Old Men Running

[Bierzo Baggie]

First event of the new era; Ponferada 10k road race.
 
4 Old Men Running signed up for 10k around the streets of Ponferrada under the cover of darkness. Proceeds of the race go to the substance abuse rehabilitation centre “Proyecto Hombre” which does a fine job in this area.
 
The turnout was poor however. The first decent snowfall had covered many of the surrounding hills during the week and there was a vicious chill in the air. And there were divisions in the new team from the very start. Oscar and Terry M. chose to warm up outside while me and Rolly enjoyed the warmth of the sports centre and watched a game of basketball. Oscar even decided to line up at the front with the proper runners. I’m beginning to doubt his commitment to the project.
 
The course was a gut buster with a couple of short, sharp hills to break the rhythm but I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed it. The 200 or so runners taking part didn’t really justify closing off roads on a Saturday night and pissing off the drivers trying to get from one side of the town to the other but it felt great and more than a little self indulgent to have the streets to ourselves.
 
And it was a successful first meeting for the new team.
 
Roland was 3rd in the over-60 category, an excellent achievement for the man from Amsterdam. Unfortunately the podium was placed in a particularly cold and exposed spot so Rolly didn’t even leave the comfort of Terry M’s Jag to collect his prize. Wild Oscar unsurprisingly achieved the fastest time. I was more than happy to get around in less than 50 minutes and so was Tery who was running his first ever race.
 
Next “happening” Villablino Trail race, 1 week ago, oops…