Another week. Another challenge. If only is wasn’t so hot!!
Monday 20th July. Sowerby gateway track.
6.15- 6.30. Core work group. We move around a little and not always by choice. However, we do deliver. Look out for us somewhere near the 200 metre mark or the gateway track. This group will suit all abilities and all ages and you can train as easy or as hard as you like. I’m just around to hopefully guide you in the right direction. Time working at each station may vary depending on how much we talk about football and how often I get the chance to look at my watch!! We will finish in time to join the running group at around 7.15. We now have a large trailer to move all our equipment which should make easier. After almost 3 full summers Christine’s wheel barrow has now become redundant!!
6.45 – 7.00 pm
Warm up and running drills.
Main session; 2 x ( 4 x 3 mins @ choose your pace/ 1 min recovery) 3mins between sets.
If you are racing at the weekend choose an easier pace tonight.
Cool down run/stretches.
Mountain race markings.
Hood Hill is now all marked out and good to go. It took quite a while and I fear this may be the last time we use this section of the route. The reasons being that Forest England no longer keep the minor trails cut back and growth is fast approaching on both sides making them almost impassable. Equally, mountain bikers are causing so much erosion leaving lots of tree roots and rocks on the surface which makes it much more of a challenge and not as enjoyable. However, had it not been for the mountain bikers a lot of the trails would not be open at the moment. This does not mean I’m in favour of them digging and chopping routes out of the hill side where ever they wish or please.
Ripon Runners.
On Thursday night we were invited to join Ripon Runners for a training session on a grass running track. A bit last minute but Ripon don’t have have a track of their own and it was only available at a moments notice. Thanks to those who made an effort to support it. Most of those present ran in the handicap race at Otley the previous night. Luckily the surface was on grass which was a bit easier on the body and more helpful for recover. The session was a pyramid with a maximum of 5 minute effort and up to 90 seconds recovery. Being hot didn’t really help and it was as much a challenge for the mind as it was for the body. We all survived the session. We were greeted with a smile and all instructions were delivered clear and positive and we all knew what we were supposed to do and when to do it.
I love supporting other clubs and coaches to see new ways of doing things. We are never too old to learn. I especially like it when I don’t have to think about coach to athlete ratios, risk assessments, content etc. There are very few occasions I can just go out and run and just concentrate on myself. I look forward to inviting Ripon to Thirsk for a return visit.
If football isn’t your first choice of sport then how about cricket? Tonight England played India. England won with Joe Root finishing on 99 not out. Yes, I like cricket too and I often fit in a core session whilst listening to test match special on the radio.
Who mentioned football?
England v Argentina : My first passion has always been football but I really love running too. I do what I can, when I can and that’s all that matters. I was running in the hdsrl handicap race at Otley during the first half of the match. It was a quick supper at half time and I was able to listen to the second half on the radio on my return home. Being no traffic on the roads really helped for a speedy return and I managed to switch on the tele just as Argentina scored their first goal. Moments later they scored their second. I saw Messi touch the ball twice which resulted in two goals and in the same period of time they could have scored four or even more. Not a very good ending to what was initially an enjoyable night. It was good while it lasted. The rumour is that we went too defensive. If so, then why didn’t someone stop Argentina scoring two goals. England still can’t take a good corner, cross a ball or a free kick to get an advantage. Whenever they take them they always give the ball to the opposing team. Hopefully we will play well against France on Saturday and finish third. I’m told the Bronze trophy is bigger than the winners trophy so it’s not all bad news,
St Monica’s Hospital.
Christine and I have just clocked up 21 years of looking after the gardens at St Monica’s hospital in Easingwold. We work for St Monica’s hospital Trust and not the NHS. We’re told the garden is the best kept garden in the whole of the York and district NHS and we are proud to be part of the St Monica’s family team. It’s a bit like being part of harriers. Other than being on holiday we have not missed a weekly visit in the past 21 years. We even worked through covid which was quite a challenge. A little party was held in our honour and we now have a bench in a quiet corner of the garden with our name on it.
keep running, keep smiling and see you all soon, Rob
