4 posts from June 2009

Carey Burn Dipping

Chevy Chase day is fast approaching. Currently the Cheviots are basking under glorious sunshine and looking their very best in anticipation of race day. Yesterday the club met in the Harthope Valley for their training run into the hills, it was such a balmy evening that some couldn't resist the temptation to leap into the Carey Burn on their return...not the first sighting of dippers in the burn that day. 

So it will probably be worth bringing sun cream as well as waterproofs to the Chevy this year.

Speedwell

Cheviots June 09

Only 20 days to go and the hills are alive with the sound of Chevy Chasers training for the big day. Reports are coming in that conditions underfoot are currently excellent; it is possible to do the entire route without getting wet feet! The Cheviots are looking especially beautiful at the moment, Wooler Running Club would like to claim responsibility for this, though Mother Nature deserves a share in the credit... The weather has been warm and sunny this weekend, however this afternoon the skies suddenly darkened and there has been thunder, lightning and heavy showers with hailstones the size of aniseed balls. A timely reminder that the weather in the Cheviots can be unpredictable even in the summer, so competitors will need to be prepared for anything.

Places on the Chevy were filled even earlier this year, our limit of 300 is an enviromental one and we do want to stick to that, so apologies to those who entered too late. Thanks to those who have let us know that they are unable to compete as we have been able to offer their places to people on the waiting list. Good luck to all with the training we look forward to seeing everyone on the 4th July. 

Bloody Bush Edge, Cheviots

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The last week in May, a last minute family holiday in Majorca, the last item for the suitcase my trail shoes. I had such good intentions to run... there I'd be effortlessly striding through the Sierra Tramuntana in warm sunshine, in my light  coolmax gear, Ha.

I have to confess to neglecting those poor running shoes, only managing a slow jog along the pine walk at Puerto Pollensa and an effortful foray along the beautiful Boquer valley. I had a few really good excuses lined up;

1. Over indulgence of custard filled pastries
2. Chaffing behind ears due to unaccustomed wearing of sunglasses
3. A touch of the manjanas
4. THE HEAT

I thought Number 4 Excuse was the clincher until I learned that temperatures in Edinburgh were higher than in Majorca on the 31st May and that the Fearless Four had run 26 miles without water or custard filled pastries!

Back home again feeling like my running days were over, had I become a jogger? I decided that I had to do the Alwinton Fell Race to get back in touch with my inner fell runner. 14 miles in the glorious Cheviots has helped though my outer fell runner is feeling a bit stiff.

Puig Roig, Tramuntara Mountains

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Many of the club are going to the Blaydon Races next Tuesday evening so there may only be a few meeting at Wooler Common for the training session. Good luck to everyone taking part, enjoy the singing, running, eating, drinking and more singing.