Time for a Catch Up!

Last month we hope you enjoyed reading the article by one of our members about her

experience of going from ‘couch to Marathon’. Well done again to Liz Chambers for putting

pen to paper and of course, for running a Marathon. We hope to bring you some more

stories from members, as and when… but for now, it’s a bit like my running, catch up time!

Concentrating on the Club Championship (CC) initially, let’s get up to date.

The traditional post-Christmas, pre New Year ‘Jolly Holly Jog’ (CC6) 10k took place as usual

on the outskirts of Ripon and through Studley Park. A new route was introduced a few years

ago and although missing it this year, I’ve run the multi-terrain route and thoroughly enjoyed

the combination of road, track, field, woods, mud and gravel.

ERC’s respective top three this time were as follows: Women - 1. Sam Davies, 42.29 (44th),

2. Isla McClanachan, 50.25 (164th), 3. Jennifer Duncan, 50.29 (165th).

Men - 1. Andy Throup, 41.44 (30th), 2. Mark Whiteman, 41.42 (33rd), 3. Fergus

McClanachan, 46.54 (101st).

Well done to all of the 37 ERC runners who helped to make up a field of nearly 800.

CC7 on 12th January saw our runners head over to Temple Newsam for the 10 miler known

as the ‘TNT’. Again sadly, I was away for this one but ERC’s Secretary Sarah competed and

wrote the following: “The TNT had a very wet and cold start and it didn’t get any easier as

the course was very muddy and wet. Knee-deep puddles and mud up to your ankles made

for a tough but enjoyable trail run. The best bit? The sun shone as we crossed the finish

line”! Out of 837 competitors, nine represented our club with these results:

Women - 1. Jennifer Duncan, 01.24.00 (187th), 2. Liz Chambers, 01.31.50 (313th), 3.

Megan Remmer, 01.34.01 (341st).

Men - 1. Richard Knott, 01.23.33 (187th) 2. Stephen Daniel, 01.45.05 (547th) 3. (only 2

men).

The next round (CC8) was supposed to be the cross-country, held up on the old racecourse

above Richmond. This race is also part of the North Yorkshire and South Durham ‘crosscountry’ League (NYSDL) in which ERC takes part. Unfortunately it had to be cancelled. An announcement was made by the organisers: “Due to the threat of storm Dennis with high

winds and torrential winds forecast for Saturday and Sunday, we have made the decision to

cancel the NYSD XC meeting at Richmond… safety of marshalls, officials, spectators and

athletes in mind… old Racecourse is at the top of a hill and is very exposed… the meeting

will be rearranged…. Next meeting will be at Croft Auto Circuit near Darlington on 1st

March”.

So, for us, the next CC round will be the slightly new route of the ‘Thirsk 10’. A popular road

race finishing at the racecourse. Results next time.

So, non CC events next up… Nigel Ramsden (head coach) organised another ‘Bleep Test’

on the last Sunday morning in January. Held in the Galtres sports hall, it’s a tough test used

by the military, emergency services, sports teams and so on. A simple but really effective

test of fitness. Well done to Nigel and all those who attended this popular and fun (afterwards!) event. Work again meant I couldn’t be there but having done it before, I know those who turn up really enjoy getting together and supporting each other.

Training wise, the popular Tuesday ‘Tapas’ session continues at 6 p.m. as well as the well

attended 7 p.m. group. And, after more member interest, there is also a slower ‘Tapas’

option which is great as the club really does cater for all levels of running ability.

Continued congratulations to all who participate in these extra sessions, help organise and

coach. Over the years, these extra training sessions have been fun, sociable and have

greatly helped in improving my fitness and running ability.

Having been instrumental in the original ‘Tapas’ training many years ago, I can highly

recommend it to any member to come and join us. You’d be very welcome.

And, perhaps another ERC member will be following Liz from ‘couch to Marathon’.

Jonathon Harris-Douglas, Publicity Secretary