Jude Smith has sent in this excellent report from the Ladies Team from Farringdon
NEHL 2: Farringdon: Ladies Race Report – Hills, Hugs & Holding On To 3rd Place
Having missed the Relays in September, this was my first visit to Farringdon, but I’d heard a lot of tales about ‘the hill’ and ‘the stream’ from more experienced runners. These were always accompanied by the wry, knowing smiles which I’ve come to regard with a mixture of fondness and trepidation. Whatever it was that lay in store on Saturday, it was going to be an experience! But what no one had mentioned was how easy it is to get lost between Silksworth and the Sports College… so as the men’s race got under way, Denise Waugh and I found ourselves on a tour of the cul-de-sacs of Farringdon, meeting up with an equally lost lady runner from Durham in the process.
We finally arrived with little time to prepare, my plan to walk some of the course after getting completely disorientated at Cramlington went out the window, but on the plus side it meant there was no opportunity for any nerves to kick in. Having confirmed and reconfirmed that we were definitely running 2 laps we set off round the back of the tents and up the first incline. We were packed very tightly together on the path and the frustration at feeling that my pace was being dictated by other people was reminiscent of this year’s Great North Run. However, I reminded myself that cross country is very different from road running and I didn’t really know what was coming next so an even slower than usual start was probably for the best.
Approaching the stream it was difficult at first to understand what all the fuss was about, primarily because all I could see was a mass of writhing bodies and an orderly queue preceding it! It was eventually negotiated ok, if not particularly quickly and the same can be said for the infamous hill which I walked the majority of both times round. In spite of this, it was these very distinctive features which I actually really liked about the course. By the second lap I had my bearings and knew what was coming around each corner, a complete contrast to my experience at Cramlington.
Elspeth Lawson
Denise Waugh
I lost count of the number of times Sam Collier and I overtook each other during the race. What I do know, is that every time we passed each other we exchanged some words of encouragement, and it’s this kind of camaraderie which makes TBH so very special. Having previously always chosen races on the basis of them being large events where I would just be one of many anonymous faces in the crowd, I’ve really come to appreciate the support which only comes from being part of a running club, and a part of TBH in particular. Which leads me nicely to our wonderful supporters around the course! Even if I don’t always manage to acknowledge you at the time, your constant support and positivity makes a massive difference and I know the other ladies feel the same. Many thanks also to Rob and Sue for the provision of the tent and refreshments which were very much appreciated. And a special mention also has to go to Charlie the whippet who we all fell in love with on her debut TBH appearance, hopefully the first of many.
The TBH Ladies maintained their position in 3rd place in Division 2 of the North East Harrier League – bring on Blaydon!
Jude Smith
9 Responses
Fantastic report Jude, I think you captured the essense of our club in saying – “It’s this kind of camaraderie which makes TBH so very special.”
Hats off to the ladies who had such a messy course to navigate!
It was good fun watching you all, especially the stream crossing. I thought it resembled the opening of the January sales rather than an orderly queue. Some great techniques for navigating the stream…..
Great report Jude . I bet a year ago you Ladies never thought you would be spending your Saturday afternoons doing that!
Only a few months ago we would have been delighted to finish a full team in the women’s race. It was magic counting 8 ladies battling around the course wearing the TBH colours. It was clear that there was more co-operation than competition between our runners. Emma and Elspeth were pulling each other up that hill whilst Jude and Sam kept swapping places at different points on the course. It’s fabulous to see the team spirit and the talent that has developed in our women’s section. Well done to everyone of you!
Fantastic report Jude. If i ran as well as you reported, i’d be pushing for medals at every race.
The performance of the women’s team, here and at previous race meetings, has been nothing short of outstanding. Long it may it continue.
An excellent report Jude. You’re a great asset to have in our ladies’ team. A keen runner, who is showing improvement with every run, and a budding journalist!
fantastic report Jude. thank you very much for the contribution.
I love our ladies team and it it’s superb seeing each and every one of them giving it their all at the recent NEHL meetings.
keep doing what you are doing ladies.. so proud !!
Great report Jude, as Sparrow has said it encapsulates everything about being in TBH. It’s great to see so many of the newer Club runners turning out in the Harrier leagues, it is what being a club runner is all about and can’t be replicated on the roads. The team spirit in TBH is second to none.
Great report Jude. We have the best womans team in the world. A fantastic winter season ahead.