If Shining Tor is for ‘summer series points tarts’ (Ellis J, 2013), then Bowdon definitely isn’t!
I travelled the short trip to Bowdon with fellow Group 3 members Alan Turner and Louisa Harrison. However, there is a rumour that Louisa has been promoted to Group 2 ? Well, if not, there is now. Louisa, riding the crest of a 5k pb/sub-20 wave, is perhaps out of all our reach, though that doesn’t stop us trying to convince her otherwise, psychological warfare is our only hope.
Group 3 – 60 points – Ellis, Russell, Bygrave (I’m definitely not running), Turner, Grannan, Harrison (promotion withstanding), Dodd are all in attendance, anyone of these on a good night could win the Group 3 – 60 points, this is not going to be one for the faint-hearted.
Recently, I have run 5ks well, well for me that is, though to win 60 points tonight I am going to need Janine to be tired from her Hollins Green pb, Louisa to either get a stitch or get promoted, Alan to be happy at finishing 8 secs behind me as usual, Di ‘I’m definitely not running’ Bygrave to be as ill as she always says she is, and Steve Russell just to be out for a jog (ed. … after running Boars Head the night before!). Yep, that’s my plan, it relies heavily on others either under-achieving or being ill. It’s shallow, but it’s a plan, just, kinda.
The weather is glorious, over 20 degrees as we arrived and a clear blue sky. Though warm the majority of the race around the leafy tree clad streets of Bowden was fortunately going to be in the shade, so could you still use the heat as an excuse if necessary. Of course you can.
7.10 pm – I lace up my ‘miracle’ Adidas Boost Trainers (Guaranteed to make you run faster, not my words but the words of the Adidas marketing department), let’s do this – BOOM.
Two laps of a mainly flat course, mostly roads with a small section of trail and grass. 7.15pm – off we go. The first km sees us set off up a wide traffic free road, its flat and fast, it goes well. I have Janine, who has gone off very well indeed, about 5 yards in front, about the same for Louisa and Alan. The second km, however, doesn’t go so well. Though I have gone past Alan, Janine and Louisa are now over 30 yards in front, and a rough guesstimate puts them at least 15 seconds ahead – this doesn’t bode well.
As we complete the first loop and approach what will be the finish after the next loop I have given up on catching Louisa ‘probable Group 2 promotee’ Harrison as she is now out of sight, and with Janine increasing her lead I did actually think at that point, ‘ankle hurts, hot, out of breath, I could just call this a night’. With my spirit and resolve somewhat broken, then, from nowhere, like a shining beacon of hope, Tony passes me just as we begin the second loop, I thought he was miles ahead! Ok, so this isn’t that bad a night after all, a ‘Hulme Scalp’ (I know he’s injured, but as I say, I’m shallow) could make this a good night after all.
Energised I keep about 5 yards behind Tony for the next 2k. With 1 km left, Geoff Gilbert around 15 yards behind is still a concern, but Alan, now further back, is less so.
As we enter the final pathway Tony has got about 20 yards on me and looks strong, I’m beat, though I know Bosley on Saturday might be my chance to reverse this result. A quick look over my shoulder confirms I’m going to be safe from a late sprint from Geoff Gilbert and I cross the line in 20.56 – not bad for me. Not what I hoped for but it could have been worse – The Adidas Boost – I want my money back!
A few gulps of air and I turn round to see, John Porteous, Chris Cannon, Sharon Jones and Simon Fenton already queuing in the finishing funnel. I’m unsure of their times though it looks like they must have had good runs and had quite a battle.
The Group 3 stars of the night – Janine Ellis, another 5k pb – Louisa Harrison, another 5k pb – Sharon Jones only 3 secs of her pb after injury.
Great to see Huma out of plaster, Rod looking so well, and Paul back on his bike.
Bosley next, middle of a Saturday afternoon, on what is forecast to be a lovely day, I wouldn’t bother if I were you, have a rest. (Di B is definitely not doing it).
See you there.
Andy Dodd – 58 points – BOOM – kinda.
A very definite BOOM Doddster, well done! On both your 58 points and your very entertaining account! You’re wasted in car sales……..!! Some great results there and a few very close finished by the looks of things. Good effort all round!
Close finishes I meant to type!