as Overall it was a great achievement for all and knowing all those little coloured quickly as possible to get tucked into a and we had a great time and good laugh. blobs were so much closer to the top hot meal. Leeds Untied (Freudian slip? Everyone bonded well and Team Turnip than me. Ed) were playing Man Utd so we lives on.... 8. Having conquered all the hills, the last 25+ miles downhill and flat to the finish line on Day 3.

9. As I shared a room with Ralph for 3 nights, the sound of Ralph’s snoring seemingly to the tune of the Queen song, “I like to ride my bicycle, ring, ring”.

10. The sight of the finishing post in Tynemouth.

11. My naïve conclusion that the man manning the door to the gents toilet at the pub in Whitley Bay was the toilet as we set off on the second day in knowl- Bob’s Story: attendant, when he was in fact pedalling edge we had some major hills ahead. Lasting memories from the C2C Bike drugs. 5. Walking into the pub in Allenheads at Ride September 2011 Not much reference to the cycling but the end of a very tough Day 2 of cycling 1. Dipping the bike wheels in the sea at I think this is a given. It is other things to sit by a log fire and drink a pint of each end of the bike ride, did we really that really make in an event, the beer, the simple things of life. do it! friendship, camaraderie, socialising and 6. The sight of Julia’s lycra clad backside overall good time being with like minded 2. From the start of day until indeed the (I seem to be missing the pics of this.... people. Ay up, what are we planning for very last hill, Gordon’s repeated advice Ed) as I struggled to stay close as she next year? that the next hill will be the last one. led the pack most of the way. (All pictures in this article downloaded 3. The sight of the landlady (looking from Phil McGeever’s pictures on our own 7. Trudy’s attempt to manipulate an more like Christopher Biggins in drag) website: www.horsforthharriers.co.uk) After Eight mint from her forehead into and landlord (looking more like Benny her mouth using only her head, and the from Crossroads) on arrival at the B & B spontaneous applause in the Indian end of Day 1. restaurant when she succeeded, some 4. The feeling of dread and trepidation party trick! Tina’s bit.. parkrun roundup New Year and a new start for many of us. The 214th Leeds parkrun saw a bumper Some, like myself coming back from turnout of Harriers with three PB’s for injury, some new starters, just learning Bev Smith, Liz Carpenter and Helen the ropes and some starting to look at Lally. At Roundhay parkrun 31, Marc tackling a Marathon or a new distance in Springer finished 4th overall, closely 2012. It’s good to have a new challenge followed by Dan Binks in 7th overall in or have a different goal to work towards. his first Roundhay parkrun, Julia Day was 4th lady and Jeff Parkinson set a Many of you are enjoying (maybe not the new PB figures of 25:08, but unbeliev- right word) the benefits of Marie’s ably there were no more PB figures set Thursday sessions. I can’t stress enough through to the end of the year and how beneficial these will be for you if beyond. you can make just some of the sessions. You will really reap the rewards later in This was despite the best efforts of the year with this solid base of New Year Leeds parkrun who staged extra runs training. over the Christmas and New Year peri- ods. Six Harriers turned out at We are well and truly into the Cross Woodhouse Moor on Christmas Eve and Country season now and attendance at two, Jeff Parkinson and Emma Drake, the PECO from all of you is much appre- making her first Roundhay appearance, ciated. Again the off road roading will ran the Christmas Eve Roundhay event. make you stronger eventually. Jeff Parkinson took pride of place as the We are hoping to publish our planned only Horsforth Harrier to run in the Leeds Tina Dickinson welcomes 2012 at Leeds training sessions shortly so that Christmas Day parkrun, and Jeff and six parkrun - socks a Christmas present? others were out on New Years Eve at Pic from Ken Fox of Hyde Park Harriers via members will have an idea, before they parkrun website. turn up on a Tuesday which session they Hyde Park, but sensibly not one might be interested in. We are hoping to Horsforth Harrier managed to make it to give you plenty of choices so hopefully a the Leeds New Years Day parkrun session will fit in with your personal (although 81 runners actually did, going aims. If you have any specific session well beyond the call of duty!). that you are wanting to fit in on a Tuesday have a word with one of the At Leeds parkrun 222 twelve Harriers Group Leaders and we’ll see if we can toed the line but couldn’t raise a PB accommodate. between them, although some had been within seconds over the previous weeks As always Good Luck with your running and Steve Wood continued his metro- and training. nomic times on Woodhouse Moor. Tina Parkrun 222 also saw Phil Ramsden appear for the first time in quite a while, PS. If you want Tina to enter you in the coached by Julia Day, who Phil referred Northumberland Coastal Run on July to at the conclusion of the run as ‘an evil 22nd - so far eight Horsforth Harriers harridan’! Julia claimed her revenge at and two Pudsey Pacers going - she parkrun 223 - where Maria Russell was a needs a) your money: £19.00), b) name, first timer - by saying that Phil’s inability c) address, d) UKA Reg No., e) date of to lower the previous week’s time was birth and f) whether you want a bus tick- ‘failure to respond to the whip’! et to the start. If you want Tina to try get you in, you need to e-mail her on Finally, thank goodness for Jeff [email protected] before January Parkinson and Jill Hobson who both set 20th. (Entries open - and close! - January Steve Wood in seasonal garb at pre- new PB figures at Roundhay parkrun 37. Christmas Leeds parkrun. Pic from parkrun Hurrah! 21st). Accommodation you sort yourself! website. a ‘mud bath with not much dashing’.

Race Results Helen Lally managed to get herself into ..a Fat Bloke writes the very popular and always full Great Before kick-off proper, an e-mail has Langdale Xmas Pudding run in the poured into me from Mark Dorrington, Lakes, running the second race of two in who wishes me to report that his 49:38 1:16:32. in the Abbey Dash was a PB, which While not a race as such, the joint I’m happy to do. Horsforth Harriers/Kirkstall Harriers Other than that though, it’s been a fairly ‘massed Santas’ run to see the Leeds quiet period - that, or not leaving it so Christmas lights (and festive ‘Occupy long between newsletters has reduced Leeds’ camp!) took place on the available number of results! The tail 13th December and resulted in my end of November saw the start of the receiving a message from Andrew PECO Cross Country Series and we Charles. Here seems a good place to for acquitted ourselves fairly well at the first me to pass on his thanks to those at the fixture at Ackworth (which has never Lights Run who were enquiring after his been the same in my opinion since they health after his nasty asthma attack left altered the course and did away with the him hospitalised, albeit briefly, thank- fully. I pass on his sign off to all Harriers: Here’s a welcome treat! Ken Kaiser makes plunge into the stream followed by - a rare-ish outing for us at the first PECO XC “Be Supreme!” assuming you could climb out - an at Ackworth. Many thanks to Ilkley excruciating uphill run to the finish - The second PECO Cross Country fixture Harriers for the pic. proper cross country for masochists!), is always held just before Christmas, Leagues we were lying second, the and of course racing fiend Michael presumably to test the mettle of those ladies to Abbey and the men, more Anderson found a race to do, recording who still have Christmas shopping to unpredictably, behind St. Theresa’s. 40:43 at the Ilkley Harriers organised organise and to see who is organised Boxing Day and the usual bumper entry Sue Ryder Manorlands 5 Mile Road enough to have already completed it, into the Chevin Chase, which was won by Race. leaving a convenient cross country sized the proverbial street by Olympic hopeful hole to fill. Once again we had a decent Julia Day returned to her Potteries home- . First home for Horsforth set of results leaving both men and ground to take part in the multi terrain was Rob Furness 47:37, followed by women in 3rd place in their respective Newcastle Dales Dash 10K, which she Steve Raby 49:44, Marc Springer 50:33, Premier Leagues, both behind Abbey bullied (her words) a friend round in just Neal Edmondson 51:21, Ian Gulliford and Valley Striders, while in the Vets about an hour, describing the course as 53:08, Craig Bradley 57:23, Sarah Glover 58:13, Steve Wood 1:00:11, Nick Hewland 1:00:46, Angie Pattinson 1:01:36, Lucy Hurndall 1:01:43, Julie Raven 1:04:01, Justin Balfour 1:09:39, Suzanne Riordan 1:10:41, Karen Large 1:14:13, Cath Gray 1:16:05, Shirley Walker 1:17:57, Dawn Gray and Jean Davey, both 1:19:32, Nicola Wilde 1:19:33 and Kat Shepherdson 1:26:06. It should be said that times were effected by the strong winds that were blowing and by the respective weights of the fancy dress outfits Harriers chose to wear! Pride of place I think goes to Dawn Gray’s incredibly shiny ‘Robin’ (as in “Batman and...’) outfit!

A previously ailing Michael Anderson Cheery looking bunch of Harriers pictured at the first PECO XC of the season at Ackworth. hauled himself off his sickbed to run the Pic from Liz Carpenter (that’s Dr Carpenter to you) pictured thumbs aloft, front row! good that I couldn’t recognise her!

And that’s it! Nowt to report so far for 2012, parkruns excepted (and covered elsewhere). Unless, of course, I have not been looking in the right place and/or you know different! Do let me know if you’ve been overlooked, have been racing further afield (not you specifically Gordon!) or mistimed or otherwise left out! Corrections and inclusions in next issue!

Supreme Santas overun the Occupy Leeds camp to pose in front of the City Square Christmas tree. Thanks to Jill Stocks - Stoxy! - from Kirkstall Harriers for the photo.

Jolly Holly Jog at Ripon which he dragged The local Fell Racing community see out himself round in 55:17, thereby depriv- the year at the Woodentops organised ing himself of the pleasure of pie, mushy Auld Lang Syne race. This race has peas, cake and Marc’s cabaret at the become so popular - it’s full every year - Harriers Christmas run on the same that in a shocking break with fell racing morning. tradition, pre entry is required with no entry on the day. It is also another race that attracts a large number of runners in fancy dress, although Rob Furness’s concession to this seems merely to have been to leave his familiar red baseball cap at home as he finished in 52:32, while despite a thorough scouring of all the available race photos I cannot tell you how Theresa Duckett 66:40, was attired, unless her fancy dress was so

Another rare but welcome shot to finish with as Richard Pattinson swaps gold and maroon for blue and white at the first PECO XC fixture at Ackworth. Picture from Ilkley Harriers, for which thanks very much.

Mid winter so naturally, no red cap! Rob Furness on the Auld Lang Syne fell race. Pic from www.wooodentops.org via Ilkley Harriers, for which, ta very much!

welcome runners old and new at Horsforth Hall Park (Cricket Pavilion), Ring Road, Leeds 18 every Tuesday at 7.00 pm For further details please telephone: Marc Springer on 07968 712055, Tina Dickinson on 07958 231180 or for the Beginners group, Hilary Wharam on 0113 250 5673 See our website at: www.horsforthharriers.co.uk