Events Diary
Rat Race, Green Belter, Thirsk, North Yorkshire
Find out how are very own physiotherapists are preparing for a fun filled adventure race!
The challenge is on……..
Inspired by some our amazing patients, our team of physiotherapists have decided to enter an adventure race. As part of the Rat Race series of events the Yorkshire Green Belter is to be held on July 30th 2011 at Newburgh Priory Estate, near Thirsk,
The event explores the natural beauty of the local area whilst comprising of:
- Biking – 17 km – the track is described as having some great technical climbs followed by fast descents.
- Running - 10 km - Once off their bike the team will have to contend with more of the same undulating terrain as they cover the distance on foot.
- Water – 0.5 km – Into the kayaks as they set off across a secluded lake in the grounds of the estate.
- Obstacles – As if that wasn’t enough the event finishes with the Mighty Green Machine an inflatable assault course.
So how are our team preparing for this? Three teams have been entered into the event:
The Boys: Dave Magee and Steve Veitch
The Girls: Juliet Raine and Joanne Shields
The Elite: Chris Barrett and The Stig (whose name cannot be revealed for legal reasons!)
Training began strongly for the girls after kitting themselves out with shiny new bikes, they were keen to put in the miles. Thunderstorms and accidents could not stop them until a netballing incident resulting in a fractured scaphoid for Joanne. This has not only put paid to her bike training but she is out of action at work with her very own Sports Injury!
Not wanting to loose their cardiovascular fitness ‘The Girls’ are focusing on developing their running, core stability and other challenges while Joanne’s injury heals. This weekend saw Juliet conquer Hellvellyn and take part in an open water swim at
With busy schedules and varied working hours sometimes it is difficult to fit in training but all teams are enjoying combining their training with the commute home and gradually increasing the mileage and speed.
‘The Boys’ team has focused more on the running aspect of the challenge and believe that it’s during this section they will beat ‘The Girls’. Probably correct, as of yet they have done very little bike training. When starting training as we commonly find with patients ‘The Boys’ would probably say their most valuable piece of equipment was appropriate footwear. So a couple of shiny new pairs of shoes later and the boys are flying.
‘The Girls’ are hoping better technique on the bikes will give them enough of a head start to negate the speed of ‘The Boys’ on foot however I think neither team believe there is a hope of beating ‘The Elite’. With Marathons, long-distance cycle races and Team GB kayak experience behind them, alongside the secret weapon of ‘The Stig’, ‘The Elite’ are carrying the hopes of the clinic for a win.
5th July 2011
So the training continues! With various ups and downs.
After a strong start to training ‘the girls’ hit a setback when Juliet injured her knee during the QE2 triathlon a few weeks ago. A slow recovery has forced her to stay off the bike and away from running and trying to maintain fitness with swimming. Joanne has continued to cross train with regular circuit classes and some longer rides on her bike at the weekends. ‘The girls’ hope to kick start their joint training sessions this week .... if Juliet can keep up!
‘The boys’ continue with the running and Dave was heard to say he was now “really enjoying” his training now. Steve continues with his long runs and maintains the friendly competitive banter within the clinic.
Chris is away on holiday and all other physio’s are hoping he is enjoying the good life in America and give the rest of us at least a fighting chance. Suspicions are high that he may actually be training at altitude in the Himalayas with the Stig!
21st July 2011
Chris returns from the USA slightly heavier and in no mood for endurance event banter but with a little encouragement gets back into training as race day is fast approaching. Meanwhile Steve and Dave realise a bit of biking pre-event is of utmost importance if they wish to get through the gruelling bike leg of the race.
30th July 2011 - Race Day!
Preparation has gone to plan (well almost as Juliet is feeling unwell) and team clinic are ready to go. The early stages of the race see a few surprises in the shake-up of early leaders. Remarkably the ‘boys’ are hot on the heels of the ‘elites’ and in fact take a shock lead when the stig and partner Chris take a wrong turn (as they pass the local ale house) and squander what appeared to be a very hard fought advantage.
The girls are also looking strong until Juliet succumbs to illness after a gruelling leg despite being in good position in the field. Jo cracks on alone showing the field what a great off-road cyclist she is with a blistering cycle leg. Normal order is restored as the high tech equipment of the elite lads proves invaluable as they build an unassailable lead within team clinic and a top 6 position is looming within the entire field.
The race comes to an end (thankfully) with everyone still in one piece and even Juliet recovers enough to see Jo cross the finish line in style. Steve’s dehydration not only causes immensely painful cramp but is also a great photographic opportunity for Jules as Steve roles around the floor close to the finish line (not enough water stations on the course).
Overall the day was a great success and fun was had by all. Final positions were 5th Chris/Stig, 19th Steve/Dave and 40th Jo/Juliet.
Well done guys, roll on next year!!!
