Summer Series, Race 17
Sunday September 1st.
Shelf Moor had generally got a bad press as part of the 2012 Series. The cancellation of Coombes Tor and a lack of suitable alternatives made it a late substitute for this year. It attracted five classes of Wilmslow runners; fell runners, those desperate for 7-race qualification and the 2013 mug, those desperate for the 10 races needed for the 2013 T-shirt, those desperate for the 4 off-road races needed for the T-shirt and Summer Series 'tarts'. As we waited for the start, the fifth category seemed to be in the ascendancy with a lot of counting of numbers, calculating of points and broad grins. Many of us knew, without running the first step, that our points objective for the day had already been achieved, it merely required a safe passage (and avoiding getting disqualified).
It was cooler of late, 15o with a fair breeze, pleasant running conditions. The organisers promised us, in the introduction, that the horrors of last year's conditions would not be repeated. The view was an enjoyable morning, an enjoyable race and that after my having declared here last year that I would never run it again. A major difference was that whilst last year every few paces you sank to your ankles, this year the peat was dry and springy instead of soggy. It remains a challenge, the paths are rough, every step the uneven ground pushes you one way or the other and constantly correcting your balance takes it out on your legs, I was always aware that a momentary lapse of concentration could be disastrous.
Damian was first home but disqualified for not carrying the appropriate (total body-cover windproof) kit. Andrew took the 100 points for 16th., Tom was one place and 3 seconds behind and 1st. M50. Mike was 20th.
Allan, again demonstrated his strength over this sort of course, only 8 seconds behind Mike, he takes the Division 2 60-points. Despite it not really being his territory Jeremy took home 59 points. Another closely fought battle saw Ian edging Jarrod by 3 seconds with Matt only 10 seconds in arrears.
Louisa led Chris home in Group 3. 59 points is amazingly over this course, he's hardly a hill-whippet. Diane had a major fall, heard something snap but, discovering she was still alive, then gingerly rejoined and made her way to the finish where she was optimist nothing serious had gone. This is a Doddy type of race, didn't talk to him afterwards but I would have forecast him higher up the field. John ran steadily holding-off, then easing away, from Patrick. Ian, unusually, beat Sharon, who is not fully fit and Gail, brown but stuffed with two weeks all-inclusive food from Fuerteventura.
Gail, again took the Group 4 60-points. Don, on home territory was second. Sarah who is also happier in the hills than on the road was third. Seeing Cat was a bit of asurprise, she is desperate for races and managed to get home ahead of Nina, who was more than happy to bank the points.
Louisa picked-up the first lady 60 points followed by Diane and Sharon.
Ian
Six classes of Wilmslow runners Ian , those that try and run all the summer series……….regardless.
The points are a bonus .
Oucheee my thighs are killing me but fear they are gonna be way way worse tomorrow !! Tough race, enjoyed but reckon that was because the weather was kind to us, would defo not like to do in wet cloudy weather like last years!