Pukekura Wind Down 2007
What a fantastic event this one is. This is one fast course. Mike summed it up – “how can this be called the Wind down”? The times recorded today were incredible, with various PBs once more. It was more like a lot of fully wound up springs and ready to fly. The weather conditions were perfect for racing, no wind again (there is rarely wind for this event so maybe that’s why it’s called wind down?)
As Handicapper my main aim is to give the time keepers a nightmare, today I nearly achieved it. There was only 1 minute 30 separating the first 16 positions. Looking along Kaimata Street (after admiring the pink of the cherry blossoms, the yellow of the Kowhai and the red of the Rhododendrons) it was great to see such a large bunch of walkers. It bunched even more along Brooklands and Victoria.
In the men’s race Peter Adamski raced the fastest anyone has seen. A PB by a long way in 31’41 and just held out a very fast finishing Dave Wackrow. It was great to see Gordon out there racing a great 5K – good way to finish the season in just under 33 minutes. Fastest time went to Eric in 25 minutes 12 (who forgot once again to admire the scenery!). In the Women’s race, Anne, after a very satisfying breakfast, tore away from the field to finish ahead of Valda and Marlene. Valda once again did a PB in a great time of 30’58. Marlene’s was probably also a PB in 31’45. The fastest time was Valda. The race of the day was in the Master’s event. Brian had won every event in this category for the last few weeks. He has been on the improve with obviously a lot of training going on. When I calculated the handicap times I felt I had it about right this time. Well, what a race. Coming down Brooklands you could see the race unfolding with Arthur closing on Ivor and Brian chasing hard to catch Arthur. What a finish! Ivor managed to hold out Arthur by 6 seconds and then a further 4 seconds back to Brian. It was a great race to witness; it must have been even better taking part. Well done all 3 of you, you are an inspiration to us. Brian took fastest time in a superb time of 34’31.
Well that’s it another season is over, only the half marathon to go. The points trophy has still to be decided, with it going right to the wire – Brian, Dennis and Wacky – any of you can win it so there will be some keen racing in the Daily News half. The track season starts soon, I hope most of you will be able to make the track this season – Inglewood Tuesday nights – 6:30 start date of about 23rd October.
Thank you everybody for a great season of racing. I have learnt lots of new ideas this year, plenty of experimenting and practice during the summer season. Not sure whether to have the same breakfast as Anne (certainly turns in some good times) or Valda’s more conservative breakfast style, as all she wants is her Molenberg. Then we have the continuing experiment of night before events – red wine seems to be winning over white at the moment. The latest I tried was 2 glasses of Riesling/Traminer; a beautiful combination wasn’t impressed with my walk though! The bake off has been a close one between Tanya and Alan’s Rachael – I had better call it a tie I think. Look forward to judging this contest again next year!
Tanya and Gaylene you have been a great addition to the club this year. Your walking has improved immensely and the support and vibrancy you have given has been a fantastic asset. The moment of the year has to be the baton change between Ivor and Gaylene – one which we will always treasure. Last year in my wrap up I raved about the progress that Dennis had made during the season and suggested with work you would break 30 minutes this year. Well, you certainly listened and today you did 29’31 – fantastic improvement. Well mate, you need a new goal. I am no coach, but if you work on refinements to your technique then this time next year you will have broken 60 minutes for 10K and you will do 28’15 for 5K.
Valda, please can you tell us your secret please. You changed your technique for the 5K club champs, and have just improved out of sight. Tony reckons you must have some coaching from Jeff because your technique is so similar. Straight back, short stride and fast turnover. Fantastic improvement for the season.
Thank you everybody, a great bunch of people, a great season. Let’s encourage even more to join us next year! Now that we have broken the 30 mark for an event, let’s make 35.
Results:
