Friday, February 26, 2010

TOM TRIUMPHS IN VALENCIA (and Neil and Jeff didn't do badly either)




After weeks and weeks of training, three Striders took on the streets of Spain's third city on Sunday February 21. Tom, Neil and Jeff ran in the 30th Valencia marathon, and didn't all three do well?
It was an early 08.30 start for the hardy trio, and the weather was not the hottest it had been of late, plus there was a threat of rain in the air. But that didn't put the lads off, cheered on by thousands of spectators including Roger, Sole, Ros, Brian, Sandra, Des and Sharon, all three achieved PBs. Mind you, it had to be a PB for Tom, as it was his first 26 miler, and he finished in the fantastic time of 2:47:26 coming home in 55th place, out of over 3,500 starters. According to the Power of 10 website, Tom's time was the seventh fastest marathon by a Brit so far in 2010.
Not to be outdone, Neil, running his fifth long 'un, took eight minutes off his PB, finishing in 3:08:14. We're all convinced he has a sub-three hour race in him, let's hope he manages it in Edinburgh in May, good luck Neil.
But what about the old fella? Jeff, also knocked a sizeable chunk off of his PB achieved at last year's Loch Ness race (3:15:21), crossing the finish line in 3:11:57 and also being crowned Over 60s Campeon (Vets F). But the daft twit didn't check the results and happily went off home, not realising he had won (it's his age, you know). It was only when he received a text with his time that it dawned on him. But he picked up his trophy the next day.
Three excellent results, three excellent times and three pretty tired but happy Striders.