SNOW HANDICAP TODAY

Quite pleased that the SALE HARRIERS Christmas handicap was cancelled (prior to the bad  weather )and meant that I wasn't even tempted to make the journey this weekend.  It would have been the first time I'd done one since the '60s when I lived in Manchester.  Everyone used to bring a small prize worth about £2 and the club would put up a hamper or a large basket of fruit for the winner.  Each participant would then come forward in finishing order and take something off the table. Much as they do still in many fell races today.  When I opened THE COMPLETE RUNNER in the early '80s I recall a few occasions when we continued the Christmas handicap tradition and it was maintained by the Ben Rhydding running group based at the hockey club and then Ilkley Harriers when based there.  This photo was given to me by ace supervet KEVIN O'HARA ,now Bingley Harriers/Dragons R.C. Yeadon.  He is the runner in the rather fetching Harlequin Jesters number.  The legend that is Steve O (Steve O'Callaghan) is setting his watch, with the red gloves on, joining the group from Valley Striders Leeds.  I have selected matching lycra top and tights in turquoise and pale lilac adorned with seasonal silver trimming.  Umm, nice. 
     A fun festive event but note that all on the start line are wearing current racing shoes.  Not sure who won but do remember anyone who overtook Kevin was turned into a rabbit by the magic wand he ran with.
     Today's run went very much as planned.  The road outside the house is a sheet of ice but walking gingerly
for just a few minutes I found clear gritted roads and managed an out and back 11 miles via the Lido, golf club, Nesfield and beyond but could probably continued all the way to the A59, no problem.  So  an average 45 miles for this easier week as the year drawrs to a close.  Let's hope for a thaw soon and a return to routine but I'm not holding my breath ,as they say.  Could mean a week of road miles and treadmill (sorry,  RUNGRINDER) running  but that's safer than trying to run offroad where ice is likely to be hiding underneath the snow.