Bollington Nostalgia
Sunday July 11
This, for those who are not hardened fell runners, is probably the toughest of the season. Conversely, it brought-out the strongest Wilmslow field in this year's competition, as if our premier runners had now found a race that represented a real challenge. I would struggle to describe it as enjoyable but it has the constituents that make an excellently balanced race; two tough hills in the first two miles, a long off-road descent, two flat miles along the road and canal tow-path, a gentler climb through the woods, a mile of comfortable downhill on the road and a steep finish on Paris-Roubaix cobbles. A fitting highlight for a day which had the World Cup Final, the British Grand Prix and first big mountain stage of the Tour de France as supporting events.
The long drought continues, eleven races and not a drop of rain, the temperature was kinder at 20o and there was a pleasant breeze. The turn-out from Group 1 & 2, meant that this was not going to be a big day for points but the talk beforehand was not of points, it was more apprehension, the rehearsal of excuses and the hope of survival without too much pain. A number of Group 5 & 6 regulars found unavoidable reasons to be absent and for Carolyn to take this on was a brave move; her finish, arms aloft, brought one of the biggest applause of the day.
A little ahead of Carolyn, Malcolm was 3rd., Jim 4th. , Stuart 5th., Tom 8th. Graham 10th., Rob 21st, Steve Dempsey 22nd. and Mike 26th.
The strong presence of Group 1 & 2 meant that, of the top 20 in the main table, only Don improved his points total, the rest going home empty-handed. None of this disturbs Damian's place as league leader, Tony and Richard remain 2nd. and 3rd., then Don, Clare, Kate, Sarah, Christine, Ian and Owen. Graham moves up to 18th.
Clare missed her first race, so no-one now has a 100% record although six have run 10 of the 11 races. Also no new names to add to the 17 already qualified to go on the 2010 T-shirt and mug.
Louise was 1st. lady in the race, and is becoming untouchable in the Series league table; her sixth race, her sixth win. Sally's not raced much this season but it did not stop her being 1st.F40 in a big field. Nicky on this occasion had to settle for second L50. Janine looked much happier on the Bollington hills than at Langley and just caught Kate who has swapped nursing sciatica for an Achilles strain, in what has now become a highly frustrating nine months. Angela, this year, has put more into London than the Series but nevertheless came-in with an almost identical time to 2009.
The top of the Ladies table is unchanged; Clare, Kate, Sarah, Christine, Penny, Julie and Monique. However the favourites are both on six races; Louise with her six wins and Katy with four wins and two seconds.
Andy beat Tony to 1st.M60 and also inflicted on Steve Smith his first Group 3/4 defeat of the season. Tony was 3rd., Don 4th. with Paul, Louise, Richard, Gavin, Sally and Pete the first 10 in a high 3/4 turn-out.
No M60 prize, no points in the main table and no points in the Group 3/4 table, Tony must sometimes wonder why he goes to all the trouble. He was not alone, only Don and Ian in the 3/4 top 10 added to their points score. Tony has 4 wins, Steve 3, James Eyre 2, Peter, and now Andy, one each. Louise moved into the top ten.
Chris's eye operation prevented him running but not watching and Rod's minor stoke kept him away from the hills of Bollington but not the gentle flatlands of the club Sunday run (at which Sally Maddock made a guest appearance). With Penny, John and Owen also away, I can see you thinking that this must have been the golden opportunity for Roy who is fifth in the Group 5/6 table. But I ask you, over this sort of terrain after a Saturday night on the pop?
No, the victory went to James, in only his third race. Is he a potential challenger to favourites John and Penny? Steffanie, 2nd., achieved her best-ever position edging Andy out by only a second . Huma's working hard in races, determined to get the T-shirt, but life's getting in the way of training. Sharon, as usual, set-off with intent but got caught as the race progressed. Simon deprecates that, with his damaged knees, he can only mince down the hills but after his 1st.M65 at The Wizard he produced another performance which doesn't justify self-criticism. Soraya's putting-in consistent performances as she builds towards her New York marathon. Julie was able to improve her overall total, eliminating one of her hated 5ks. Trevor was happy out on the hills followed by Carolyn with Sarah the laterne rouge.
The 5/6 table is little changed; Owen, Penny, Chris, Rod, Roy, Julie, Monique and Martin in the lead positions. John and Penny both have four wins, James, Chris and Owen each have one. Sharon and Simon move into the top ten.
A big change on Thursday, the Sale Sizzler, a flat, fast 5k and scenic Wythenshawe rather than the rolling hills.
Ian