Birchwood 10k

Sunday 19^th. August

After good points at Teggs, Warford and Goyt, Gail had warned me at the Sizzler on Thursday that there were 46 Wilmslow entries for Birchwood (she also forbad me putting the Sizzler times on the website, which may tell you something about hers). The 46 didn’t materialise, we were low on stars but had enough to put out a more than respectable men’s team for the Cheshire Grand Prix and, despite Kate’s concern that all the leading ladies were away, the ‘B’ team still ran-off with the prize. As well as lack of stars, we only had one person from division 2, points were much harder to find in the less glamorous ranks  of divisions 3 and 4.

It was hot and very humid. The forecast rain, which would have been pleasant during the race, held-off until we were in the car park.  The humid conditions were reflected in generally slow times, most people preferring to judge the success or failure of the day in terms of where they were in the Wilmslow pecking-order rather than by the clock. However, I know Nina, Carolyn and Matt achieved PBs and there may have been others.

Malcolm was ,37^th. Graham MacNeil 49^th., Andrew 56^th.and  Graham Screawn 102nd.

Janine, happier back on the roads, led the winning ladies team home supported by Louisa, Kate, Christine and Nicky. Clare defied another injury-troubled season with a good return to racing.

Paul Garnett took his first division 2 60-points, perhaps a bit pyrrhic but as they say you can only beat those who turn-up on the day.

13 competed for the division 3 60-points, which were again won by Gareth who may be making a late bid for glory. Janine was second and Louisa’s third strengthened her position at the top of the table. Steve and Matt, both of whom are better on the hills, sandwiched Kate.

Chris reminded me before we started that I had passed him last year at halfway and held him off in the second half, he was looking for a similar performance out of me this year. I tracked him round but was never a threat. I did take pleasure in keeping ahead of Simon who has consistently beaten me of late, I ran better but he, having an off-day, was the real factor. Similarly, I was ahead of Sharon but I’m not sure she’s pursuing the right solution running, badly, on an undiagnosed damaged knee. Nina had frightened me at Goyt’s Moss but I was amazed to find her on my shoulder in a flat 10k, she’s running better than she’s ever done (she text to point out she beat me on chip times).

Nina took the division 4 60 points and Carolyn 59 leaving the top four in the table; Sharon, Simon (who was third), Julie and Huma all failing to add to their points total. Scoring points in division 4 was tough, the top three were followed by Sue, Don, Janet, Rod, Judith, Elspeth, Roy, Gail, Trevor, Leanne and  Martin.

Ian