Gibbon's Time Trial 2007
This has to be the event of the season so far. The weather had been a shocker all week. Tornados on the Wednesday and Thursday and then a howling freezing Southerly on the Saturday. Hardly a breath of wind and perfect for racing; the only wind we had was created by “Gale force Glenn”, “Tornado Tanya” and “Storming O’Shea”!
This was a whole new course and concept for the club. Hats off to Colin for the initial suggestion of a track event. A lot of people were concerned when it was initially suggested the whole event would be on the track. I think what we ended up with made for the best event for some seasons. Several times round the track, followed by a road race and then 2.5 laps to finish made for a great race and finish. Tarata and Dudley roads, although not steep hills, require some strong walking; if you are fit you can power thro’ this part of the course and then have enough left for some fast track racing.
I make a special mention of Brian in the Master’s race. Brian has struggled on a few occasions this year. He has been torn between doing a 5K and a 10K. This race I made the decision for him; he as a little disappointed initially. Today he had a better walk than we have seen for maybe 2 years. Afterwards he said, put me down for 5K each week! Brian – it is great to see you enjoying your walking again – that is why we do it! Brian was first home (sorry about your handicap next time!), followed by Richard and Arthur. Brian also took fastest time on the day (37’39 for 5.2K).
In the women’s event, it took PBs to win. Tanya Campbell is in her first season with us and certainly looks to be enjoying herself. Today she walked very strongly and finished with a time of 69’21, her best 10K time. This was a close race though with Valda finishing 3 seconds behind and then a further 6 seconds to Lorraine. Again Valda’s was a PB in a time of 66’54. Lorraine looked to have one of her strongest walks for a couple of years – well done. Sandra Morrati was fastest on the day in a time of 61’32.
The men’s race proved to be a race between two horses, a young Stallion and a Carthorse. Glenn walked his fastest race of our season and so proved a worthy winner. When you are the handicapper, it is always a tough decision when you come to do your own time. Today I got a bit of stick because my handicap seemed soft! I had the previous night plied the handicapper with a nice pinot noir and a rather crisp Sav Blanc – remember that is all you have to do to get good handicaps! All joking aside, I absolutely enjoyed the race today. I arrived early and made sure I warmed up properly, up until this race I have a shocker of a season and my handicap time reflected this. Today was different; I felt good and got a fantastic start. Glenn won by 5 seconds from me, but I pushed him to the line – it is disconcerting, when you have 800 metres to go and has 1K – but boy do you race! This was my best 10K time for 2 or 3 years, so a good day at the office! Denis Hastie was 3rd home and again a much deserved placing as this was a PB in a time of 64’41 – fantastic Denis! Glenn took fastest time on the day of 46’25.
Many, many thanks to the helpers on the day – Wayne, Marion, Dave Wackrow, Vanessa, Sue and Gary. We cannot run such a successful event without you all. A fantastic morning tea/lunch put on by Colin and Teresa – thank you.
Results:
