Flower Pot, Aston, Nr Henley - 1st September 2010 (Run 23).

Report by Amanda and Jules

Sorry for the lateness of this report but I had forgotten that we had agreed to do this.

I always forget how long it takes to get to this pub after passing Hambleden. I made it there with 2 minutes to spare but I did have to call Chris for directions en route. Jules ran there down the Hambledon Valley (a glorious 9.8 miles in all) and the other starters were Brett, David, Spider, John and me. It was a great evening with the sun shining and the running conditions were perfect - very different to last week’s run.

We ran the normal route which goes east , through the now enlarged white deer enclosures, up a long hill (see attached pictures). Brett and David made an escape before we ran down to Henley and back along the river where we met up with Chris who did not manage to get there in time due to traffic. That last section along the river, past the lock and back to the pub seemed to go on for ages although it is a lovely stretch of the Thames. The run in total was just under 6 miles.

Susie cycled there and has us all a little worried as it was dark by 8:20 when she appeared. We ordered chips which were good although the pub does not score highly on other areas. As it is Monday evening now, some 5 days after the run, I cannot remember at all what we talked about in the pub. I know that there was a discussion about the last run of the season. If anyone remembers please reming us.

So not only is this report late but it will surely get the vote for the most boring run report ever, sorry.

This week’s run is from Kate’s house as she is cooking a delicious curry for us. Bring your own drinks. We will start at 6.45 as the evenings are drawing in now.

See you all there,

Amanda and Jules.

Royal Standard Wooburn - 25th August 2010 (Run 22)

Run Report by Jerome

On a night when 3 weather fronts collided to create the Perfect Storm a remarkable turnout gathered to run.
Incessant and torrential rain had preceded the run and continued during the run for a substantial part of it.
The author arrived late but not as late as Heather who had originally planned to run on her treadmill at home. For some reason, only known to her, she decided at the last moment to join us. Frankly she would have been drier if she’d put the treadmill in her swimming pool and gone for a run in the pool.
A carefully planned route took us through the back of Odds Farm where the only rare breed pigs in sight were Brett and yours truly. Other runners who, with time, I am sure could be compared to some other animals were Steve, Kate, John, Selwyn, David and the arachnid Spider. Neil had threatened to run but clearly and wisely did not.
Once through the farm our plans were scuppered by a warning that a footpath was closed typically being the one we wanted to use. We decided that it may be a bluff and went for it only to come across a gravel pit that smelt of gas. Having toyed with the idea of running through it we ran back from whence we came as the heaviest rain of the run descended.
On to a different path and while everyone else chose to take the shorter route for home Steve decided to extend his. That will be the last we’ll see of him we thought based on his past history on the run from Fingest a few years ago but amazingly he arrived back at the pub before we did. A short and entertaining run took about 50 minutes I think but probably only 4 miles was covered.
Changing in the car park was equally challenging with the rain hammering down. The girls having come 1= in the wet t-shirt contest changed indoors while the spider changed in the open smoking area. At this point I should add that Brett, when he and I walked back to our cars after drinks, had left his boot open for the hour we were in the pub. I imagine it would not have dried out before his 5o’clock flight this morning.
In the pub a range of good quality ales, good chips and lively banter were enjoyed by all. For some reason more time than usual was spent on where we would run next week. A number of options were discussed but the 3 horseshoes at Bennett End was discounted for being too convenient for the Hucks and the Roddicks so soon after their return from holiday. Discussions about the end of season curry and the runners Christmas do also took place. It was noted that the kitty build up to end of season was notably poor though we chose not to dwell on the reasons why.
As usual my poor recollection of other conversations highlights the incessant drivel that most of us talk about after these runs although Kate did inform us that on her curry night in 2 weeks time we should bring our own drink and that Rodders should bring the nan breads.
Next week Flower Pot at Aston. See you then