Chiltern League – Wing, Saturday 11/02/06

HHRR had as many supporters as competitors at Wing on Saturday. Yes, I finally managed to drag myself (and poor Ian!) along to the last race of the season!

 The sun was shining and it was a lovely crisp day, but I found the revised course even more challenging than last time! At least we were spared the hailstones this year – in fact we were blessed with perfect cross country weather (if only I were ‘blessed’ with perfect cross country fitness!!!)

 As always, this Chiltern League event was well organised, well marshalled and Ian, at least, was well fed. Where else could he enjoy delicious home-made soup and a bread roll for £1?

 The few points I managed to add to Matt’s total are unlikely to shoot us to the top of the scoreboard this year, but there’s always next season…now, where can I find a muddy, hilly field in Hayes???

Middlesex Cross Country Championship

Wormwood Scrubs 14/1/06

   A bit of a daunting start with over 150 runners, the best of Middlesex. There were large groups as usual from "Hillingdon" and "Ealing and Southall" I was the only representative from our club, it would be nice if next year we had a few more members. The race as usual started with a race from the line as everyone tried to sort out the race order, the surface was soft and muddy - with some ankle deep mud through the trees. 

   Three loops of the park and one short and two long totalling 12 K ( 7.5 Miles ) the course was pretty boring, with no hills - but it was still a pretty tough race with a lot of fast runners - I managed to hold my own and finished in a respectable time of 49:37, my position ( 79th of 155 runners)   

   Jack  Nisbet

Ruislip Cross Country

 7th January 2006

It was proper cross-country weather, it was blowing a gale and it was raining cats and dogs. I got on the start line and the gun went, it went along and then turned left up a hill, it was massive, then you got to the top and went down the hill trying to dodge all the trees as you’re sprinting down. I was tiring by this point but I carried on. You then had to go round again, up this big hill really tiring then back down again, it was one of my sprint finishes that put me in front and I got home full of pride. I went back to the clubhouse had a scone and coffee and then went home content for another day.

By Gary Nisbet

15th October - Watford - Chiltern League

A new season, a new start and yes you guessed it was only me to run in the league! Michelle had a back injury and everyone else, well I'm sure they all had good reasons for missing the start of the season. I just hope that I can convince at least someone else to join me this year. So without even Michelle for company I headed off to Watford for what is now the traditional start to the Chiltern League season.

The weather was fine, in fact it was very nice for this time of year and the course was very firm, which meant most people ran in shoes rather than spikes. This was a shame for me personally as I had spent days "wearing in" my spikes only to leave them in my bag and opt for shoes. The course was the same as ever two large loops including a couple of hills. The start is at the very top of the course which means you get a nice downward slope for at least the first mile, but unfortunately means the last mile is all up hill.

I didn't run particularly well, finishing nearly 2 minutes slower than my time from the previous year, but still enjoyed the course and the day, but not being pipped on the line to lose a place! However as the weather was fine Zoë, Charlie and I enjoyed an ice cream on our journey back to the car. I managed to come only 23rd in the Division and 108th overall, which wasn't my best result, however we aren't yet bottom of the league being currently 4th from bottom overall. Results

Next race is on 5th November at RAF Halton, anyone interested should contact me on 07961 139522 or email me mattwilkins@blueyonder.co.uk

 Matt Wilkins