Travelling to Cofton Park on Saturday lunch time I commented to experienced kite-surfer Tony Hoy that it would be a better day for that type of activity than cross-country running. When he responded that it was in fact far too gusty for kite-surfing I knew we would be in for a challenging afternoon! I always like to find 3 positive things in a challenging scenario, which on this occasion were 1) it wasn’t raining; 2) the wind might actually dry the ground out a bit; and 3) a decent tailwind could even help us along.
Point 2 seemed to come true, as it was fairly dry and firm, and watching the ladies come through there was minimal evidence of mud. Massey’s ladies once again tested the course for us, and had another very impressive showing, well done everyone who ran. Massey men had 31 on the start line in blustery conditions, including XC Massey debuts for Peter Freedman, Jose Luis Sanchez, Leighton Jackson and John Bennett. Cofton Park is fairly undulating, after a fairly quick and chaotic start (starting gun/horn anyone?) there are a couple of sharp climbs, a flatter section and then relative freewheeling downhill before the final climb, and descent. Once again there was fantastic Massey support around the course, it means so much to get a big cheer and encouragement when your legs are screaming STOP!
Massey A Team finished in 10th place in the race, an improvement of one position from Newbold Comyn, and augmented superbly by a fantastic 4th place finish for Pete Freeman who recently joined Massey officially, but is well known to a few of us having competed in the Batavarian and Hilly 100 in the past. Pete is a fantastic addition to the team, and it is great to have a Massey runner competing at the business end for us in this division. Other new members also improved their positions in the counters this year, Dean Clarke was 2nd counter and improved by 16 positions, and Mick O’Shea was 4th counter with an improvement of 22 positions. It is getting highly competitive to secure a top 6 place this year which is great for the club. The “B” team also performed much more strongly with a 5th place finish, showing the strength in depth when we had a few strong runners withdraw before and on the day through illness and injury. Well done to everyone who improved their positions on Saturday, which as well those mentioned included Dave Conway (1 position), Simon Brown (16), Dave Lee (1), Dean Semple (5) and Jamie Turner (19).
Overall a massive well done to everyone who came out on a very windy day a few weeks before Christmas, got kitted up and gave their all for Massey Ferguson in the cross country. It’s a tough old challenge which is a big test of character, but hopefully everyone who ran will have felt a huge sense of pride and satisfaction at the end, and enjoyed their beer, wine (or coffee) that bit more on Saturday night. For those who haven’t tried it before, or maybe haven’t got involved yet this season I really recommend coming and joining this great team event. Aside from the great camaraderie pre-race, the interaction with fellow like-minded runners from across the region, and incredible stirring support around the course, it will improve you as a runner! 2 years ago I did my first season and really struggled, barely bothering the top 12 and generally finding it a tough and frustrating experience. After the season I went on to PB all my times on the road, most by several minutes, and have managed to be a counter in most XC races since. Cross country running is tough whatever standard you are, but it is the best way to build strength and stamina which will pay off on the road in 2016.
So have a fantastic Christmas and New Year, keep up the training and let’s try and have an even stronger showing at Cheltenham on 16th January.
Ross Cooper – (Men’s Captain)
Full Results attached, Massey men’s placing’s below:
A Team
4 Peter Freedman 35:20
52 Dean Clarke 39:24
56 Dave Conway 39:33
60 Mick O’Shea 39:37
93 Ross Cooper 41:10
98 Dave Clarke 41:23
B Team
110 Jason Nicholson 42:00
120 Simon Brown 42:33
124 Tony Hoy 42:49
134 Dave Lee 43:10
140 Ian Redford 43:23
147 Dean Semple 43:44
Other Finishers
149 Jose Luis Sanchez 43:58
157 Richard Taylor 44:20
164 Jamie Turner 44:58
181 Steve Mumford 45:58
201 Richard Lapworth 47:57
205 James Towey 48:22
206 Leighton Jackson 48:30
211 Martin Smith 48:57
217 Martin Judge 50:13
218 Nathan Bignall 50:27
219 Scott Kirton 50:28
226 Graham Patton 51:51
227 Richard Sale 52:20
233 John Bennett 56:38
239 Daniel Connolly 62:47
240 Dave Goodwin 65:24
242 Dave Phillips 70:30
DNF Gary Lawson
DNF John Hosie
Massey Ferguson Runners Club
Coventry
