The Fox at Ibstone, 2nd July 2008

Run Report by Amanda

I have been tasked with doing this week’s run report. I guess it is my turn and Steve, please note that it has been completed and posted prior to the imposed deadline so hopefully I will not incur any penalties.

The following showed up: Duds, Kate, Jerome, Selwyn, Brett, Spider, Pete, David, Jules, Chris, Steve and me. Jules and Chris ran there and just arrived before we all set off. I had drunk rather too much wine at lunchtime and had decided in advance that I was going to do a short run at a slow pace .Brett did then have a very sensible idea that from now on one person had to come along to the run having got bladdered at lunchtime - great idea Brett (not I can tell you). Luckily for me all agreed that it as to be a short 40 minute run as I knew that I would not be able to last any longer without passing out.

Just after setting off Chris disappeared into the bushes and I cannot repeat what Jerome referred to it as because Kate might never speak to me again. Steve marked arrows at every junction for Chris so he could follow our tracks. Chris did catch us up but he had taken a different route and failed to see the big arrows marked on the gravel. For the first 20 minutes most of the run was downhill so I knew what we would have to face to get back to the pub - a big long hill and it was just that. However I made it up the hill in one (albeit very slow) go - thanks to my pacemaker Jerome.

Jules has just read this report and mentioned that I have not said much about the route – the reason for that is that I have no idea where we ran although he has told me that we ran across Ibstone common, downhill through the woods to near Turville, turned right and then back up the hill and that there were some great views.

We made it back to the pub in 42 minutes - much to the disgust of Jules and Steve who reported that we had only run about 3.25 miles. It was certainly the shortest run of the season so far. The Fox has recently been refurbished and we sat outside on the newly decked patio in the sun. Pete said that he was going to buy the first round to celebrate the fact that his daughter Laura had just achieved a first class honours degree in marine biology - congratulations and thanks Pete. Pete did also mention that wife and oldest daughter had also got firsts so I guess the first rounds are on Pete for the next few weeks!

I cannot remember the topics of conversation in the pub although at various times Kate was in hysterics and I was not sure if she was laughing or crying. Hope your ribs get better soon, Kate.

Brett and Sarah have very kindly offered to host a BBQ from their house next week so we will be running from Cookham Dean. Brett will send out an email with details soon.

See you all next week and I will not be the drunk one next week.

Amanda