Comment
We received a mass email from England Athletics this week saying that they will not grant any new race licences before June 1st, and any alrady issed are not valid.
Individual licence deadlines and payments have been put on hold.
The date given could well be pushed forward- who knows at this stage?
All the competitive running that we are us to is suspended, and could fall by the wayside for the entire year. In due course I hope to be able to advise you of events that will be ON- but until then, let's look at some other running aspects and support.
It's relatively minor beside the scale of the national and international emergency, but I do feel a great sympathy with circumstances for all my club colleagues, and wider, perhaps especially for those whose new-found initiative, success and progress are now put at risk. And with those who have prepared for races, marathons, etc, and are denied the opportunity that they worked for.
Initiatives: Fitness/Training
I know there has been activity on social media: and all is not lost, there are things we can do. Runners are better placed than most. You are encouraged amongst other things to take one outdoor excursion as recreational exercise: an opportunity ideal for runners. The requirements of you are simple and clear:
* Run on your own or
* With at most one other non-family member
* Obey the ‘social distancing’ criteria and other directives
Use these initiatives I am suggesting if you think they will help and keep in touch via ‘website@rotherhamharriers.org’ or social media (for queries or comment)
Here are Three Initiatives which will be developed over the coming weeks, maybe months, and ultimately possibly as group runs
1 Hanami
I haven't come across this Japanese word before to be honest- but the concept is very familiar. It's what a lot of us take part in once we get off-road. 'Off-road' can mean trail etc, or hybrid mixed with pieces of road.
If you can find time to take a walk, or a run, try getting to Brecks and behind :isterdale School (The Broe) is an access to Listerdale. !00 mdtres in is a fabulous display this year. Maggie took me the early shot around 3 weeks back- it's brilliant now.
This is not public land, leave nothing but footprints, takenothing but memories.
What I most look forward to is getting off-road, especially supporting newer runners who may not realise just how easy it is to find ‘countryside’ (or a near approximation) close to our urban base in Rotherham. And being able to run brings it more within your reach, and the better you can run, the greater the reward of it. And in spring it’s great. This year however April indeed will be cruel, no group runs, no races, no cameradie….and it seems no light at the end of the tunnel.
2 EnviroRuns
Environmental runs are often also 'hanami'- but we are looking at not only nature in all its senses but historical geographical and social aspects. It's easier to do than to describe' It's what we do.
3 Ten Top Hills
I have a list of likely candidates for the ten top hills: you can add your own to the list if they differ (go to list)
I will arrange them according to their steepness and length, and in terms of suitability as good development/training challenges for different standards of runner- starters, developers, experienced
I ask YOU to rate them
NB if you are relatively inexperienced, try just getting to the top without a stop. Slow as you like.
The two starter top hills are Rencliffe Road and Alma Road 1 and 2.
Take care.