McCain Scarborough 10k

Did the Yorkshire Coast 10k yesterday in glorious weather and good atmosphere. It was a shame to see the old watersplash and outdoor theatre in such a state of disrepair. Quite pleased with my time of 42m53s and Tracey was pleased to get a spot prize for best hair style! Fell series starts next Sunday at Saltersgate so looking forward to that and the Guy Fawkes which is probably my favourite race of the year. Did the Sutton 7 and Foston and Thorton Le Clay 10k over the last 2 weekends so been keeping busy despite the lack of blogs. (Taken up golf and it is very time consuming!)

Ryedale Run and club champs

I did the Ryedale run last weekend in a time of 1h15m which was a big improvement (13m) on last year when I had a shocker. I have a fondness for the race but would like to shake Malton up to try and get some support and a decent finish and to make it a good distance instead of the ridiculous 10,75 mile. Today saw our club championships which despite the great efforts of the organisers is a bit of a hotch potch as far as the race goes. At least we have managed to get the trophy awarded to the fastest runner this year. Once more lots of dubious times were given as the "handicap" to work off. This system really does not work if people cannot be honest. Next weekend we are going for a trip to the lakes to run in the Langdale half marathon which will be a little different from the other race going on next weekend!

Escrick 10k

After a 2 week break from running I finished the Escrick 10k in 43m30s which was a big improvement from my dire effort in the Askern 10 mile race. I took 1h28m to finish and was totally raced out after a spell of 22 races in 16 weeks. After a lovely week walking in the Austrian mountains I was more up for running again and enjoyed this well oraginsed race only in its 2nd edition. A strong headwind for the first 3k proved tough as did the heat but overall a nice run.

Idle 10k

Did the Idle AC 10k today. A lovely course, especially the bit by the towpath. Not officially measured but not a PB course anyway. Took it fairly easy and then had plenty left for a sprint finish and managed to win a spot prize of some running socks. The highlight of the day was definitely lining up in the same field as the legendary Ron Hill MBE. Tracey managed to give him a run for his money but ended up 20secs behind him, he has had more practice! Nice run, good goody bag and a really friendly atmosphere, just a shame about the traffic coming home!

Sub 20 5k

We did the Beverley 5k Classic last Friday night and I was really up for it. I was keen to break 20 mins and set off ok. I was under 5 mins for the first lap and managed to keep my pace up. I finished in 19m08s which I was delighted with and the only problem was I was lapped as I completed my 3rd lap, (4 laps of 1.25k) The winner did it in 14m18s for a course record and appeared to be flying as he went past me. I really enjoyed the run but not as much as the large curry afterwards! Didn't run with the club this week as there was some confusion over location so we were sat waiting at Hutton le Hole whilst the run started from Lastingham! A week off won't do any harm and we are travelling to Bradford on Sunday for the Idle 10k trail race.

Stillington Handicap

Stillington Handicap turned out to be a real fun race. I was getting a bit disheartened in the first 5k as I did not seem to be gaining on anybody. After that the rain started falling and I think I quickened up a bit. Maybe didn't want to get wet! The finish was fantastic with runners everywhere after the 9k marker. The handicapping must have been pretty good. I managed to run to 1 second of my handicap which equates to 1 second off my PB although there have been mutterings that the course was a touch short. Had a very lethargic club run at Thixendale last night and off to Beverley tonight for my first ever 5k. Guaranteed PB !!!

Burton Leonard

Had a nice run at Burton Leonard on a fairly demanding course. Managed 45m06s which I was happy with. Tracey did 1h1m1s which was a bit slower than normal but she did do Bishop Wilton half marathon 24 hours earlier! Nice course and nice village, that was the last one for us in a thoroughly enjoyable Black Sheep Series.