Molly Deely writes:
The Met League season began as ever with a long trek to the other end of the Central Line at Claybury Park on Saturday 15th October 2022. Conditions were firm underfoot which gave a gentle baptism of fire to cross country debutants and veterans alike. However, the hills remain very hilly! Though a few calendar clashes deprived us of some runners, a healthy flock of 11 women and 24 men represented the Eagles, in addition to our ever-dedicated duo Helen and Stuart Pugh who were there as league officials.
After this first fixture, our women’s team is holding its own in mid-table Division One in 9th place, and our men are sitting pretty in Division Two in 2nd place. I won’t jinx anything by mentioning the ‘P’ word!
We’re raring to build on this at our next fixture on 12th November on almost home turf at Wormwood Scrubs. Autumn will have well and truly set in, so there may be some of the muddy conditions that we’re all craving!
Here are some quotes from our happy Eagles:
XC season is back! After being teased with some rain before the start the bloody sun comes out for the run- boo! -Liz
First XC in 3 years. Was too hot and ripped my heels open, but apart from that it was great!- Charlotte
XC is back and humbling as ever. I was over a minute quicker than at Claybury 2021 and still couldn’t break my curse of being 2nd eagle in every met league. Now to put in a good performance at the pub! - Niall
My first XC it was pretty tough and hilly but I really enjoyed it! - Talia
Had a great time at my first cross country! Nice to meet lots of new eagles, and looking forward to many more! - Michael
Brutal, ballsy, brilliant so a typical XC race. Super turnout for the mens team. Roll on wormwood scrubs and who knows maybe promotion this year. - Kieran
Very much enjoyed the trip and team vibe of the cross country. The first time running Claybury- tough course and not a fan of the steep incline followed by decline. My strategy was to leave some in reserve for the final lap but struggled to make any significant places up. Slight mistiming on the finish- with one extra 50m could have made a place. All in all a great eagles day out! - Joseph
Warmer than expected. Glad I didn’t walk on the uphill bits. Annoyed to have been overtaken by two eagles at the end and to have been beaten by Greg by 2 mins. - Harry
Really enjoyed that for a first outing as an eagle doing x country. Pleased with my pacing and running and enjoyed the team atmosphere travelling together etc puts into the right mindset. Loved it and can’t wait for the next! -Raj
I was one of many eagles making their cross country debut and was keen to put in a solid run. One key piece of advice I was given was to take it steady for the first lap to make sure I had enough left for a sprint finish. Naturally I completely ignored this advice and went out as fast as I could. Safe to say my legs were like jelly by the second lap! - Molly