Hardmoors 50 is a 53 mile race from Guisborough to Helmsley over the North York Moors. It is run in March, which often leads to challenging weather conditions (last year the race was halted upon advice of mountain rescue). I’d decided to race a Hardmoors event after running with (Hardmoors RD) John Steele last summer during the Northern Traverse. This seemed a good one to start with and shared some of the same Cleveland Way trail with the Northern Traverse. In the days leading up to the race, the weather reports looked more and more grim, and at one point led to Amelia buying herself some snow goggles! As it turned out we ‘just ‘ had wind and rain to contend with. Amelia and I were running it together, our first ultra together, as a training run for Thames Path later in the spring. It would be a test of how well we worked together over a long day of running. The race started at the sea cadets hut in Guisborough and we soon found ourselves climbing up onto the moors, for the first stage an out and back over Roseberry Topping. It was raining quite hard, and the blustery conditions turned into gale force winds as we got above the tree line. Roseberry Topping is 320m high and is often compared to the Matterhorn and we had to go over it twice. I think Amelia lost her bearings at some point as we made descended for the first time, as she remarked to me that she couldn’t remember going up the steps: I had a chuckle to myself as she obviously didn’t realise when we got to the bottom we were going to be turned round and sent straight back up. And I didn’t have the heart to tell her. Once over Roseberry for the second time we then headed back up over the Moors. At this point we’d covered 6 miles in an hour and 40 minutes: it was going to be a long day! The wind on the moors was horrendous. By the time we reached Bloworth Crossing about 15 miles in, we’d hardly spoken to each other for hours, as the wind was too loud, and the violence it created in our flapping hoods made conversation impossible. At this point we were both soaked through and it was really important to keep moving to generate heat and ward off the threat of hyperthermia. There was no time to give any consideration to how far we’d been or how far to run, just needing to focus on moving forward and keeping warm. Not long after Bloworth came the Three Sisters, a series of hills with tough climbs up and technical steep descents. Just when we thought the wind couldn’t get any worse it did! Over the top of the second sister, we were just starting to descend when we were both blown over by a sudden gust in the already gale force winds. A fellow runner helped Amelia down the hill, whilst I had to descend largely on my backside, clinging to rocks for dear life. Eventually we made it to the 31 mile checkpoint, well and truly battered by the first half, but with high spirits and plenty of energy for the second half. Not long after leaving the checkpoint, a marshall told us we’d done 10 big climbs already and only had 3 more to go. That was a real boost, and we found some descent running (sub 9 min mile). Once on top of the next moor, the sun briefly appeared, the wind had calmed and I noticed it had actually stopping raining! This was about nine hours in. I felt a real need to get some good miles in, whilst the going was good and we still had some daylight. We also needed to generate some warmth to try to dry our clothes before the evening chill set in. For the first time in the race we could chat to other runners and I really enjoyed the miles through to the final checkpoint. My early fears that we may succumb to the elements seem to have been banished. However, the final checkpoint at 43 miles seemed to take an age to arrive. The trouble was, we thought were there: the usual signs of lots of people cheering us on, sarcastic signs (pain is a sensation, sensation is a thrill!) etc and I thought we’d covered the distance. However we were sent off on a loop down into some woods, and it seemed to take an age to arrive. We were also expecting a village hall, but got a camper van instead. I had some salt and vinegar crisps and Amelia got some help with her backpack as her fingers had stopped functioning! Then off we set for the last nine miles. Unfortunately, the long slow run down to the checkpoint meant we had to go back up. And it took us straight back up. Very steep (especially if you have little legs), but we soon ground it out and started to run again on the relatively flat. Unfortunately, even though it had stopped raining it had turned the path into a quagmire and we had a real battle to just keep upright but we soldiered on. At one point I was ahead of Amelia, and descending some steps into some woods, she hadn’t noticed the steps and I heard her screech behind me as she suddenly realised the ground fell away before her. It shook her up a bit and made us realise we weren’t quite done yet. The last climb up towards Helmsley wasn’t quite the ‘bastard’ another runner had told me it was, and it wasn’t long before the lights of the village came into view. We did have a mild panic that we’d missed the turning for the finish, but then came across a supporting family who directed us and then we were done. We staggered into the hall, to a round of applause and congratulations from everyone. A good days running, a great event and Amelia’s longest ever run.

We arrived at the Mad March Hare 10k on Sunday glad to find that storm Gareth had fortunately passed through overnight. However it then hit me when taking part in the junior race with my children that his smaller cousin Gavin had given us a strong headwind to contend with!. As usual there was lots of friendly Gazelles to say hi to before the race which seemed to be unusually unorganised.  This led to a 30min delay and me nearly doing a 3 mile warm up either out of boredom, trying to keep warm as my hoodie was already in the baggage area or staying away from Stephen Terry who was wearing number 666!. 

We finally set off at 10:30 and I had high hopes of a PB which were soon dashed after 2k as we went into a strong headwind for the next 2k before passing through the start finish area and into the second lap. By this time I was just thinking about a respectable time and finish position as I knew John Moore and Alan Hume were in front of me and hence if I could hold on to finish 3^rdGazelle we had a chance of the team trophy (which duly happened).  Thing's then moved on to encouraging the rest of Gazelles through the finish (one of my favourite parts of race day) and then having a chat about what everyone thought of the course and headwind before having to dash off with the family to fulfil the day out I’d promised them!.

So in summary 27 Gazelles took part and there were fantastic PB's for Ceri Theobald, Sharon Theobald and Elizabeth Barnard plus brilliant runs from Helen Lemmon, Jessica Parker and Vicky Rallison who all completed their first 10k's for the club

Mimi and Ady are also having a storming 2019 and completed their fastest 10k’s since 2015 & 2013

John Moore was first male 55-59 and John Moore again plus Alan Hume and myself were the first vets team.

It was a cold, blustery and VERY wet Sunday morning that greeted a small but hardy herd of Gazelles for this year’s ‘Break’ Hunny Bell XC. Unfortunately, due to the temperatures most runners kept their jackets on making it hard to pick out fellow members (of any running club) but particularly for a new Gazelle, however a couple of the runners picked out my top and despite not knowing me, shared a few friendly words of encouragement as they dashed past me. Particular thanks to Gail Barnard who was running in a Break top but gave me a well needed boost before the start of a gruelling uphill section.

The course is run around the Stody Estate in Hunworth, and encompasses some quite hilly terrain, and a LOT of muddy puddles. Due to the large number of runners and narrowing paths in parts, it soon became clear the only way was often going to be straight through the middle of these puddles, causing lots of friendly cheers from the amused marshalls. This was definitely not a course for PB’s or quick sprints! Despite finishing near the back of the pack and resembling more of a marsh monster by the end, it was a thoroughly enjoyable race. 

Alan Hume was the first Gazelle home in a fantastic 5^thplace overall with a time of 30m30s!!! Followed by Chris Haystead (36m53), Robert Pearson (37m40), Tim Woods (40m47), Graham Hardingham (44m11), Estelle Corner (45m13), Gail Barnard (50m12) & Claire Berridge (51m53)

On Sunday March 3rd a flock of over 30 Gazelles braved wet conditions to run the inaugural Ringland Half Marathon. A popular race despite the quite obvious ‘undulation’ of the course simply because (if everyone is as sad as me) there would be DINOSAURS! Norwich Road Runners did not disappoint with a well thought out race, plenty of parking and a great atmosphere. The cheer squad at the water station was particularly welcome, especially with the looming hill in sight! Not many PBs to be had, although Lou Isherwood and Amelia Whitling smashed theirs proving it to be possible - well done ladies! Special thanks to Lee Oxbury for hiding at the top of a hill to photograph every Gazelle in pain. I was contemplating a cheeky walk but seeing him prevented me. I always love it when a herd of us get together and this race felt special as we wore our pink ribbons to show our thoughts were with a fellow runner to make a speedy recovery. A lot of pride was felt as Andrea Flint completed her first half marathon. Hats off -it wasn’t an easy one to pick as your first! So in summary - weather 2/10, hills 0/10 (particularly the one right to the finish line, not needed), spirit 10/10, Gazelles - 10/10 as always, DINOSAURS and a dinosaur medal - 100/10!  See you (or maybe Cambridge which is also a fine race) next year!

The Saucony Cambridge Half Marathon is only my second half marathon race which I have run, I only have Snetterton to compare it to.  

The weather was drizzly rain and the only down side was that there wasn’t anywhere to shelter.  That said, the bag drop area was so well organised you could leave it until much nearer the start time before dropping it off.  

There were four separate waves, each pen was positioned so you could view the start of the race and supervised by half a dozen volunteers.  Each pen had a large bag where you could throw in any clothing which would be donated to charity after the race, and had I not just given away a load of tops, I would have made use of this, what a great idea!

The pens were individually walked up to the start line, as one wave passed through the next walked up and the final pen left at 16 minutes from the start time. 

Cambridge Half attracts those seeking a PB as they advertise it as flat.  It is not flat! As you head out to the countryside through Trumpington and Grantmanchester, there are some gentle hills and a surprise incline on the final stretch feels worse than it actually is. 

Pretty much the entire 13.1 miles of the route is lined with supporters.  They thin out in some of the country roads but the villages are very welcoming with their jelly babies and biscuits! The City Centre is extremely well supported along with the various enthusiastic and talented bands (no headphones on this race). 

There were three water stations, each very well manned with several volunteers handing out mini bottles of water and gels.  You were encouraged to throw your bottle in one of the numerous recycling bins provided along the route, but they were certainly struggling to uphold this rule

A large mix of people run this race, the winner finishing in 1 hr 6 minutes and 40 seconds, the final person coming through at 3 hours 18 minutes 9 seconds. There are lots of charity runners and it was well supported by both Cancer Research and Alzheimers.

The final 500 metre stretch back into the race village is lined with lots of supporters and you’re carried along by their enthusiasm, and as your name is on the front of the bib, many will shout out your name as you run past.  After the finish line you’re walked through to tents where you collect your medal and as you collect your well stocked goody bag, a pint of non-alcoholic lager is waiting for you as you leave. 

All in all it was an exceptionally well organised event, I would compare it with RunNorwich for atmosphere and organisation.  You should bear in mind this is the biggest attended race I have run, with 10,000 runners competing. I was so impressed I’ve pre-registered for next year’s race!

On a fine February Saturday morning we left Norwich at 05.30 in the minibus arranged and driven by our esteemed Chairman, who politely refused my offer of helping with the navigation.

We made our way safely to Bushy Park arriving in perfect time to park up and make our way to the start. We attended the pre run briefing for first timers and visitors, then walked to the start where I was horrified when realising we were at the front of over 1,000 runners.

I happened to remark that I thought there were deer in the park, one of our lady gazelles said they are over there Nigel, as I don’t run in my glasses I still didn’t know where they were, till she told me they were standing under two trees when she asked if I’d spotted them or did I think they were large rabbits with antlers?

The start was a little hairy as we were so spread out it was difficult picking out the least bumpy route-clumsy so and so’s like me can trip on a matchstick, I spotted a path over to the right so probably to the annoyance of runners near me went on a diagonal route to get on the firmer, flatter option.

I also noticed several runners with their dogs which made me smile considering the Eaton Park policy.

We all got round the course safely and experienced a very well worked funnel system to get our finish tokens, then to the scanners who didn’t have long queues.

After the parkrun a few of the ladies went on a retail therapy outing, leaving the rest of us to go on a longer run beside the Thames, we did get quite spread out and the young lady running with me didn’t seem to worry about my navigational skills. I just thought if we kept the Thames on our right on the out run, then left on the in run even I couldn’t lost. Although I got a bit worried as the fast runners didn’t pass us (they went back another way) and we didn’t meet the slower ones either so not sure where they went?

Once everyone was back we returned to Norwich, with a brief stop at a Welcome Break for a comfort break and light refreshments, which gave me more to moan about-having to pay £2 for a small bottle of Diet Coke.

Thanks to the others for keeping me updated on the match at Carrow Road which also had a successful outcome with Norwich winning 3-2.

Such a good time was had by all that it’s very likely another away day will be arranged very soon, not forgetting the local monthly outings organised by Karen

Horsford Cross Country is a series of three races, and you only get a rank if you run in each.  Which was why the morning of the final race found me scraping ice off my car and hoping that at minus 3 the mud would be frozen over, It wasn’t!

On the plus side, it’s a lovely scenic woodland course.  The fun parts include jumping over logs and wading through waste-deep mud up to 4 times: men do 4 laps, amounting to about 5 miles, women do 3, and younger runners do 1 or 2. At the end the organisers provided tea, coffee, soup, and even mince pies and mulled wine for the pre-Christmas race. A bargain for the £3.50 paid on arrival, no sign-up needed.

I would definitely do it again but I still haven’t figured out whether it’s better to wear warm clothes (that will be soaked in cold mud for most of the race) or just a vest and shorts however trail shoes a must. 

Top tip: do your laces up properly!!

A sizeable herd of 26 Gazelles turned up for the traditional New Year's Day 10K at Wymondham, some no doubt nursing hangovers. Amazingly, 8 achieved a PB, led by James Fowler, first Gazelle home in 38:26.