The 1st Handicap run of the New Year seemed to be a very damp squib as I stood by myself under the lampost at the start. Then Vanessa came jogging along doing a warm up and suddenly there was a great crowd of runners. I nearly wore my pencil to a stub writing down names. Actually 19 people signed up for the Handicap asylum including 4 new inmates - Sarah (Walker - the fitter, leaner, meaner runner), Jake Harvey (Richard's son and experienced Junior), Mark Andow a new member of a few weeks, and Dan Brett, another new member. Richard and Bruce acted as recorder,clothes horse and cheerleaders - but not in short skirts you will be pleased to hear.
I accidentally sent off George, Roger and Judy one minute early so it was not surprising to see them finish in the first three places. The true winner was Nick B-C who has been training hard for the Grizzly and seems to be getting even fitter but George ran a good PB on his second outing round the course overtaking Roger in the last few strides. It is good to see Vanessa back to her old form and she had a good run especially as she also ran in the morning. Clare set off 2 seconds behind partner Jay and he held her off for almost two laps before Clare's stamina took her away in the last mile, giving her a PB in the process. Graham put in a great performance with another PB under his belt and very likely more to come this year. Rod was doing his second handicap run and shaved 18 seconds off his PB. He joined the club before Christmas and has already done his first race in club colours. Another one to watch this year. Of the other runners and riders Olivia for once did not get a PB, Nick and Sandra had a good tussle with Sandra getting the best of the contest - does this reflect domestic life? Sam, yet another new member, is perhaps still not up to speed after Christmas and finally stalwarts Steve and Tracey put in their usual fine effort but made no headway on the rest of the bunch. An excellent start to this year's event.
I accidentally sent off George, Roger and Judy one minute early so it was not surprising to see them finish in the first three places. The true winner was Nick B-C who has been training hard for the Grizzly and seems to be getting even fitter but George ran a good PB on his second outing round the course overtaking Roger in the last few strides. It is good to see Vanessa back to her old form and she had a good run especially as she also ran in the morning. Clare set off 2 seconds behind partner Jay and he held her off for almost two laps before Clare's stamina took her away in the last mile, giving her a PB in the process. Graham put in a great performance with another PB under his belt and very likely more to come this year. Rod was doing his second handicap run and shaved 18 seconds off his PB. He joined the club before Christmas and has already done his first race in club colours. Another one to watch this year. Of the other runners and riders Olivia for once did not get a PB, Nick and Sandra had a good tussle with Sandra getting the best of the contest - does this reflect domestic life? Sam, yet another new member, is perhaps still not up to speed after Christmas and finally stalwarts Steve and Tracey put in their usual fine effort but made no headway on the rest of the bunch. An excellent start to this year's event.