YTRRC Sunday News: Dark Nights Do it Again

Dark Nights

You need to read all of this...From Matt Driver

Jan 14th 2017 – Haldon Forest 5K & 10K Obstacle Race
Obstacle 1 – “It’s like Herding Cats”
Trying to get seven people and a spectator to a race should not be this difficult! Are Katie, Frances, Nathan, J-P, etc. going to join us? Why does it take 47 FaceBook messages to organise? And while 1:15 might have been a little early to start, there’s nothing wrong with planning to arrive in plenty of time…
Obstacle 2 – “The Drive”
Broken down into teams, this test was an easy one with Liz Diamond driving Matt Driver and Richard Dodge, Richard Howes taking Steph Lara and Anita Rufus, and Rob Jones being the dutiful shopping husband to 1 and ½ Rachel.
Obstacles 3 – “Coffee”
On site a mere 2½hrs before race time is not great when Wessex Water are on site trying to resume water supplies meaning no hot drinks! The portaloos arrived just as it was getting dark, but Steph had already soaped up by then.
Obstacle 4 – “Conversation”
The main points here are “number two = poo”. Bathroom cleaner has a very male smell! Steph likes a sausage. Matt’s spaghetti looks like worms…worms that clearly rub up against potatoes so you should never eat potato jackets! Don’t get Liz started on fluffy potatoes! Anita is the most normal being a veggie. No-one likes gherkins. When do babies first kick and can Rob really tell? And how much water can Rob store in a moustache?
Obstacle 5 – “Memory”
It’s widely known that men can’t multi-task, but there’s a limit! All Rich H had to do was collect everyone’s race numbers AND pick up Nathan Gardiner’s coat from lost property from the previous race. Fail! Go back to the start Rich!
Obstacle 6 – “The race”
Overdressed Matt storms the 10K to take MV50…oh, just fourth place then…oh…not the first place you hoped for…awkward! Moving on, Rob, Rich, Rich, Steph and Anita also ran. Liz did the 5K. Rachel knitted three jumpers and a hat.
Obstacle 7 – “A pub for tea”
The Barn Owl is fully booked, so a walk encompassing the whole of Exeter (ok, we went up the road), gets us in the Brewers Fayre. Even though we were laughed at for turning up without a reservation, they fitted us in and did us proud…but with an hour’s waiting time…
Obstacle 8 – “Conversation #2”
With topics used up from the previous session, this was a tough test of mental stamina. Rob started us off with a chorus of “Whoomp! There it is!” The tap provided childish humour of its own by farting. And then we finished off the task with “eighties fashion trends”!
Obstacle 9 – “Food”
Jacket potatoes are FAR more exciting than they seem. Steph can even steal a chip from the chip stealing champion. Matt got ribbed about his food choice. Apple Tango (full fat) is amazing!
Obstacle 10 – “The Journey home”
Pretty uneventful…

YTRRC Challenge
If YOU want excitement, thrills, spills, merry japes and all round fun…plus an understanding of all the previous comments in this report…why not join us for the Moonlit Flit in Totnes?
Result link to follo

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Results 10k

Chocathon

Luke Hicks, Catherine Hansford, Chris Woodman, Kate Harris and Paul Allen made the trip to Kent for the Cakeathon - a 6 hour challenge around a just over 4 mile looped course with cake on every lap. Kate and Catherine set out to do half, Chris and Paul marathon and Luke decided on the day to get his ultra done for the hat.

Course was frozen and icy in places but it was clear and sunny so soon thawed out and became bog-like in places!

Catherine accidentally did an extra two miles on one lap due to not paying attention so ended up doing just over 15 miles. Kate did her half and the men all did marathon (Luke decided better of his ultra plan so early in the year).

There was also bake off competition. Luke and Catherine both entered cakes and bagged both first and second place trophies for their efforts. Chris and Paul have both also entered Sunday's Chocathon at the same course.

From Lesley

At a committee meeting recently it was thought we should try to enter some races with a view to try to win team prizes. It's not always clear which races award these as a team prize list is not often published. However, I have found a few over the next few months which I have listed below. So all you quick members have a think and chat to fellow fast runners to encourage them and secure teams of 4 men and 3 ladies. You don't have to enter as a team - provided you enter as 'Yeovil Town RRC' this will be counted as a team.

The few I have found so far are:

5th Feb - Blackmore Vale half marathon - 1st men and 1st ladies team prizes
12th Feb - Lytchett 10 miles which is filling fast I believe - 1st men and 1st ladies team prizes
26th Feb - Babcary is age graded but you still have a very good chance of winning - 1st men and 1st ladies
26th Feb - Bournemouth 10 miles - unfortunately, I think this is Full, however, some of you may already have entered and others could go on a waiting list - 1st, 2nd & 3rd teams
4th June- Crewkerne 10k - 1st men and 1st ladies (we have won this a few times in the past so let's see if we can do it again this year)

The prizes are usually for 4 men and 3 ladies. The above were awarded team prizes last year so I'm assuming it will be the same this year.

If anyone knows of any races coming up in the near or far future where team prizes are awarded please let me know.

You quick runners know who you are so talk to each other and all enter! Please let me know if you are 'going' for any or all of them as if I know I won't keep nagging you all on the blog!!

Marks Runs

SHERBORNE PUB RUN

We ran 5.7 miles round Sherborne tonight starting and finishing at the Teddy Rowe. I think the temperature dropped as we went round. The moon was out but it did look cloudy up above. Crossing over the main road we set off along a dark Lenthay road, to the last turning on the right. Then up the hill and right. A mix of narrow paths and roads took us back to Horsecastles lane. More paths and roads took us to Acreman street. We continued on, going past the Abbey and onto Long street. A long continuous stretch took us to the A30 at Dodge cross. We continued up the hill and along Cold Harbour, then took a right turn taking us through the houses. Blackberry lane took us to Back lane, Hospital lane, and back to the Abbey. Westbury and Ottery lane got us back to the pub. My cheesecake came with strange fruit tonight.

GOLDENSTONES RUN

A good group of us ran 10.7 miles from Goldenstones this morning led by Lynne. We went at a fast pace running a clockwise loop to the north and north-east of Yeovil. On the way round we pased two other YTRRC groups running in the opposite direction. The route included Ilchester road, the A37 hill, Yeovil Marsh, West Mudford, Mudford, Primrose Lane , Lyde road, Pen Mill, and Yeovil country park taking us back to nine springs. There were fine overcast views of the countryside, and it was quite mild. We also included a loop of the Pen Mill trading estate. Thanks Lynne and all.

Street 5k

Just seven YTRRC runners at Street 5k this evening. I found it more of a slog than usual last night and hated every minute of it! Luke unfortunately didn't get the PB he was hoping for but the conditions were against him last night, although it was dry the wind was cold. A good final lap and sprint at the end from Adam did him proud, well done. Our injured runners, Trevor and Lindsay came along to support us - thanks both, much appreciated. Well done to all.