Cramlington cross country race report.
This comes courtesy of Kelly Hymer, a cross country first timer today:

A first timers guide on how not to do your first Cross Country:
When I think of Cross Country my mind instantly goes back to dragging myself round the school field in cold, wet conditions. Mistake number one, too many layers, turns out not all Cross Country events are in wet and windy conditions. Today was surprisingly sunny for a October afternoon and so after my first lap I was melting. Mistake number two, wearing brand new trainers for an event. What a rookie error. Consequently, I am now sporting a blister of epic proportions. However, the route was quite nice. Not as flat as had been advertised (sorry about that Kelly! Jon P). The beginning stretch was a little bumpy and having a mass of runners around did make it a little hard to negotiate, but once passed that it wasn’t so bad. I did do a little tumble and had to use the lady in front to stop me going down. Luckily, she was more steady on her feet and wasn’t to upset I groped her bum. There was a rather sharp climb towards the end of the first lap. I am all for gender equality but could not have done THAT 3 times! (Sorry lads). Twice was more than enough! And so to the finish line I plodded – hot , sweaty, wishing I hadn’t let my training slip over the past month or so, but ultimately happy I made it round in one piece and didn’t have to stop or walk.

And then for the important part, with my steeliest Paul Hollywood gaze, I made sure to sample ALL of the cakes, brownies and flapjack that were provided! It’s only fair. In conclusion, the course was a little harder than I expected, the temperature was a little hotter than I’d dressed for but the atmosphere and support was second to none! And now I sit at home with a warm glow of achievement, nice cup of tea, belly still full of cake, counting the weeks until next time…

Congratulations to the 28 (I think) Ponteland Runners who completed the GNR. They were not the conditions for PBs so if you achieved one please shout about it on this page. To the first timers… It is not always as hot as that, so don’t despair if you didn’t achieve your target time. Next year’s race is two weeks later in September. If you are coming to the AGM tonight the dress code for GNR finishers is full dress uniform race T-shirt) with campaign medals. We might hold the AGM (which won’t interrupt the drinking for long) standing up in case those who ran can’t stand up again after sitting. I think that will include me. David

Three Ponteland Runners raced the Tynedale Harriers Jelly Race yesterday in good conditions.  A scenic route provides an excellent 10 mile race in the final run-up to the Great North Run.  David Buffham, Paul Holborrow and Elliot Ward participated in the event,  results for our club below. Full results here.

VO2maxRacing Events hosted a great event in Newbiggin yesterday with 4 participants from Ponteland Tri,  David Levison, Matty Bell, Dave Legg and Sue Heppell all braved the cold sea water around 09:30 in the morning.  A Northumbrian Pipe Band led the particpants around to the beach start where a hooter started the run into the sea.  The weather was steadily improving all morning with warm sunshine on the run leg by the end of the event.

All looked relaxed prior to the walk round and the opportunity to “warm up” in the cold sea prior to the race.  The mass start is great to watch and many of the local residents come out to support the race providing a great atmosphere for the day.  A great finish by one of the last competitors who’d taken the opportunity to stop for a pint on the run leg prior to the finish line.  A “relaxed” triathlon for him…..

Full results available here but below are our club results.

Three brave Ponteland Tri members took part last Sunday in the Spanish City Triathlon at Whitley Bay.  The weather forecast,  in particular the wind,  would have put most people off but not our keen participants.  The following race report is from Andy Gowens.

“Well the race….., it was a great course in sunshine and wind. The mass start on a mainly pebbly beach with hidden boulders beneath the grey north sea was a great starter and I managed to find a nice sandy take off strip which gave me a decent start on the hooter. The water was purely tropical once the initial shock had worn off and I must say not as bad as anticipated with the forecast. Anyway once over the washing machice start and into the swim it was ok. The first bouy was a bit bumpy and second rather ruck like buy nothing like the turn back to the dome of the spanish city with the wind providing several gallons of seawater when breathing. Well at last out of the water, thank god and several hail mary’s into transition and onto the bike. No sooner onto open road and the wind started proving that the deep section wheels were not a good choice with several hairy moment over the two laps at seaton sluice bridge of what would be a fast course on a better day. I was pleased to rack the bike and run off towards st Marys lighthouse thinking who’s stolen my legs and I need to do more bricks in the winter. The run course being a mini me of park run was good with a few hills and a set of rocky like steps chucked in near the turn and finish. What a joy they were but a great spectator course thoughout with lots of encouragement throughout.  A really good morning.”

Results for our three participants are available here.  Really well done to Andy Gowens, Dave Legg and Paul Armstrong.