Calderdale Way

[annefsweeney]

There are only 6 days to go before the Calderdale Way and there dont seem to have been any meetings for race strategies/ tactics.
Dont you fell runners dicuss these important issues over a cup of tea? And you wonder why we road runners dont take up fell running? What is important here? I have been aiming for this all year and have my pristine new shoes to run in - I do hope they dont get dirty.

Can someone tell me whether there is a left and right to off road shoes or can you put them on either foot?

[bobshepherd]

You missed the meeting Anne. It was last night at The Royal Hotel, Tocholes. We had a sick squid curry, very good. Jim Doherty arranged it & your best friend Simmy was there. I'm surprised he didn't tell you. Joe Howard drove so couldn't drink much tea. I went by taxi and was somewhat Darjeeling by the end of the meeting.

Team no. 50 OPEN
Leg 1 Gary Wilson & Steve Hallas
Leg 2 John Rainford & Steve Bamber
Leg 3 Dave Watson & John Griffiths
Leg 4 Gordon Thompson & Will Garner
Leg 5 Kevin Hesketh & Brian Dewhurst
Leg 6 Dave Parkington & Dave Barker
(Thanks to Steve Jackson for the update.)

Our mixed team remains the same:-
B team. Mixed. (team no 51)
Steve Jackson and Sarah Gohil.
Dave Simpson and Helen Boyer.
Bob Shepherd and Kath Griffiths.
Mick McLoughlin and Karen Nash.
Pete Carter and Rachel Syed.
Alan Appleby and Anne Sweeney.

So Anne you must ask Alan's advice as to where to wear your pair of shoes. Were you to wear them incorrectly, just where I don't know, then you may let down the team. I'm sure you won't let anyone down, I know you and Alan are a special pair.
Looking forward to the race, the weather might be interesting.
You can refresh the spirit of the Calderdale Relay by seeing what we did last year.
www.prestonharriers.com/calderdale_way_2005.htm

[annefsweeney]

Thank you Bob and to all who didnt let me know about team meeting. Anyhow I had to be up at 5.00 to get 5.56 train to London Thurs.
But am very doubtful cos am really poorly sick - much worse than manflu! Doctors appointment this am so will call Peter later. I cant believe this - I'm normally so healthy. Yesterday's experience didnt help - no trains out of Euston - it took me 8 hours to get home, I went from Marleybone, stopping at every village north of London to Preston but a nice 90 minute at Birmingham 5b platform. Still a runner who is able to use her elbows has advantages and I got seats on all trains. There wasnt any Dunhill spirit, I can tell you! So I saved myself!

[bobshepherd]

I hope that all of my abuse hasn't made you ill Anne. Please get well soon.

Is it true that Phillipa is taking your place? Alan was already worried that you'd leave him behind on that last leg! Phillipa, if you are taking Anne's spot, have you one of those kid's carrier things? Alan will probably need a lift.

[annefsweeney]

I believe Philippa is taking my place so I can die relaxed now that the team is in fact strengthened by my absence. I have been too near death to make direct contact with her, but will call her later. I'm sure Philippa will treat Alan very gently whereas I would probably be shouting at him for most of the way, either because it was too hard for me or if he couldnt keep up - so he couldnt win either way!
I am so fed up and my new shoes are so lovely and I even let myself get all muddy when trying them out over an 11 mile run on Wednesday. What a waste of time that was! Life's a pregnant dog!

[bobshepherd]

Well, it's all over for another year!
Maybe we'll get a proper report for the website soon. From my point of view, Kathleen Griffiths did really well on leg 3. Between us we managed to avoid the mass start (just like Joe & I did last year!) and successfully handed over to frisky looking Karen & Mick Mack. It rained for most of our leg and it was pleasingly muddy throughout.
Before we set off we saw Steve Bamber & John Rainford handing over to Dave Watson & John Griffiths. Kathleen was able to wave her uncle away.
Just before our off, Sarah Gohil & Steve Jackson were very encouraging to us. Sarah liked Kathleen's outfit. Steve said that I had proper fell runner's legs! He politely refrained from mentioning my fell runner's beer belly.
Kathleen truly ran very well, I'm sure she will be pleased with her performance.

[nasher]

Both teams were great. I have alreadt emailed Halifax Harriers and thanked them for promising to put it on again next year - something that was in some doubt. So all the 'new' fell runners who enjoyed themselves so much have something to look forward to.
I think the B team did brilliantly - with 3 new ladies and Phillippa stepping in at the last minute. We were 70th, although I think 4th mixed team sounds much better! I loved my leg and once we got going even the weather din't seem so bad. Everyone I saw had smiles.
Thanks to Dave, and others, for driving.