What a Wonderful Weekend!
12/07/2009 by Dick.
Got back from the first Club Training Weekend this afternoon tired, happy and dry!. Despite a Saturday late afternoon/evening/night of rain, a goodly bunch of Harriers and families had a whale of a time at a marvellous camp site just a jog through the flower-covered dunes from the sea.
Andy C, aided by his glamourous assistant - daughter Charlie - put on a beautifully planned and executed programme that was much enjoyed and appreciated by all. Three cheers for the Crebers!
Yes there were some excellent training runs and workshops for the serious runner, but all the youngsters from under 12 months onwards were included in the fun, sport and games. From giant paddling pool to junior orienteering courses to campfire-toasted marshmallows to party games to an all-inclusive quiz etc etc there was no time or opportunity for kids (or adults) to get bored.
Even a slight drizzle on Friday night couldn’t put a damper on the campfire BBQ. And though we were driven under cover on Saturday night the all-age teams contested the games with such enthusiasm and competitiveness that Mr C had a job keeping some of the keenest players from settling the contested points by force of arms!
People we thought we knew well displayed some surprising talents. Even Jane R’s Dave was forced to say “I never knew you could do that Jane” when she demonstrated her event-winning body-flexing in the picking-up-the-cut-down-cornflake-packet-with-your-teeth contest. And daughter Beth was nearly as good. Charlie C also showed great body control at the climax of this game but overbalanced at the crucial moment due to being, as she herself said, “top-heavy!”- something I hadn’t noticed before (ahem).
Other hidden talents included off-road skills from Caroline, Jane and Suzie, who however was reluctant to try her stream-crossing technique for fear of wetting her marathon shoes because she needed them dry for Abingdon in October… She later had a small whinge when she had to wet her second dry pair in crossing the stepping stones by Ogmore castle. Perhaps she needed them for a race in 2010?
We started with a small select band on Friday but the Saturday arrivals swelled numbers to a nice size. Credit to all who still came despite leaving home in the rain.
So good to have a hot, drying sun on Sunday morn. A run round the Xmas pud course including the Big Dipper sand dune rounded off a great weekend. When my chauffeur Savage Bill & I drove away Mr C and daughter were still putting the last few things away. I think all who went will join me in saying thanks Andy & Charlie for a brilliant effort. So much planning, preparation and sheer hard work were really appreciated by everyone.
Let’s hope we do it again next year. We just had to turn up with a tent and some food (though Postman Pat managed to get away with neither) and enjoy!
