NYSD Track + Field Report

* Sorry for the delay! *

Tuesday saw round 2 of the track and field series at Middlesbrough. I was joined by Mathew Carling again, and, err, well that’s it. Lloyd was meant to come but we’re keeping him wrapped in cotton wool – ready to unleash on the opposition at the mile relays. I seem to have scared off the Striders ladies. Come on girls – what could be better than fighting through long tailbacks on the A174, to eventually arrive at a cold and windy arena – face endless delays as the juniors go through their heats – before starting your favourite event. You don’t know what your missing.

First up was the 100 metres. Suffering from man-flu, I looked in my bag to discover I’d forgotten my running spikes. Expectations for a decent performance were low.  Sometimes though, when the pressure is off, surprising things happen. With a perfect start I held on for a pb as a senior of 13.17 seconds. Turns out it’s the best time in the North East in 2018 for my age banding and sneaks into the uk top 10 for 2018. Was really happy with that and will try to go sub 13 this year.

It was (literally) back down to earth in the long jump. Messing up my run-up, I fouled on jump 1 and stuttered to a modest distance on jump 2. Hoping to do some long jump coaching at the Striders track this summer if anyone’s interested.

A patient Mathew finished off proceedings in the 800 metres. With the large number of juniors competing it was a very late start for the seniors. In testing cold and windy conditions Mathew entered heat 2. Another excellent performance ensued – with 2nd place achieved in a time of 2.30 minutes – at a speedy 5 minute mile pace.

It’s back to Darlington on May 15th, where, If the current attendance trend continues, I’ll be running on my own. (but don’t worry – my imaginary friends will be there…)

Paul J