Tuesday saw round 3 of the Track and Field series at Darlington. The ‘Striders Race Publicity Department’ (SRPD) had been working overtime in the run up to the event. (It’s a big department with 10 full time staff and an annual budget of £250,000) They even went to the trouble of advertising it twice in one day on the website – and for that I’m eternally grateful.
So, did it work? Well, joining me was… yes, you’ve guessed it, Mathew Carling. The ladies? Lucy did give a tantalizing hint she was going to attend, but, like Lloyd, I think she’s saving herself for the mile relays. Sadly, all this could mean redundancies in the SRPD.
The High Jump opened proceedings. It felt like ‘Groundhog Day’. The same competitors, the same height cleared (1.45 metres), the same pesky juniors sailing over 1.50 metres with their springy legs. At least our old friend, the 7 foot Polish International, wasn’t there to rub salt into the wound.
Incidentally, the woman’s senior discus was taking place and the bronze medal throw was 12 metres. I know 6 or 7 Striders ladies that would have been in contention – but you have to be in it to win it girls…
Mathew and I decided to pick the 800 metres as our main race for the night. We lined up in heat 1 with the elites and nervously awaited the gun. As we leaned forward the same thought was racing through everyone’s head – ‘Would Meghan Markle’s Dad be attending the Royal Wedding?’ Mathew ran well and took 5 seconds off his Middlesbrough time with 2 mins 25.1 secs – all the more impressive as he’d ran 10k earlier in the day. I was really pleased to grab 4th spot in a time of 2 mins 19.9 secs. Think I’m close to being able to represent the North East in the Masters Athletics events with that sort of time for my age. (although my 100metres time from a couple of weeks ago is slowly slipping down the rankings).
It’s back to Middlesbrough on 12th June. There will be 100, 400 and 3000 metres, Hammer, Shot and Long Jump to keep us amused. An attendance of over 3 (including at least one lady) is the only thing that will stop job losses in the SRPD – and nobody wants to see that. Please ignore my illusions of grandeur with talk of fast times and rankings and the like. It’s just a bit of fun – so pick a heat that’s close to your average time and give it a go.
Finally, good luck to friend and fellow Strider Michael Burke who, if you don’t already know, is running the small matter of 110 miles in the Hardmoors event over the weekend of May 26/27. That really does put our 800 metre exploits into a bit of perspective…
Paul J
Love these write-ups Paul! Keep them coming!