Trafford 10k

Summer Series, Race 4

Sunday March 8^th.

 I had anticipated a bigger Wilmslow entry for a flat, fast 10k near to home but perhaps it’s too early in the year for a good time, you need more miles and a bit of sun in your legs. It is also not good preparation for those training for next month’s London and Manchester marathons. So something of an unexpected bonus for the Series tarts.

 No mud, no ice, no snow, nor freezing temperatures. The rain, which had been heavy fifteen minutes before the start, was barely noticeable during the race.  Simon, who has run Trafford many times, also warns that the wind can be disruptive but that too was kept in check. So, certainly in my area of the race, a lot of smiling faces at the end admiring the time on their watches.

A reflection of the quality of the field, Peter, first Wilmslow runner home, finished 82^nd. It puts into perspective the performance of those of our runners who won category awards.

Paul was 115^th, Rob 143^rd but 2^nd. M50. Jon was 128^th., Andrew 172^nd., Jeremy 178^th., Jim 186^th., Barry 192^nd. Tom was 1^st. M60., Phil 285^th.

 Diane was 3^rd. F35, Sharon 2^nd. F40, Janine 1^St.F45, Nicky 2^nd. F55 and Huma 3^rd. F45.

 Mick was 1^st. M65 and took the League 2 60 points. He was followed by Matt, Janine, Paul Garnett and Paul Norris.

 Tony, for an old man, has come back remarkably quickly, from his devastating injury last year, he was first in League 3. Chris beat Nicky with a finishing burst of speed (sneaked-up on her, she said) for a pb. Then came Geoff, Huma, Alan and John.

 I was listening to Dusty yesterday, “he smiled, looked at me, and asked if I’d like to dance, I looked into his open arms and I didn’t stand a chance”. PB for Gail, Clare re-finding her Autumn form, PB for Sharon, I didn’t stand a chance. At least Kate, who runs for fun nowadays, had the decency to stay in sight.

Inspired by the realisation that Simon in front of her was there for the taking, Nina found the speed, for a 60 point haul. Her first? It’s wonderful what a bit of restraint on the wine and chocolates can achieve. Simon is in the envious position of being scathing about his time but still picking-up the M70 prize. Last year Jan was glowing on the back of a PB, it didn’t work-out quite that way today but she was far from miserable. Trevor, 3^rd.M70, had a good run and Don had to dig deep to fight him off. Belinda finished and was content with a day’s work well done. Martin has precious few races under his belt in the last year, so this, for him too, was a good day.

 Ian