The Prince Albert, Frieth, 27th June 2007

Run Report by David

So, he's heard the need for change has he?

Not the most promising of starts, grammatically speaking, by the latest leader of the Scottish Raj that runs the country. Unless, of course, it was an oblique reference to the rattle of loose change, which is about all we've got left after 10 years of his stealth taxes and pension fund raids.

Sorry to start this report in such a gnarly fashion, but Brown's slack-jawed droning was the last thing I needed this morning after an arduous run and some dodgy beer from The Albert. Anyway, the report.

Amanda, Fred, Aude, Jules, Steve, Duds, Rodders and I met in decidedly damp conditions and set off uphill (when was it any different) As usual, I have no idea where we went, concentrating as I was on trying not to fall too far behind the aforementioned fitties. Apart from a brief conversation with Duds, not often those words appear in that order, during which he proclaimed that he was feeling like cack and Fred expressing concern about VPL (whatever that is). I can't remember too much about the first part of the run. Duds wish was soon granted though, as we made our way through a field containing several cows, a solitary bull and endless piles of the stuff that accompanies them. After a comfort break for Amanda, which was as welcome to me as to her, we ran down a long narrow path which had thoughtfully reinvented itself as a waterfall for the evening, ending up in another lane in the middle of I don't know where.

After wading one small lake at a junction, the fitties set off in the direction of Skirmett whilst I, map in hand, struck for home. No doubt some blogger will fill in the details of what happened to them, but my route back started with a near vertical half mile climb up another waterfall followed by another half mile hack through nettle-infested rainforest.

I eventually made it back to The Albert at about 7.55 and was joined 10 minutes later by Steve and Jools, who kindly put on a sprint finish for the cameras. The rest of the mud-spattered group arrived soon after, wrung out their socks and repaired to the pub. Despite the fact that the Albert was populated by more staff than customers, it still took about 20 minutes toget the first round. First the Fosters was off, then there was no ice for Amanda's G&T, but eventually we got there. Round two produced some cloudy Brakspears and soggy crisps but the company was good, so we persevered.

At some stage Selwyn arrived from a school meeting, sporting a sticker which indicated he'd been assigned to the "red stream", presumably for mature students. He's injured at the moment, but it didn't stop him leaping on to a bar stool like a spring chicken. At our end of the table there was chat about the relative merits ofprivate/state education and Thai/Chinese food. Not sure what was discussedat the other end. I was the first to leave, so can't tell you what happened after about 9.30.Next weeks run is from The Hare and Hounds at Marlow. I was in there for lunch recently and the floor is still stained by the beer that we spilt on it last time we were there. I'm sure they'll be pleased to see us.

David

PS Steve, would you mind blogging this, as I have no idea how to do it and I want to see which photo you choose

Brett & Sarah's House, Winter Hill, Cookham Dean - 20 June 2007

Quickie report as I am not sure if we actually decided on a reporter at the Rivetts'.

Great run, ably lead by pacemaker Brett at top speed until he pulled his hamstring after 15 minutes and bailed out!!! The rest of us carried on for a further 35 minutes on the planned route.

The Village Cricket was in full swing with at least 2 sixes going over us as we descended down Kennel Lane. Gave Chris an excuse to mention his again - just before he too headed home for an early bath with a hamstring injury.

Four of us did the extra Golf Course loop on our way back to Winter Hill and the BBQ at the Rivetts'. Our finish happened to coincide with the England U21 team having a penalty shootout with Holland for a place in the final - which they eventually lost 12-13.

The food and hospitality (including a guitar accompaniment from Sebastian) was 5 star and much enjoyed and appreciated. Thanks to Brett and Sarah.

Next run is from the Prince Albert in Frieth at 7pm - see you all there....................

Jules

The Frog, Skirmitt - 13th June 2007

Run Report by Brett

I think everyone, (Dudleys, Hucks, Bartletts-male variety-and Roddicks x2, Selwyn, Steve, Richard, Doug, David, Kate and the writer) enjoyed their outing in humid conditions and beautiful Chiltern countryside last night. Jerome guided us for all of ten minutes before the Fitties and the recovered Selwyn were bold enough to go it alone, much to the chagrin of the bearded one. Us Fatties dutifully followed on what I thought was a delightful and appropriately medium length run of 45 minutes. I felt so confident in running downhill that I almost forced myself into a second gear, somewhere I hadnt been for years! However caution got the better of me.
The big boys got back in an hour, Steve burning off JB on the final strech. So 'hot' was he that he immediately joined Selwyn, David and me in the designated smoking area to the side of a pub garden best suited to selling garden furniture. This is where we stayed in between trips to the bar and an occasion when the site had to be cleared because of flying shards of glass as Rodders thru down his pint in a fit of.........Does anyone know?
Anyway to next week when The Rivetts will be hosting a post run bbq. Please meet at the viewpoint on Winter Hill from where I will plan a run of 40 mins with an extra 20 minute loop to keep the fitties happy.
Jerome knowing that its bring your own booze has done some early research. Here is an extract from this mornings touching email. 'Strongbow.....£20 for 54 cans at tesco at the moment if you buy 3x18 cases. Works out less than 48p per pint.'
Here is Richards cunning reply 'surely you can't get pi*sed for less'.
Anyway, lets move on. Us Rivs will supply all food. So that we can cater, please let me know who is coming. The invitation of course includes your other half. If you want to drop off booze beforehand then please do.
Brett

June 13th 2007

Run will be from the Frog in Skirmitt.

6:45 for a 7pm start.

The Squirrel, Penn Street, 30th May 2007

Run Report by Amanda


First I do hope that I have emailed this report to the correct email addresses otherwise I might receive a ranting response from Mr Irate in Hambleden.
Well the numbers were a bit down for last night's run so we now have three categories of runners : fitties, fatties and slackers . I would ask each of you to work out honestly which category you belong to ? Yes there might be some rude awakenings for some of you - no - one will be named and shamed yet but you know who you are.
Jules, me, Kate, John, Duds, Baz, Michael, Steve and a new runner Stella set off at 7pm. Heather also joined us but decided to complete a shorter run. I guess that the slackers are wondering who Stella is. Well she is slim, has lovely shiny red hair and is a speedy runner although she needs to be put on a lead on the road. Despite Jules creating a new route, we decided to run the old tried and tested route. It was very very wet on the ground and very slippy and after about 5 minutes of running I fell over and managed to do a full face plant in the some big puddles.I do not know how it happened but I think I was too busy chatting to Kate about clothes and shopping at the time. I was literally covered in mud from head to foot although I am pleased to report that my sunglasses stayed in situ - I do not understand how I managed to get so muddy but I did. Anyhow no injuries suffered we carried on at quite a pace with very few stops (well none for me actually) - come back Selwyn and David we miss you.
On the way back to the pub, we met up with Heather and I ran the last leg back to the pub with her along the road. I did not want to have any more falls.
To be honest I cannot really remember what we talked about in the pub but that is not anything to do with the company but more to do with the fact that I had mud stuck in my ears.
Next weeks run will be from the Crooked Billet. Sheepridge Lane, Little Marlow at 7pm. However, I have just discovered that the England v Estonia match starts at 7.45 so if we want to watch that then we may have to meet somewhere else. It is on Sky One.
see you all on Wednesday
Amanda