The Golden Ball, West Wycombe - 2nd June 2010 (Run 10)

Run Report by Steve








On a gloriously sunny evening, a small but perfectly formed group of runners met atop West Wycombe Hill by the Golden Ball. Present were Jules, Amanda, John, Jerome, Neil, Martin and Susie and myself.

After stowing our valuables in Susie's boot (apparently this is a rather dodgy car park) we set off on our usual route down the hill into the valley, over Bradenham Road and across the railway crossing.

Following the climb through the woods we emerged into the bright sunlight onto the Green in front of Bradenham Manor. There we rested a while on a park bench, enjoying the serenity of the moment and musing as to why all cricket pitches appear to have a broken roller situated on the boundary somewhere. I heard somewhere that some clubs award extra runs for hitting said broken roller.

Then back across the road by the Red Lion and the steady climb out of the valley and back up on to the ridge. From there it was the long stretch back home - this the path that you imagine is around half a mile but is actually nearer a mile and a half. Nonetheless all made it at a good pace (Martin bravely fighting through the discomfort of his ilio-tibial leg injury.



My Garmin had run out of battery but I estimate the run was around 5 miles and took about an hour.

Onto the Red Lion for post run drinkies. The service was good, the chips were very good and the pork scratchings were outstanding. Outside in the sun for the first round, and inside for the second when the chill night air set in.



I can hereby certify that nothing funny, notable or rude happened at any point of the run.




Ahem...



A key topic of conversation in the pub was the thorny subject of a potential splinter group of recovering runners taking hold. It was resolved that we should consider all possible paths to a full reconciliation. As such it will now be incumbent for all WNR route planners to have a run that is around 3-ish miles and no longer than around 40 minutes in order to accomodate those that are on the rocky road back to fitness. We all may need such a facility one day.



In those immortal words penned by the mighty Gary Barlow of Take That:-



"Whatever we said, whatever we did ....

We didn't mean it
We just want you back for good
Want you back...
What you back...
Yes, we want you back for good"

Next weeks run is from the Jolly Farmer, Cookham Dean, 7pm start.