News: Northampton Saints - SWH7 -What a Walk!
By Mark C
October 22 2008
I've been following the Saints for many years now, but only a few seasons as a regular visitor to Franklin's Gardens. Having first noticed the article about SWH two years ago, I thought, "That's a good thing the club does". To be honest, it didn't really appeal to me. Bear with me, I'd only read the programme notes!
BY MARK C
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS HODDLE
Getting more and more involved with Saints over the years, I found myself on the Offy Forum. This really is miles behind the COYS site which I discovered shortly after our recent relegation to Div 1. I have two simple comparisons between Offy Forum and Div1, been there, seen it thanks, don't really want to have to revisit!
It was through our ND1 campaign that I really took note of the whole site and found the SWH message boards which I took more of an interest in having seen previous articles about this. It was here that I read all about how it started and the great things that the SUPPORTERS do. It really has little to do with the club.
It seemed an age waiting for this season's fixture list to be released but once they were, talk started about SWH7. It wasn't long until I was drawn into the relevant topics and decided I would walk this year and raise some money. It was not hard for me deciding that I'd do the Wolverton walk as I felt up for the challenge. I do many mountain treks in Snowdonia so thought I'd know what I was up against!
My first "effort" towards the walk was printing and distributing a few hundred leaflets. This was done pre season and yet soon enough the walk was just round the corner (no pun intended!).
Sponsors were slow to start with, except family members and close friends, but soon my colleagues were adding their names to my list (I opted not to do online sponsoring this year, stuck to the basics!) In the final week I hit my personal target and passed it with some late notice sponsors. All that was left now was the walk!
The night before was great... very little sleep, not through excitement, but my ody simply saying "nope, not tired yet, not sleeping" 5 hours sleep was somehow managed and thankfully there was a F1 qualifying session on in the early hours to allow me to wake up gradually! Everything packed, then unpacked and packed again, just to make sure I had everything.
Off I set for the train station and the 9.42 Northampton to Wolverton. Amazingly, on an 8 carriage train I found myself sat opposite fellow walkers!
The 1st group assembled at Wolverton and we set off for Franklins Gardens at 10.25am.
the weather was absolutely perfect for walking, not too hot, gentle breeze and a lovely sunny sky overhead.
This was the slower pace walk and therefore it allowed photo opportunities along the way. Chris Hoddle was amazingly quick at this... he found a lovely photographic opportunity (image right) before we'd even left the car park! You won't be surprised therefore, to hear he was just arriving at rest break number 1 as the rest of us were ready to set off again!
Rumour has it that the "Quick March" group setting off an hour later were going to be chomping at our heels and would easily have passed us by Stoke Bruene. The glorious world of technology kept us informed that St Dom had departed Wolverton just 15 minutes behind us and was steaming our way. He passed us on the way to Stoke Bruene. St Dom was spotted jogging a few paces along the towpath shortly after passing us and is therefore Jogglet Senior.
Our "lunch break" was taken at Stoke Bruene and despite sitting around for 20 minutes, there was still no sign of the speedsters. So onwards we went and this is where it all got a little strange for me. Usually I go through Blisworth Tunnel as I'm often found on the family narrow boat through the summer! This time it wasn't to be, and we headed up and over Blisworth Hill. The only road walk of the route.
Unfortunately somebody thought the collection tin would be better if it had loose change in it... clunk, clunk, clunk - at least we knew the tin was still with us!
Just before our arrival at Gayton (still no sign of the speedsters) we spotted our target, well we could see the building next to our target!
Arrival at Gayton was about 3pm as planned and we were joined by a large army of walkers. It was at this point of the walk I really got the feeling of what an excellent effort this is by all. Matt Lord and Neil Best were to join us at Gayton but unfortunately those of us who'd come from Wolverton didn't want to hang around too long as we were starting to feel the aches.
So off we set again, which actually led to quite a few Gayton starters leaving as well. I don't know what it looked like to anyone walking in the opposite direction, but I wouldn't want to have been walking "the wrong way".
The downhill section of the walk was very welcoming and I was truly amazed at the pace we kept on at. It actually ached to go slower! Under the M1 and we were welcomed into the town
This was at about 3.50-4pm and we really were doing well for time. Down to the lake at Sixfields and along the path to Franklins Gardens via the car parks at the South Stand end.
It was along the paths round the lake where our first quick pacer passed by, was he sent in a hurry simply to back up the statement they'd pass us?
Our arrival at FG was about 4.35pm and kindly applauding us on arrival was St Dom, who found he was only fifteen minutes behind his lads; the walk isn't officially over until you've reached out and desperately touched Uncle Keiths Famous Tackle!
What a feeling that was!
My ankles began to hurt once I'd stopped but that was some walk and definitely something I'd do again.
Anyone involved should give themselves a pat on the back, it is amazing what we can do as a group and it is even better knowing what good causes the money raised will go towards.
See you all next year then!
Bridesmaids no more.
I found the walk much more difficult than last year, and the photo above doesn't show the lines of pain still etched on my face.
Still, nothing a few pints of Guinness wouldn't cure - not to mention 50 points over the Frenchies!
See you again next year.
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
I demand a re-run this weekend!
Graham, up that pace another few notches.
Good to accompany you on the "Slow? Walk"
- good people and a good time (and great piccies Chris).
Mr. Gleadell - this weekend for a re-run is too soon for me. I need a 52 week build up to next walk!
David C.
been roped into a veterans hockey tornament on the base of that.
the reall reason was for raising money and i am very proud of my efforts. had a late donation on Monday from one of the parents £50!
can we do it again this weekend?
you don't fancy doing the Sarries preview, do you?
I really enjoyed our slower pace - not really a race but it was satisfying to know one can do the walk without racing along [well for my legs that's what it feels like!] but still have the great feeling of finishing well.
Lesley
Normally we set off at sunrise if its an afternoon kickoff to get there in time for a pie and a pint.
Looks like we will all be setting off at the same time next year whatever our speeds.