Seventeen tough Harriers lined up on what felt like a Winter's night of driving rain and strong winds to run the final Auldhouse 5k time trial of the year on Thursday 1st September. This one starts and finishes in Auldhouse and can provide the opportunity for fast conditions as the final hill is right at the end of the loop so no need to save anything in that last climb. However, this was not a night for times. Despite that some of the Harriers excelled.
Biggest improver of the season, Ian McKenzie absolutely smashed his season opener of 25:09 by two minutes, finishing in 23:08, a seasons best by 36 seconds. This was only Iain Tomb's third run around the course so his improvement is very much part of a learning experience, Iain improving by 2 seconds to set the fastest time of the night in an excellent 18:25. Jim Holmes came close to his season's best, just missing out by 4 seconds in 21:10. Given the conditions, he can probably count that as an improvement.
I didn't get a chance to report on the August race, so although the weather conditions were against Charlie McDougall bettering his time in September (he ran a still amazing 20:19), I've got to point out that Charlie's season's best of 19:51 set in August was at that time the 7th equal fastest time in the UK in 2016 for an M65. We can be pretty certain that few if any of the top 6 times were set on courses as tough as the Auldhouse loop. So well done Charlie.
Alison Lessells was our fastest lady on the night in her first time trial of the season. Alison ran a strong 22:47 and is getting back to form. Unfortunately Colin Banks strained a calf shortly after the start. Hopefully he stopped in time and is not seriously injured.
Well done to all for braving unpleasant conditions. A big thanks to Frances for the warm car on the finish line to shelter in and for transporting the walking wounded back to the club.
The overall summary of Auldhouse times is now up to date via the usual link in the menu or here and you can see the individual race timings:
Alan
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