The Gate, Bryants Bottom - 19th May 2010 (Run 8)

Run Report by Baz


On a balmy summers evening the runners & cyclist met at the Gate at Bryants bottom for a 7pm start.

We had new runners, old runners, fit runners and not so fit runners, and a cyclist. Those present were JB, Alexandra, Fred, Jerome, Duds, Jules, Amanda, Suzie, Doug, Spider, Neil, Kate and Baz.
The usual brutal hill at the start did not disappoint, the only saving grace being that we got it out the way early. Spider decided that a new group had formed (OTROW) of which he was the captain. This resulted in a splinter group of 1 (him) breaking off early to take a shorter route back to the pub. Doug’s altitude training in Singapore ensured he stayed with the group a bit longer, before he escorted Duds and Jerome off to find Spider.
From what I can gather, we all made it back to the pub within a few minutes of each other, including our lone cyclist, Kate who had a route mapped out for her by JB, which clearly didn’t involve enough hills, as she had barely broken sweat. Rodders was seen by Kate en route, 10 minutes up the road, but then failed to show for a good hour, soaked in sweat, and very salty shorts – (apparently)

On entering the pub, Lester Reeves of old Wycombe Town was there who didn’t look like he’d moved since our run last year.
Beers outside on possibly the longest pub table I have ever seen, soon migrated inside to warmer climes, at which point Heather arrived, as did the chips. (by the way, why did we wait so long to order the chips?) Abbott Ale was good while it lasted, and the Greene King was average, as Greene King usually is.

Conversation was varied from what I recall, but in true democratic fashion a vote was cast as to who was the scariest lady present? For professional reasons Neil couldn’t vote (but did) and a unanimous verdict was reached - Suzie is officially scarier than Kate, Amanda, Fred and Heather. Good idea to have the vote when the scariest lady member of our running party wasn’t there, Suzie.

Bull and Butcher, Turville - 12th May 2010 (Run 7)

Run Report by John


The Bull and Butcher in Turville welcomed (in no order of preference) me, Duds, Jerome, Neil, Kate, Susie, Martin, Steve, Amanda, Fred, Chris, Jules and Lulu on a sunny, dry yet cool evening.

Having only been running once before this season, I had forgotten that Chris and Jules were always late but true to form they strolled in at two minutes past seven having run the six miles or so from Radnage. A poor effort indeed. Jerome and Duds just couldn't wait and dashed off without telling anyone. Susie didn't care and asked if anyone had noticed that as well as running like old men, they had even begun to talk like them! This was greeted with some mirth and was followed by even more names being placed into the same category. My inclination to moan about my knee problems was immediately extinguished and I felt absolutely fine all the way round. Chris on the other hand let himself down by letting us know that his mum had kept all her old tights for him just in case he needed them for his calf.

Fred had chosen a stunning route through glorious countryside and all the pre-run concerns about distance soon evaporated as we ran into the deer park and passed impressive Stonor House. Jules was in his element with his camera with the passing deer, plentiful bluebells and very colourful runners - Kate was sporting pink this week whilst Neil was trying out orange. I had a yellow waterproof top to keep me warm, sorry I mean to make me look like a good runner. There were two steep climbs which people dealt with well and the fitties kept the rest of the field moving pretty well. Martin was pretending he was not a fitty by running in the middle of the field - think we have yet to see his true potential. Mind you the the rear views do tend to be far nicer there and can take one's mind off the running. Each stop made was reasonably brief so the distance of over 6 miles did not feel quite such hard work. The last mile or so saw Jerome, Amanda, Duds and myself make a brake from the pack and nearly beat the fitties back to the pub and would have done had it not been for Jerome's inability to open a gate.

A virtually empty pub greeted us and excellent chips with mayo (its very worrying how much salt people like) were washed down with the usual assortment of beverages except for Neil's cloudy cider. I'm sure the conversation was excellent but I was sitting in the middle with Jules and Martin playing with their iphones so hope the rest of you had a good time. Hey maybe one day we can all sit round with our iphones and occasionally grunt at each other when a goal goes in or smile when Duds sends us something particularly interesting to view. Just kidding - Kate was telling me about her son at university who is being severely restricted in his movements by a girlfriend from home. The lesson for all our kids - dump the girlfriend / boyfriend before you go off to uni. Plenty of time for them later.

A quick warning to all you current non-runners. You will undoubtedly be picked on to do the run report when you return from your enforced absences as I was. Actually I think Steve was the primary instigator of that. Don't let that put you off though and look forward to seeing you all next week at The Gate, Bryants Bottom at 7pm.

Oh yes Lulu was very well behaved - there that's everyone mentioned (as Duds likes to say)

John

The Sheperds Crook, Crowell - 5th May 2010 (Run 6)

Run Report by Martin


It was a cool but dry evening, and there was a certain note of excitement and anticipation in the air as we assembled outside a “new” pub, for a “new” run, designed by Neil. In the pre-run discussions somebody heard Neil say “There is one hill” tonight. This became a subject of debate later!

In attendance on this evening were Jerome, Fred and Lulu (the lab.), Selwyn, Steve, Kate, Neil, Jules, Amanda, Susie, Chris (Mr Bump), Mark and a special appearance from Aude.

To my surprise, the excitement and anticipation manifested itself in a series of false starts, leaving myself, Steve, Neil, Jules and Chris waiting patiently for the official start time of 1900 hrs BST. I panicked slightly at this point.

Soon enough we were all underway, and the group kind of got together on the climb up the gulley from the Ridgeway. This was a fairly good climb lasting about 10 minutes and required some special stretching at the top, advised by Neil (personal trainer). I’m sure he just wanted to see if the girls could get in those positions!

We then hit the road for a short spell towards Sprig’s Alley before turning into Sunley Wood. This started out as a pacy trot downwards, followed by a pleasant flat trail where we then stopped for a breather. It was now that we realised Neil had not been accurate when stating “There is one hill” tonight!

After re-grouping at the top and admiring the female mountain bikers’ lovely bike (Jules said it was carbon), we proceeded along Bledlow Ridge towards Chinnor Hill and re-grouped at the fitties/fatties split. At this point Aude had a dilemma. Should she enjoy the rare opportunity to run side by side with her husband and catch up on things, or should she stay with the girls and have a proper chat?

After a tricky decent, we ran back along the Ridgeway and finally turned back for the Pub. A welcome site indeed.

Conversations in the pub were many and varied. In between beer, wine and crisps there did seem to be a Garmin face-off. I think Jules won that! All in all, a very good evening.

Next week’s run is from the Bull and Butcher in Turville. 7pm kick off.I hope somebody knows the route?

The Chequers, Wheeler End - 28th April 2010 (Run 5)

Run Report by Neil



A merry mix of fitties and fatties assembled at the Chequers in Wheeler End for a run designed to admire and take in the beauty of the Bluebells in the woods. Nice idea but the bluebells just werent playing ball. Apparently according to Mr Taylor it was because they needed a bit of moisture.

Other runners were Jules, Chris, Susie. Amanda, Steve, Jerome, Mark, Selwyn, John, Rob, Stella, Kate and Martin. The pace was set by Mark and Selwyn for the first 20 yards.... yes it was before others had started running but thats not the point.

The run took us through fields to the blue, or not so bluebells. It was at this point when the moment happened that I am sure will define the run and make it memorable. Yes here it is....... Susie I am very very sorry. Ok so maybe they didnt say it was a Bingo Wing like I said, but the rash is apparently not contagious. Sorry Susie.

A beautiful and extended run from last year saw us take in Adams Park and the surrounding fields. My only complaint was the severity of the hill after that..... it certainly was big but not very clever. Oh and the bugs. I think at one point Steve and I took in our daily dose of protein in one breath leading to the rubbing of eyes and a slight amount of gagging. (Clean your minds up)

Back to the pub after just over 5 miles and I personally felt cheated by the lack of chips. NO CHIPS, NO CHIPS?? Come on how hard can it be?

Another enjoyable evening with friends in the beautiful countryside.

Next weeks run is from the Shepherds Crook in Crowell a new venue which should be fun. 7pm meet.