The Brickmakers Arms, 29th August 2007

Run Report by Steve

Now then.

After a last minute round of frantic voting on this weeks venue (not sure when democracy had been adopted in this respect) the team assembled in the large car park to the rear of The Brickmakers (not Bricklayers, Kate).

The weather was pleasantly sunny with just a hint of autumnal chill in the air - ideal for running. Indeed the weather was good enough for Brett to arrive, sporting a lovely Nike top that was admired by Aude in a very Frenchly sarcastic way. Brett and Aude were joined by Richard, Amanda, Presso, Jules, Kate and myself. Jules joined us on foot, running from all the way from round the corner where Amanda had (presumably) dropped him off.

We set off and headed down a lovely descent across open fields and took on the first ascent of the day through the woods. After about 20 minutes Presso and Brett headed off on a mission to ensure that the Brickmakers really did serve Brakespears and to take a tour past an old haunt of Jerome's (ho hum).

The rest of the party carried on through the woods that led past the unnervingly smiley people at the Wycliffe centre. Amanda by this point was doing the "are we there yet dad, how long to go, how many hills left" routine. I assured her the run would be no longer than 50 minutes. Amanda looked thoroughly disbelieving.

After a run of precisely 50 minutes we arrived back at the pub. In all, a very pleasant run.

After having moved tables to a window location due to limited lighting in the pub, we settled down for drinks and crisps.

Assorted snippets/gossip included - Audes plan to set up a restaurant; the pros and cons of having a foreign holiday home; sordid tales of dodgy barristors s****ing their clients; the venue for the Christmas Dinner (probably Grouse & Ale); the venue for the last run of the season (Viceroy or somewehere else); how fit and slim Richard was looking; how long it took for Aude to succumb to Duds' charms; whether 45 minutes really was too long for Brett (Kate); and end-terraces in Cookham Dean that cost £1.6m.

Next weeks run will be a (shortened) one from The Flowerpot at Aston. Yes-I know, I know-but the run from there is in the open and flattish and Jules has promised to plan a good route.

Love.

Mr T.

Wednesday August 29th 2007

Run will be from the Brickmakers Arms, Wheeler End. 7pm start.

Chequers, Fingest, 22nd August 2007

Run Report by Jerome

Why I came to be writing this report will become clear later.
In the meantime Jules, Amanda, Kate, David, Mark, Aude, Steve, John and myself set off promptly at 7pm. Brett pulled out at the eleventh hour making some reference to rain. Rain in August………really!!
Blustery conditions meant the going was tough for those with the greatest surface area and not surprisingly the immediate uphill from The Chequers quickly sorted out the F’s from the F’s. In fact the first 20 minutes was pretty much uphill until the two F’s split.
It seems incredible that when it comes to the F’s taking the short route home how many of the other F’s become F’s. The route home was pretty boggy as you’d expect when it’s been chucking it for 4 months but the two runs took about 45 and 50 minutes respectively. This equates to 4 miles and 8 miles I think.
Once in the comfort of the bar excitement rose as the kitty bulged to over £120. Early rounds of crisps and scratching were quickly replaced by 5 portions of chips. Steve "Vinegar" Taylor quickly made most of them inedible until the Mayo arrived. A main course of steak was contemplated but quickly dispelled for a round of large beers, wine and g & t’s. Brett – you’d have loved it and to Chris and Susie our heartfelt apologies on your absence.
Conversations meandered from England playing Germany (only Amanda was interested) to the antics of Jackass the Movie (well worth a watch). However most interestingly we decided that our run should now consist of a "Bring a Celebrity" so please give serious consideration to who you will invite.
Discussions then started to take place about next week’s venue with Aude most vociferous ""oh merde" she gasped"" about getting out of the Hambleden Valley. She wants to run from Little Marlow. Before a decision could be made some bright spark decided we should spoof for it.
Aah I thought as I declared that I was unbeaten at spoof. Out went John , David, Steve, Amanda and Jules leaving me and Kate to fight it out. Somehow I came out last and thus the report. However in mitigation Mar kand Aude did not participate as they cannot attend next week. Nor can I and therefore in reality consider myself still unbeaten.
Personally I thought it a very appropriate way of allocating the reporting duties.. So a good start for me…..last at running, last at spoof. Good luck next week.
With that in mind the pub venue for next week is the Anchor in Falmouth where I will be. If you don’t think that you can make it then The Red Cow at Wooburn Green is my suggestion for a new venue. Up to you guys to fight it out.
Night night………….mind the dogs don’t bite.
Jerome

Dashwood Arms, 15th August 2007

Mr Roddicks report will follow in due course.....

Lovely.

August 15th 2007

Run will be from The Dashwood Arms, Piddington

The Ship, Cadmore End - 8th August 2007. No. 19

Run Report by Presso

Before I totally forget next weeks run is from Duds and Aude's house in Beacons Bottom, normal time etc. bring booze if you think you might be thirsty and waterproofs if you believe the weather forecast.

The following were in attendance, apologies if I've missed anybody off. The omnipresent Jules, Amanda, Rodders, Suzie, and Kate along with, Brett, Michael, Ricky, David, Duds, Aude, me and a running virgin who I wasn't introduced to so apologies if I got your name wrong Cherie. Quite a big turn out if recent reports are anything to go by.

Those early enough, both me and Ricky, managed to park next to the large Czech, people carrier, I mean articulated lorry, that was still there from a recent delivery of fellow Europeans, much needed by our labour shortage, and acres of free space crying out for occupiers. Other runners parked precariously on the side of that busy thoroughfare where there appears to be no speed limit. Customers for the pub chose another drinking venue where they could leave their vehicles, at least within, walking distance.

For the first time in living memory the run started with a steady downhill section all the way into the Hambleden Valley to Fingest, which made us fatties feel a whole lot better, but as we progresed through and onto Turville Lane us fatties were perturded to hear whispers of the dreaded R word. At the top end of Turville Lane Compo, Foggy and Clegg made a tactical withdrawal and decided to head back, knowing that there were at least two steep hills and that was plenty.

It was an evening of immense beauty, and running conditions unsurpassed in recent years. Sunny and bright though not with the associated intense heat or humidity, the kind of evening that could only, realistically, be appreciated by admiring Gods gifts.

It is anybodies guess what happened to the intrepid fitties who ventured off towards the Rollercoaster, but Compo Foggy and Clegg were happy in the knowledge that "anybodies guess" wouldn't happen to them. They ambled back through Fingest and down a small lane before finding the footpath that headed towards the pub. At said footpath they came across a sheep stuck on a stile and mustered all their combined "countryman" experience to scare said sheep off the stile. This had more to do with Compo seeking out his wellies than anything else.The long, meandering stroll up the perfect grassy incline, prompted appreciated murmerings of the view and a philosophical debate about whether a lovely house at the top of a hill would command a greater price than a lovely house in the valley. A herd of red deer were observed and admired in the woods on top of the hill, particularly the well endowed stag (his antlers of course) looking after his girls.

Back at the pub we were all greeted by the new landlady who had been there a week and had not a single nibble. All those there will know why.

Duds and Audes next week and there is no way from their house we can start downhill.

Compo.

Three Horseshoes, 1st August 2007 (no. 18)

Run report by John

The Three Horseshoes welcomed an improved turnout of me, Kate, David, Jules, Amanda, Susie, Chris and Fred on a balmy evening. Not having been running for a few weeks I did not realise runners can now turn up 15 minutes late and still have everyone waiting in the car park for them. I might try that next time and see what happens. To be fair to Fred she did call ahead and make some vague excuse about getting lost. Lets face it - she didn't leave the house early enough.

The run was bloody awful particularly the first half where we spent most of the time concentrating on not braking an ankle or avoiding 4 foot high corn (or was it maize, oats, barley..........yes the discussion was had in addition to global warming issues). Rodders quite rightly thought we should looking after the planet better but omitted to mention the number of foreign trips he makes each year and the occasional jaunt out to Ireland for the odd weekend.

Back to the run - the second half improved considerably but by this time David and Fred had had enough and Susie joined them in sympathy and decided to take an early shower (so to speak).

The rest completed the run more or less together and retired to the wonder of the pub garden where sewers seemed to have caught the attention of the aforementioned early runners which mean't that we got stuck with a table with a big pole in the middle of it away from the odours. This mean't I couldn't see Amanda, David couldn't see Fred, Jules couldn't see Chris and Kate couldn't see Susie (I would have moved if I'd been Kate - no offence Amanda). I felt as a result that the conversation whilst interesting and amusing was not perhaps as fluid as it might have been. Sorry havn't got time to remember content.

Great efforts were made by all attendees to finish the kitty in addition to small packets of nuts that cost £2.50. Much to my disappointment the stella was off and the light rebellion was cloudy (2 pints returned with a smile of course).
I'm now off to the K club where the forecast looks dire (what did I expect of Ireland???) and the run next week will be from The Ship, Cadmore End.