24 June 2004

It is great to see so many taking part in the mid-week league races. The new members are gradually gaining in confidence and I am sure they will soon be moving up through the field. The races in June are at Otley (9^th), where there is a bit of a hill and Thirsk (23^rd) which is flat. It would be wonderful if the ladies could manage to hold on to their present second position or even catch up the Ilkley team. Our race on July 8^th is the final race and a good turn out by all club members will help all the teams to move upwards in the league. We do need marshals for the race and would very much appreciate any help our non running members can give as this will enable more members to run. If you are willing to help please contact Norman at Roots and Shoots asap.

I would like to thank to those in the army responsible for postings. They have caused an influx of new members which is strengthening the men’s section of the club.

It is pleasing to see club members at the nominated races, it certainly adds to the atmosphere. The August races are Darlington 10k (Aug 8^th) and Auckland Castle 10k. (Aug 15^th) Both are enjoyable venues with plenty of parking. Auckland Castle is a deceptively fast course, good for pbs.

Remember enjoy your running.

Known in English as the Marathon of Sand this event covers a distance of 144 miles through the Sahara desert run over 7 days. I took part with a group of four others from Ripon Runners although only 2 of us completed the full distance.

Split into stages my plan was to concentrate on getting through each day at a time, to walk all hills, shuffle on the flat and plod downhill. I ate every 2 hours and drank when required.

The event started with a mere 25km (15.5m) on day 1, day 2 was a reasonable 28km (17.5m) while day 3 was 36.5km (23m) with 50ft high sand dunes to climb. This day was a killer with over 20 competitors dropping out. I managed to complete this stage with just 30 mins to spare. Day 4 was a massive 80km (50m) but we were rewarded with a rest day on day 5. Day 6 was a more usual marathon distance of 42km (26m) followed thankfully by the last day of only 18km (11m).

Apart from the distance feet were the main problem. Feet swell due to the heat and add the sand that gets into your socks, the mix is not good.

I was placed 490th overall out of a start list of 610 competitors and took a total of 55 hours, 15 mins to complete all sections.

This is a very well organised race as you would expect from an event held in the sporting capital of the world, but its hills and tradition of always falling on one of the hottest days of the year make fast times unlikely. Just Pete Devlin (1.49.09) and I (2.04.02) took part from the club and we were both a million miles off our pb’s.

Jo came to support and ended up in conversation with guest starter Tracy Morris where they exchanged their slightly contrasting London Marathon experiences. Sadly Jo couldn’t persuade Tracy to run for us in the mid-week league as it clashed with her olympic training.

Another good turnout of 25 club members giving their all saw us maintain our 2nd place in the ladies competition and climb a place to 5th in the main event. Richard Johnson had a superb run to finish in 5th place and our prospects look good for the rest of the league fixtures with many of our runners improving with each run. Erika and Liz lead the way in our ladies team but we have some real emerging talent in Ruth Sweetland and Alex Brown to support them. Can we overcome the 65 point gap on Ilkey to take the title?

If you would like to enter or need more info please see Stu Smith on club nights. Even more info can be found on www.harrogate-league.co.uk, showing results, course maps, photos and how to get to the races.

Race dates are as follows:-

Tue 22nd Jun Thirsk 7.45pm - NOTE CHANGE OF DATE

Thur 8th July Swaledale 7.45pm

Wed 21st July Ripon 7.30pm - (handicap and presentation)

As you can see we are hosting the race on 8th July, we would like as many members to run as possible but if any of you are not intending to run your services in marshalling would be appreciated. You may even have friends or family members who could assist. If you can help out please contact Norman on 01748 824898 (Roots &Shoots) or 01748 823536 (Home) or at the club house.

Newton Aycliffe 10k

June 20th Race for Life Darlington

July 4th Skipton Tough Ten 10m

July 14th Pitstop 10k Croft

Aug 1st Harrogate 10k

Subs are now overdue. You will now have to pay the extra £1 monthly penalty. Most important is the fact that you will not be able to represent your club if you have not paid your subs. You can forward them to me at : ’Goodison’ 1 Maple Road, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 4BW. Cheques should be payable to Swaledale Road Runners.

Club meetings will be held in September, December, March and May (A.G..M.) and not as stated in last newsletter.

The next committee meeting will be held on Tuesday 15th June at the clubhouse after training. If you have a matter you wish to discuss you are welcome to attend or pass it on to a committee member.

A warm welcome to new members Stephen Brown, Mel Albrighton, Jean Hopla, Robert Dawkins, Steven Philp, and Imogen Brown.

The date for this trip has been changed. We are now going on Friday Oct 8th - for more details please contact Sue

The Christmas Dinner will be held on Saturday December 11th at the Holly Hill Inn. The Menu and bookings will be available in September, contact Sue on 01748 818504 for more details.

June 14th Climbing Wall

June 16th Social Run - let Glenys or Eric know a.s.a.p. if you are planning to attend

June 20th Paintball – see Norman for details

July Keld to Richmond Run (details to

follow)

Oct 8th Visit to Blacksheep Brewery

Dec 11th Christmas Dinner - Holly Hill Inn

Kingsmill bread are giving tokens with every loaf which can be redeemed for sports equipment for the club. Make your butties out of Kingsmill and give your tokens to Jo, if we collect enough the club will benefit. The tokens will be on bread and bread roll packets until the end of August 2004.

Compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everybody believes that he got the biggest piece.