Summer Series Race 10 – Sale Sizzler 5k

 

 

I was irritated at the end of the race by the 16 second gap between my time and my official time. When I lived in London my motivational regime was based entirely upon statistics, beating my own times. Joining Wilmslow gave a much better motivator, trying to beat other people but it also enabled me to improve my battery of statistics by using other peoples’, as well as my own, times to judge my and their performances. Also, personally, whilst over the hills my principle aim is to beat the girls, on a 5k, particularly today with no Nicky and Catriona, my target was, like Bradley Wiggins, contre la montre. Both Bradley and I fell short.

 

We run races organised by charities, like the posh ladies at the Sandstone Trail, for whom you have to make allowances (although failing to spot Sally was a girl was pushing it a bit) but I was surprised that Sale, who run a lot of these races, would have us queuing for 16 seconds to reach the timekeeper. Also because, presumably, the queuing time was greater in the middle than at the beginning or end, there was no consistency, which completely invalidates my stats. Whilst the finish was a reminder of how important it is to maintain our standards at the Wilmslow Half, when there are 4,000 not 400 runners, I was very impressed with their ability to produce printed sheets with the full results within fifteen minutes of the end of the race.

 

I thought the race itself was good, I’ve not run here before except for cross-country. I grew-up in the area and it was good to revisit places that I played as a child and, as a teenager, did some early running to escape the attention of the teddy boys. The course is flat but not the most scenic. There seem to be varying views as to whether it is faster or slower than Bowdon.

 

Damian was third, but we were stepping up a quality and he was our only prize-winner if you exclude an uncanny knack of running-off with nearly all the spot prizes; 100(Steve), 150(Chris), 200(Roy) and 300(Nina). In addition Trevor got the special prize that the organisers generously gave in recognition of the high number of Wilmslow entrants.

 

Damian, Rob (9^th. and second M40) and Jim (11^th.) took the Summer Series podium points with Stuart and Trevor, respectively fourth and fifth M40, also in the top twenty. Ray was third M50. In the overall Series classifications, I have Mick moving above Don into second place and pushing Steve out of the top three. Tony will still be in yellow, but that’s just me looking at the top of the table, Don will rework everyone’s standing and update the website.

 

Sue was first Wilmslow lady, and second L35 in the race, her second Summer Series 50 points in four races. Katy got 49 points for the third successive race and Sarah got her third 48 point finish. Kate, by getting her races in early will have sustained her first place overall despite her ankle injury.  Penny will move above Angela into second. All, together with Damian and Don, contenders for July Runner of the Month?  

 

Mick , 3^rd M60 (that underlines the quality of the field), registered his third Group 3/4   win, Sue was second and Tony (4^th. M60) third. The age old Mick/Tony battle is in full flow, both now have their 7 races; Tony 398 points, Mick 396 points – expect no quarter to be asked or given. Don drops down to third.

 

Good to see Nick running more comfortably than at Lymm, he was supposed to be running with Nina but hopefully has not slowed his recovery. However Clare, who was handing-out Jim’s birthday cakes, was pessimistic about her long-term injury and actually fears, despite not running, that she’s gone backwards during the last week. More positively Paulo is reported to making progress though not at this stage, thinking about returning to running. Giving birth does not medically qualify as a running injury but it is good to see the progress that Sally has made since Bowdon.

 

In 5/6, Ian having been disqualified, Christine chalked up her second 5k victory. Carla had much her best result to date and took second with Roy, disproving the myth that you can’t teach old dogs new tricks, taking third. Overall Penny now leads, Angela is second and John is third.

 

Age/sex times will not mean a great deal with the true times being unreliable but points will count in the normal way for the table, which I will update after Moonraker and email round.

 

Unusually last month, we struggled on the newsletter for reports or comments on races. Already this month Sarah, Ian and Rob have written, but we’d appreciate more, particularly from newer members. To charlottegodfrey1@hotmail.com and ian@ianashcroft.com please.

 

43 runners here, even though we are into the school holidays, and 45 at Bowdon suggests that midweek, evening, 5ks close to home are the most popular races. Brave attempt, Martin, but I think you’ve missed Charlotte’s record low score.

 

Mick Fairs, Geoff Gilbert, John Porteus and Roy Pownall make it 13 names on the 2009 T-shirt and mug as the competition moves into its second half. Nine races to go.

 

Chris reports that Andy successfully completed the Mont Ventoux stage of the Tour de France. If you’re not sure how impressed to be watch the best riders in the world struggle up it, possibly a touch faster than Andy, on ITV4 on Saturday afternoon.

 

History suggests a goodish turn-out at Moonraker but a bias towards 3/4/5/6 rather than 1/2, so points are normally easier to come by. I like the course, the undulations make for good racing with those of us who gain places descending losing them as the course climbs again. It is not scenic and generally does not rank among the club favourites. Then Pie & Peas, which is Grand Prix and it is therefore important, particularly for the ladies, that we are there in strength; my understanding, however, is that the race is full.

 

Ian