After the Black Mill, it's all downhill

One of the great things about belonging to Kingston is the variety of events on offer and, despite, our name, they don't all involve road running. Having been in Scunthorpe the week before with a large KUHAC contingent taking on the North Lincs 10K and half marathon, this Sunday (March 13) found me on Beverley Westwood getting ready to run in the Yorkshire Vets Cross Country Championships.

Apparently you only have to be 35 (😂) to be classed as a vet so I was joined by Jo, Nat, Amanda, Simon Downes, Gregan and the two Toms. Jo and I were in the same race, two laps of the course for 5K. Everyone else was in the 10K which meant going round four times and, believe me, twice was tough! The first part was into a wooded area on the edge of the Westwood which was both hilly and very muddy, then a long stretch into the cold head wind before turning towards the famous Black Mill. From there it was much easier, mainly downhill with a backwind until you reached the start - then do it again.

Gregan had set up a Kingston tent and banner so we had a meeting place. All in all, well outside my comfort zone, but very enjoyable. I'm a great fan of taking the chance to get involved in events like this; as I said, it's one of the things that makes Kingston special. So far this year I've been at Barton for the Winter League, at Pocklington for the Snake 10, at Skidby for the Ferriby 10 and at Scunthorpe and Beverley - and it's still only March!

If you see these events coming up, please think about giving them a go. It's always nice to surprise yourself and you can be sure that you will get all the help and encouragement that you need. I was out on the course this morning and got a huge cheer from a East Hull Harrier marshaling. Last year we found ourselves battling at the back of just about every Champagne League race - and now we're mates. That's running for you 😀