Another busy week for Croft runners as the long summer days draw to a close.
Tuesday night was a glorious evening to be out running. Training was on Bircher Common with hill training led by Sam H. The pain of the 1-2 minute hill reps was made better by the amazing view from the common and the stunning backdrop of a fabulous double rainbow. Thanks to Anna for the photo.
While some were on the common, others were competing in the final of the Bearwood trail series, not too far away in Pembridge. This three race, off-road 10k series took place over the summer and didn’t Crofties do well? Gareth Leek led totake first place in each of the races and took home the series winner prize. Gareth, Stuart and Roland won the team prize and there were age group prizes for Stuart, Liza and Jim. Thanks to Mike for the support and the photos for this one.
Flora and Gary took part in the Cilcain Mountain Race on Bank Holiday Monday. 4.58 miles and 1263 feet of ascent. There were 260 runners – Gary finished second out of eight in his age category and Flora was won her age category in 52.09.
It was sprint training in the Forest for the club on Thursday night with Tim taking the lead – ten reps of 30 second sprints with 90 seconds recovery with warm up and cool down runs.
Parkrun Tourism is still going strong with the Croft Members, with Sam taking time out on his travels to run at the Treviso parkrun en route from Venice to the Dolomites. A two lap course through woodlands. Sam continues his fine form to be first across the line in 16.41.
A little further than a parkrun, but still with a tourism theme, Jo and Crispin travelled to Norway to take part in the Stavanger Marathon and Half Marathon. The route sounds amazing, around lakes and along the coastal path to a fjord. Jo is on top form at the moment and won her age category in 3.45. Crispin is going strong despite his bionic knee to finish the half in 2.17.
Ali and Anna organised social runs on Saturday and Sunday. There was a hilly seven mile road run in the North Shropshire hills on Saturday and I’m sure just as hilly off road 13.5 mile run in the Welsh mountains on Sunday.
Eric took part in the Cardiff 10k today and managed to bag a PB and 21st place.
Another busy week for Saffi. She finished second in her age at the Meteor Mile on Friday and at Alderton 5k on Saturday. She was first female at the Ross on Wye 5k and ran in the 800m track in 2.43 in Redditch, receiving her 7th ranking in various events.
Sunday morning saw a group of Crofties taking part in the Brown Clee Burn. A tough mixed terrain race up to the the view point of Brown Clee. Well done to Liza for her second prize in a week, again winning her age group!
