Mud glorious mud

Yesterday's 6.2 mile North East Harrier League cross country race on Newcastle Town Moor was a bit of a slog. With a very heavy and water logged course, persistent rain and a chill wind.

Unfortunately I have not been able to find any results,as yet, but I managed to get around the two short and one long lap in, a not very impressive, 46min 50 sec to finish 3rd counter for the team of 6 behind Luke and Daniel, with Steve, Paddy and Brian making up the team.

Despite a little disappointment it was an enjoyable run in testing conditions. The heavy ground, did however, take its toll as I ended the day with very sore and tight hamstrings and a swollen right knee.

The North East Harrier League is primarily a team event and each race is ran on a handicap basis.

The Harrier League was my first taste of success as a runner, when I was a part of the Blaydon team that won the league in the 1981/82 season (my first winter of running). Four year ago was the nearest we got to winning again, only losing out to Sunderland Harriers on countback after the final race. Unfortunately the following years resulted in a mid league placing, followed by relegation to Division 2 and last year further relegation to Division 3.

This year we are making a concerted effort to start working our way back up and hopefully yesterday's efforts will consolidate our position at the top of Division 3 with 3 races remaining.

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