Winter Handicap Race 7

The Penultimate Race: 

Photo courtesy of Amy Makechnie (U.S.A.)

I wasn't sure whether this race would actually go ahead. Race 6 had already been cancelled and the previous week had seen significant snowfalls. It did actually manage to thaw on Sunday and Monday, which meant a good deal of surface water lying around the course.
Well, what's a drop of rain and the odd bit of wind, don't be a wimp Frithy, get togged up and go! I managed to get down there with about 10 mins to my start time. Brilliant, we're not setting off in groups this time! I can just concentrate on getting round steady and keep a reasonable points distance between myself (2nd in points tally) and Martin B and Mark L. Just a minute, no Martin and NO Steve S (leader!) The pressure is on to run as fast as my little legs will go. Bu**er (butter?)! Chasing after the runner in front, I manage to pass a few before the inevitable happens. Steve Roebuck goes by, in vest and pants mode, and I wait for a few of the later starters to do the same.
Mark L sneaks by near the set of steps at Thurlstone and I try to hang onto him. A few more are overtaken and I sprint towards the line in the vain hope of pipping Mark on the line. Oh so close! He finishes 90 secs in front of me on the night, the same as the last WH. Can't be too bad then. Time wise, I'm down by nearly the same 90 seconds as the last clockwise run.

 The top 3 and prize winners were:

 1st  Barbara Haigh ( I just keep winning things!)
 2nd Nick Cable (The conditions were too soft for me!)
 3rd  Nell Law  ( I was robbed!) 

Thanks to all the usual organizers and timers. 

Quotes from facebook:

 

Nick Cable:   I liked it, tougher conditions suit me, keeps me cool, it was actually milder than you might have thought! The bottle of wine at the end always helps! Not to mention a pint of Belgian Blue and fish & chips after

 

 

 

Robin Clough:  Windy all the way, only time it seemed to assist was on the right turn up to the viewing point. Ran the second half of the race with one set of shoelaces undone!