Well, I think it’s fair to say that this week can be described as nothing more than a washout, with rain and floods putting a halt to everyday life. Regardless, our runners got out when they could, putting in the miles for the week. Shall we see how they got on?
Our Juniors were the lucky ones having, what was probably, the driest training session of the week on Monday. And, with Kelly absent, it was Huw who helped Eric hold the fort and give our Juniors another fun yet beneficial session.
As for our Seniors, it was a week of disruption with a wet and windy Tuesday session followed by nothing after Thursday’s session was cancelled on health and safety grounds due to the floods. But, back to Tuesday and it was over to Croft Woods with a long interval session led by Eric. This was also the session in which we would decide as to who would be getting the Croft place at the 2025 London Marathon. Well done to Clare Preece who was the lucky runner who had their name pulled from the hat.
Parkrun Saturday was a little bit different for Crofties this weekend with Ludlow being cancelled due to forestry works. Instead, our runners got their Saturday morning Parkrun fixes elsewhere.
Over in Hereford, it was Steve bringing it home for Croft in 11th place with a time of 20:33. The first overall female was Junior runner Saffi. She also recorded a new personal best of 21:37. Other Croft runners who made the trip over to Hereford were Naomi, Steph K and Lisa. At Groe Parkrun in Builth, Eric would finish in first with a time of 17:05. And, down south in Exmouth, Sam J would also come home in first position with a PB and a time of 15:36. Well done all!
Saturday was also the Hope Valley Run that takes place just outside of Hereford. Unfortunately, with the weather being as it has been, and the next Club Championship race taking place on Sunday, it was Jo M being the sole flag bearer for Croft. She finished 6th female overall and 2nd in her age category, with a time of 1:26:26.
Sunday morning again proved to be a washout, but with many of our runners fed up with the rain, they went out and competed in several races in the local vicinity and beyond regardless.
First up was Saffi who took part in the 10k Well Run in the Cotswolds. She finished this undulating/hilly road race 31st out of 96 runners in a time of 49:33 – a new 10k PB for our Junior runner!
Over in Bridgnorth, Amy and Sue P took part in the annual Bridgnorth 10k. Sue finished in 01:03:21 and Amy in 01:05:59.
Elsewhere, Hannah took on the Abingdon Marathon in Oxfordshire. Her finishing time was 03:25:39.
This Sunday was also the Ron Skilton Half Marathon. A favourite of Crofties, this race was chosen as the October round of the inter-club Championship. And, despite the deeper than usual river and thick, sticky mud, our runners seemed to have enjoyed themselves out on the Welsh trails. Although full results are yet to be published, we can tell you that Eric came home 2nd overall and 2nd male overall, while Emma brought it home in 1st for the ladies. Grant finished 1st in the MV50 age category.
Next will be a big one for a large group of Sky Blue runners as they take on Marathon Eryri up in North Wales! We want to wish them all the best of luck!
Brilliant running this week, Crofties! Please remember that our upcoming training sessions will be available to view on our Facebook page every MONDAY MORNING. In the meantime, don’t forget, we’re always on the look out for your race reports for the website, so get posting them on Facebook or send them to either Sam H, Huw or myself (Bronwyn).