The ‘Paws’ Cotgrave Multi Terrain 10K

8

SATURDAY 18TH APRIL 2009 - After being accused by Christian (who shall remain nameless) of “waffling” in my race reports, I have decided to introduce a ‘Waffle-ometer’. This gives each report a rating between 1 and 10, depending on the amount of waffle written. The rating will appear at the top of the report, thus giving the reader the opportunity of scrolling to the bottom and finding out the race result(s). Doing this, of course, will mean they will miss the story of the race as it unfolds, with the excitement building all the time to fever pitch and ending in a shuddering climax with waves crashing on the beach (as seen in ‘From Here To Eternity’ starring Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr).

This week’s rating is ‘8’, as you can see. You may think this is low but, as it is the first week, it allows for a bit of leeway for subsequent reports!

Four Striders competed in the biggest event seen at Cotgrave Country Park for the inaugural PAWS 10K, a completely off-road event, mainly on good tracks. Clive, Wayne and Neil represented the Men’s Team and christened themselves the ‘Golden Baldies’. Now, I know what you’re thinking ….. “Neil isn’t bald!” but as I am taller than most people in the Club, you may not have noticed. The truth is, I am going a bit thin on top. We are actually looking for a fourth member so we can compete as a team in races or even relays. We had hoped that Darryl may have entered but it seems that now Wayne is finding a bit of form, Darryl is avoiding him. If anyone would like to put their name forward for the ‘Golden Baldies’, give me a call. Only genuine baldies may apply – anybody shaving their head in a pathetic attempt to join will not be considered.

The race started by the Visitor Centre, with 91 competitors lining up in cold, windy conditions. Long-sleeved shirts were the order of the day, except for Wayne “Rock Hard” Hackett, who ran in his Club vest. Apparently, earlier in the day, his partner remarked on how nice his tummy was!!

The course consisted of two small loops and one large one, which took us up a nasty climb at about 6K. The wind was particularly strong around the lake which was circled twice. The lake itself is relatively new and the planting scheme will take time to mature. It will, however, soon become a haven for wildfowl, including ducks, swans and the inevitable Canada geese. You may be interested to know that the Canada goose is not a native species. It was introduced to Britain via Stately Homes and gardens in the 18th & 19th Centuries and subsequently escaped into the countryside where it has become somewhat of a pest. If you have had a goose in your back garden, please click onto www.agooseinmygarden and follow the links.

We turned for home after the second circuit of the lake and a nice flat section to the finish line. Neil finished 7th in 42:13, Wayne was 15th in 46:16, after overtaking Clive at about halfway, who finished 19th in 46:31. In her first off-road event, Julie Jaggard had a good run, finishing just outside her PB in 51:50 for 41st place.

After the race we were able to have our photograph taken with Harry the Hare (see picture – can you spot the hair?!?). Harry actually bore an uncanny resemblance to Bugs Bunny but a legal representative from Loony Tunes (any chance of a job?) was on hand to ensure no infringement of copyright. Harry is available for children’s parties but I saw him without his head on and my advice to those of you with small children is, don’t risk it!

An excellent low-key event which gives us the chance of a top 20 finish and a nice bit of homemade cake.

If any of you wish to make a comment about the Waffle-ometer or wish to alter this week’s rating – DON’T!

Regards
Big Leggy

Note from Christian - Don't be sarcastic towards the webmaster!
PS - Sorry to Clive, the one wearing the oven mit, Julie and Wayne

To wake from your dream-(Click Here to go Back)