The Grouse and Ale, Lane End. 16th September 2009 (25th)

Run report by Brett

Last nights venue was The Grouse & Ale preceeded by a surprisingly pleasant Jules Hucks designed run. Participants were: Spellbound, Presso, JB, Jules, Jewels, Amanda, Rodders, Duds and myself who in arriving last was given the reporting duty but thankfully not the ever contentious choice of next weeks end of school outing.

All of you who have attended a run this season are invited, infact actively encouraged, to come along next week when the plan is to run from the car park of Bourne End railway station and then adjourn to The Bounty for drinks before moving onto The Last Viceroy in Bourne End for Indian food. I will need numbers of those who intend eating so that I can book a table for around 8.30/9pm. If you could let me know asap I would be most grateful.

Meanwhile, back in Lane End at 6.50pm we set off from the pub, through ASBO central where we copped a few choice comments from a group of LEVI's, before entering woodland, scarpering over delightful countryside and then returning via Booker via the less scenic route of a field adjacent to the hard shoulder of the M40 on one side and Booker Air Park on the other. As we approached the village after 4.75 miles and 55 minutes, gun shots could plainly be heared and the sky was burning fire red. Another riot on the Simmons Way Estate???... not not at all just some jolly clay pigeon shooting and a fabulous sunset for all to enjoy.......

So with that picture in mind, I will leave you with the news that Susie made it to the pub after her governors meeting, the chips were more skinny than chunky, Simon Shaw is signing his autobiography at the Eden Centre this afternoon, Michael Hunt doesnt exist other than in the film Porkys and all of its sequels, Jules is 50 next year, Carverys arent worth attending unless you are first in the queue, the service at the Cheerful Sole is inadequate and I plainly heard JB shout the words 'where is my fxxking drink?'

See you next week.

Brett

The Flower Pot, Aston nr Henley. 9th September 2009 (24)

Quickie report by Jules - (please add comments)

We met (Jules ran there), we waited for Selwyn. We mused as to his demise as he was last seen with a puncture. Steve went to the rescue. We set off. We ran about 5 miles on a lovely evening with great views and a calming final 2 miles on the Thames path.

Steve met us back at the Pub having cycled home and back. Selwyn had called home and been rescued by his wife but didn't see Steve. Selwyn ran the last part of the run with Duds.

Pub chat was as convivial as usual, surrounded by a lot of stuffed fish and many other animals whilst England beat the Croatians 5-1 in the other bar. Chios not bad, service very average.

The Chequers, Wheeler End Common, 2nd September 2009

Run Report by Duds

The expression "as wet as an Otter's pocket" springs to mind when I cast my mind back to last Wednesday evening.

The nine madmen and madladies (plus David A who cycled to the pub for a drink from Marlow) endured what must be the wettest Wednesday night run in the history of Wednesday night runs and probably one of the most memorable for another reason which I shall allude to a little later on. It was a horrible evening. Cold too. We could have set up our own glass-cutting factory with all the erect nipples on show that evening....

Susie and I were a little tardy in arriving at the pub (which is why I'm writing this report having lost the toss with Susie) and joined Jules S, Jules H, John B, Selwyn, Steve, Neil and Presso who were huddled under a small hut roof away from the deluge. The latter took some persuading but we eventually left (already soaked within yards) at high speed in the usual direction.

Even in the woods we were no better off and so we all just got on with it like the tough citizens we are and ran the usual route (minus the tour of Adams Park) with a minimum of fuss. In fact, the "fatties" especially seemed to really appreciate the extra oxygen availability in the air created by the rain (that one's for Fred). We probably all shaved at least one second off our best ever run times.....

Anyway, nearing the end and through my steamed up night vision goggles, when turning the corner to the Chequers, I could easily make out the blue flashing lights of three fire engines parked in our path. Those warming thoughts of a nice pint of bitter, a pack of pork scratchings and maybe a bowl of hot chips promptly disappeared as we all realised that our pub was on fire ! Then, to add to our woeful evening, Neil, who I noticed had been running with Jules S and Susie pretty much all evening, told us that he had lost his car key fob whilst whipping out his hankie from his pocket to wipe something [though he wouldn't say exactly what it was he was trying to clean up].

A change of pub was required and the Peacock it was. A few cheap beers, terribly expensive wines J and averagely expensive bowls of chips later and we were all just about starting to dry off (even in our dry clothes). I have no idea what was being discussed at other tables so I won't comment but it was thoroughly nice to be out of the rain for a while. Amanda H and Chris R joined us by car with David, as wet as the rest of us, by bike.
Jules H (not Jules S) and Neil bravely ventured back to the woods for a spot of off-roading in order to try and find Neil's car key fob. Did they ever return I wonder ?

Next week's run is to be at the slightly earlier time of 6:45 pm from the Flowerpot at Remenham (you know, the one with the never-ending finish along the Thames ?) but I'm not sure if that is because of the shortening daylight hours or because the run is apparently a 7-miler ? A short-cut for the fatties is required me thinks (Jules H/Chris R - can you organise this please ? - unless you want to see a very small turn-out from the non-professional-athletes that is).

See you all next week when hopefully the weather will be a little more friendly.
Duds.

Prince Albert, Frieth - 26th August 2009 (run 22)

Run report by Presso.

It was a typical evening for early October. Dark, damp and with a substantial breeze blowing around that feted village in the back end of hells-arse.
Jules "exorcist" Hucks and Chris "Saint-of-travellers" Preston waited for back up for as long as possible, thankfully, because Baz " hound-from-hell" Hawkins arrived and we felt better about venturing out into the storm.
As is customary in these parts, a small tornado the circumference of Frieth, was blowing ensuring we ran into the wind the whole way round. The exorcist howled for the riddance of the devil but I insisted we continued on the given route, and, with the hound-from-hell as back-up I had my way. The cold gnawed at my bones and the rain seeped in through every pore but we still resisted the extra loop the "exorcist" would have us do, knowing that that would be our undoing....???....!!!!....

We arrived back at the hostlery after facing the demons for a full 40 minutes and thankfully there was a welcome on that hill-side. Brakspears.
Never let it be said that the devils brew comes in a blue and red tin with a bee on it.

At the pub Amanda was the first to arrive, avec serpent handbag, which did put the wind up the hound-from-hell but was quickly tamed by the patron Saint-of-travellers and the conversation quickly turned to double-barrelled surnames. Obviously, the hound-from-hell and the patron Saint-of-travellers, being tripled-barreled were excluded but there was a general disquiet at the double-barreled fraternity.

Kate "Winslet-"Newberry arrived for her birthday drink, but a tad late to share it with anyone else. With the night already drawn in at 2100hrs and the devils worshippers sated we departed whence we had come, in the full knowledge that salvation will be forthcoming at The Cheques at Wheeler End Common on Wednesday next.


Hope a few more of you can make it next week.
Presso

Two Brewers, Marlow - 19th August 2009 (run 21)

Report by John Bartlett

Hello diminishing running group

A small but select group of misfits turned up outside the Two Brewers in Marlow on what was officially the last proper summer's day this year. Attendees were Jules S, Brett, Presso, David and yours truly.

The evening was lovely and warm with a little breeze that just helped to keep the runners cool following the dynamic early pace set by David - wait for it - on his bike. Over Marlow Park through various gangs of low life, running parallel with the river for a time and then up to Harleyford, Danesfield School, back down Happy Valley, Pound Lane and through Marlow Park where surprise surprise aforesaid low life had decided to leave the park with most of the local Sainburys alcohol cabinet strewn over it.

A very nice run indeed albeit perhaps a little longer than anticipated by Brett but achieved nonchantly by Presso showing all his old athleticism after a break of supposedly almost two months. He put this down to a new attitude brought about by hours spent with various horticultural specimens in the backwaters of Oxfordshire. Apparently gardening is an anti-depressant so when you're feeling a bit low or you've had a bad day in the office or your wife isn't talking to you or the kids are moaning or your husband is more interested in the Ashes than you or your football team has just lost or you're just plain bored, follow Presso's example and get out there and dig.

Diana joined us back at the ranch as it was her local after all only to give us the surprising news that she is leaving BA to look after David, I mean spend more time on her property empire. Her other surprising revelation of the evening was her love of Honda Civics. More particularly three door ones in blue. Of course David had been excited beyond belief to go hunting for one of these. I believe they did find one but it was green. Diana was not even drinking!

The really good news of the night was the excellent management of the kitty for the evening by Brett. Two plates of sausages with chilli dip and chips with lashings of lager, breaky's and wine (well perhaps Jules didn't overdo the wine which explained a bit) but nevertheless confidence was restored and I believe Brett and Presso may even have stayed for a fifth. Brett was making the most of his last day of holidays and the return of family from Greece. Apparently he has manged to keep the shower and basin clean as per instructions but the other bathroom facility condition is far from certain.

I am off to SA next week but I understand the Prince Albert in Frieth has not been frequented this year so we will meet there hopefully with a few more holiday returnees. Could be the last 7pm start this year I'm afraid.

See you soon.

John

Fox & Hounds, Christmas Common - 12th August 2009 (no. 20)

Run report by Brett Rivett

The last time, I ran from the Fox and Hounds a couple of years ago, we were unable to have our post run drink there as Raymond Blanc had just leased it as one of the venues for his BBC 'The Restaurant' series. Instead we scooted off to the Bull & Butcher for chips and beer. I remember a fine evening.

Now I start on this subject of food as I believe that despite what appears to have been said about the cost of wine, it is the levy now charged for crisps, peanuts, scratchings etc that appears to be seriously affecting the health of our kitty. Our feline friend (to which I owe £3 for sitting at the bar too long whilst ordering your first drinks and having an extra pint)is no longer purring. Instead it appears to have a rather irritating fur ball and one that a £10 weekly fee to the Vetinary surgeon appears not to be able to budge.

Anyway I raise it not to be contentious but because rather like the after exercise drink, the run was a rather disjointed and only slightly wet affair, which saw a group of old knackers (Duds, Me, Sel & Jerome) choosing to run a long way down hill, turn onto The Ridgeway and then walk a long way uphill before witnessing a superb view and continuing back through treacherous woodland to the pub in about 50 minutes. Meanhwhile, the similarly aged but firmer and faster group of Rodders, Neil, Jules x2, John and Amanda took on an extra loop after 25 minutes. That was when we last saw them until they breezed into the pub car park.

Presso was there, already supping his beer. Some sat inside on dry seats, others sat outside on moist bences. (Duds what is the French for moist?) and after considerable crisp crunching, nut gnashing and piggery of the scratchings, we left with a rather sour taste in our mouths, thinking that JB had indeed been overcharged for that second round.

To all going on holiday, have a great time and to those of you around next week, come and join us at a venue that is yet to be announced but where I guarantee chips.

Bledlow Ridge Cricket Club - 5th August - run 19

Run report by Jules Sainter.

Wednesday 5th August marked the first ever occasion of the Wednesday night runners stepping out from Bledlow Ridge Cricket Club (BRCC). The turnout was excellent and comprised me (Jules S), Jules H, Amanda, Susie, Chris, Duds, Selwyn, Neil, Steve, Kate, Baz and Jo (virgin Wednesday night runner). We were initially led to believe that there would be some child accompaniment during the first part of the run but this did not happen due to a cry-off en masse as a result of them all being too tired (I’m sure I’d feel exactly the same faced with a mere 6 weeks of idleness and enjoyment during these summer months).

Despite having lived in Bledlow Ridge since 2005, I am grateful to the running team for introducing me to parts that I have never seen before. For anyone that didn’t attend and might like to run the route themselves (maybe some of the kids?) the basic route was: a right turn out of the cricket club, left turn off the main road, down a bit through some grass, along a road, up a grassy bit with nettles, along a bit, up a hellishly steep hill with mud at the top, across the main road, down through a field with cow pats, along through some long grass and more nettles and up a hill so steep that no-one could possibly run it under any circumstances, and then back along the main road to BRCC.

The plan had been that I would get back early to help my husband, Richard, with the bar and BBQ, but in reality I hobbled in last, having fallen dramatically down a hole during the last leg of the run. Luckily Neil was there to help me out of any trouble I might be in from this by telling Rich that I had fallen over whilst oggling some quad bikers (failing to mention that they were only about 10 (and definitely not my type!))

During the run (not sure of the distance, but I’d say definitely over 5 miles) a group of WAGS was taking advantage of the balmy evening and the cricket club sauvignon blanc, so when we returned there was a buoyant atmosphere, despite the earlier tragedy of Rich discovering that the new barrel of Trbute was off. The girls then enjoyed the comparative luxury of the visitors changing room and 2 showers – luxury indeed compared to a hedge and a packet of wet wipes! Meanwhile Rich fired up the BBQ and the group got stuck into the burger and sausage fest. The allocation was 1 burger and 1 sausage per person but there were 2 sausages left so if the person/people who didn’t get their fair would be kind enough to contact me, I will be happy to send them on by post. On the other hand, Duds was apparently hovering round the BBQ from an early stage and (allegedly) consumed 8 portions, presumably not having eaten since Aude left for France a few days previously.

The group seemed to enjoy the BRCC facilities so I would like to take this opportunity to mention that the cricket club is open to the public for drinks every Friday (6-9pm) and late afternoon / early evening on Saturdays throughout the cricket season. Also, the club would welcome any new adult players who are interested in spending their weekends hanging round a field dressed in white, or any children who would like to join the nets session on a Friday night, whilst their parents get hammered in the bar. (End of ad which Richard made me put in!!!)

I believe the location for next week’s run has already been fixed, so see you all then.

Fox & Hounds, Christmas Common.

Very good show!

The Frog in Skirmett – 29th July 2009 – run no.18

Run report by Jules.

After a typically wet Summers day – a day on which the Met Office officially changed it’s Summer forecast from BBQ summer to unpredictable - the weather held off to give us some pleasant conditions for a great run planned by Selwyn.

This particular group of 9 runners and a dog finally came together about 2 miles into the 5 ½ mile run – on the very steep climb from Dolesden to Southend. A series of miscalculations resulted in Chris and me running from Radnage to the wrong pub (in Turville). As it was my error I sprinted towards the Frog where the 6 people who had made it on time ran off as soon as I was in view (about ¼ mile away). I then waited about 5 minutes for Chris to catch up to see Baz arrive with Stella. Fortunately for Baz I was able to direct him up the first footpath and I followed on a few minutes later to discover that Chris had taken a different route from Turville and passed the 6 “ontimers” going in the other direction!

The run was pretty hilly but enjoyed by all – especially the guy who helped Amanda over the barbed wire fence after we got lost near Kimble Farm and had to climb over a fence to get back on track! We passed Gussetts Wood and the Luxters Brewery before descending back into the Hambleden Valley, passing through Colstrope and heading back up the path to Skimett.

The Frog, as always, was most accommodating. Runners were Selwyn, Kate, Amanda, Neil, Baz (with Stella), John, Steve, Chris and me (Jules). We were joined by Steve Sutton, David and Diana in the pub. Topics of conversation included the weather, Prince Albert (and piercings), Planning permission, Rowers Revenge (which is now on again), Jules’ London Marathon and Mental Health – not forgetting a comparison of the cost of wine compared to beer and the proposal that we might consider a girls kitty separate to the boys!

Next week we are running from Bledlow Ridge Cricket Club at 7:00pm where the Sainter’s are opening the Bar and BBQ - we are encouraging everyone to bring their children. Kids will be able to run with us for a short loop and then play Cricket or Tennis (or whatever Saints organises) whilst we run on. See you there...

Run from Chequers at Fingest 22 July 09

Not exactly a large turnout, but a very pleasant evening, nevertheless.

Only 7 diehard runners this week - no doubt because the holiday season has kicked in but also probably because others just can't be arsed. Steve T (having chosen the venue) had a good excuse mind you - it was his daughter's birthday & he chose to do the right thing. However, it was his birthday the day before - maybe we can remind him of this next time we see him?

Susie & Chris, Amanda & Jules, Sarah, Jerome & yours truly was the order of the day and in a rather laid back fashion, commenced the run approx. 7.05 pm. We had a vague idea of the route we would follow, but nothing definite, and it was all rather relaxed (apart from the physical exertion of course).

A bit of a gut-wrenching start up the path by the side of Fingest Church, across the Ibstone Road and over to Turville, then heading off diagonally across the field at the back of Turville towards Ibstone. Into the woods at the top, momentarily losing Susie for a wee stop, eventually ending up at St Nicolas Church, Ibstone. Through the churchyard, hanging a right through more woods towards Ibstone Common. Jerome and I noted that we were still running away from where we started. Furthest and highest point reached, we set off south, downhill towards the Turville to Christmas Common lane. At the bottom, most of us followed the bridleway running parallel to the road back to Turville. Chris & Jules did a loop up towards Turville Grange. Amanda & I chose the road route back to Fingest. Susie, Sarah & Jerome took the footpath we started out on.

We peeled off our sweaty attire in the overspill car park beyond the pub's garden & gazed down the valley towards Skirmett. Susie decided it would be a nice spot for camping. Jerome was pleased to see that his bike was still there.

Adjourning to the bar, no problem fitting our depleted number around a table, we enjoyed the first round, closely followed by a couple of bowls of chips. They were quite chunky, but the ladies didn't seem to mind too much. The landlord had provided a couple of small bowls of ketchup to accompany, but we asked if we could also have mayonnaise. This turned up in sachets, without bowls, so Jerome tastefully squeezed these out onto the red paper napkins also provided. No matter, the mayonnaise was definitely the preferred accompaniment.

Conversation was varied as usual. The Tour de France, Thorpeness, Steve's age, a face lift for Jules, younger generation runners joining us, the psychological & physiological pain experienced by Jerome when he runs, etc. All in all, a very pleasant evening.

The venue for this Wednesday? The Frog at Skirmett. Look forward to seeing everyone there.

Prince of Wales, Marlow - 15th July 2009

Run Report by Brett

After my bollocking from Amanda and despite the fact that I have three artificial limbs and the early signs of mad cow disease, I was determined to run and it proved to be a very pleasant evening.

The group consisted of The Hucks, Roddicks, Neil, Selwyn, Duds, Doug, Heather, Steve T and David as our bicycling back up person. On a rather flat and well trodden riverside Marlow run and return via Bisham, David was the first to tend to the plentiful gate opening and closing as well as the counting back of the troops.

Jules and Selwyn appeared to be the route planners which lead to them leaving the plodders, along with Chris, Steve and Neil to venture under the A404 to Bisham Woods. Meanwhile, Susie and Amanda scooted off to Court Gardens to witness Kates spooning, I mean spinning. Sadly I could notbe there as I was still struggling with the Bisham Road, rather late for my scheduled meeting with Landlord, Timothy Taylor.

Rodders limbed back with calf trouble, Doug & Duds spruced themselves up in readiness for that famous al fesco POW experience. Heather returned to choose the cloudy Brakspears whilst the other girls (soon to include Kate) wisely chose the Cloudy Bay. The drinks were complimentated by mountains of crisps but sadly no chips nor pork scratchings.

Next week on Steve T's recommendation we will be meeting...... DUH! so what is the French for ALREADY?

Blogmeisters Note:-

Next weeks run from The Chequers, Fingest, 7pm start.

Queens Head, Little Marlow - 8th July 2009

Run Report by Richard

My second run of the season!

Meeting at the Queens Head, Little Marlow, last night’s runners were Amanda, Jules, Sarah, Aude, Selwyn, Rodders, Baz and I.

I have to say the first quarter of the run was not the most inspiring as we headed off along the footpath back towards Marlow. Over the bypass bridge, through the industrial estate, over the railway, into the rugby club and down towards the river. Baz was concerned that running through Marlow rugby club would bring him out in a rash! Of interest during the first half were the Travelers, Gypos, Pikeys who had taken residence in one of the fields. Opinions were shared between Baz and Rodders on how to combat the Pikey, and also what contribution they made to today’s society.

Rodders main complaint was that if the Pikey insisted on dumping their rubbish the least they could do was to separate the nappies / sh** from the rest of their rubbish. (I thought back to when my kids were babies and made a mental note to separate my rubbish if a third came along)

Heading up the river towards Bourne End we encountered a Bull (the one without the udders) which seemed to spook the girls who ran with greater pace between fields. The air smelt particularly unpleasant at one point along the river which apparently was down to the sewerage or maybe I thought those Pikeys dumping their nappies?

I did notice that as I crossed each field directly in a straight line, Rodders, Baz and Jules set off to the left and ran the circumference yet they still arrived at the next stile before me? We all looked for the Rivett’s house across the river but due to the foliage we could only see the summer house, although the construction of Tesco/Sainsbury’s next door was very visible. One lap of the gravel pit / lake and back to Little Marlow and the pub.
We sat outside for the first drink with a couple of bowls of chips (slim chips not chunky chips) and then Doug and David arrived. Doug was carrying a paper boutique type bag (something that those girls on sex in the city would carry when shopping) and his hair looked very blonde, maybe highlights? Selwyn said he looked gay? Not sure really. I think you’re still allowed to run on Wednesday if you are?

It got cold so we went inside and shortly Susie and Kate arrived, the table was very girls down one end and boys up the other. Our waitress was very attentive to the orders from the girls for olives, more chips and large glasses of Chateau La Fete (at £9.46 per glass). The girls filled their boots.
Conversation? Rodders was talking about a bet his brother had in connection with South African wine named after animals and Doug was complaining about turning up at the Brewery on Saturday to find that everyone had left!

Kitty money? I doubt it.

It was great to see everyone, I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed the Wednesday night run! It was suggested that next week we run from the POW, Marlow.

Chris and Susie's, Radnage - 1st July 2009

Run Report by Kate

The Stranger Returns..

On a hot sultry evening last Wednesday, 10 tough, if not fool hardy runners met at the Roddicks, in the sweltering heat to run, hopefully in the shade and hopefully not very long! Those included in the pack were, Sarah, Susie, Kate, Julie, Amanda, Duds, Chris, Steve, Jules and Max. Yes, you have guessed it I had returned to the fold, having been given a permission to miss spinning, (although I believe I was missed!)

Duds had already worked up a sweat, having been spotted cycling to Chris & Susie’s, I recognised his bottom, Brett said he recognised the hair style?
Despite initially running in blazing sunshine, we were soon enjoying the shade of the woods and feeling a little more comfortable but not much! Cries of ‘Why are we doing this!’ and ‘How far are we going?’ could be heard but mainly from back. A short sharp hill sorted the men from the boys, or perhaps not, as Max Roddick very ably kept up with his father, despite running in denim shorts! Well done Max, I think Dad has some serious competition!

After about 25mins, and weary that Jules was about to take us of in another direction, Duds, Susie and Sarah, cut loose for home, joined about 10mins later by all but Jules, who can always be relied upon to take his running seriously. So 40mins from ‘the off’, we all arrived safely back and the Roddicks, tired but in good spirits, to be met by Brett, tired and emotional through having to look after numerous children!

At this point I would like to say a big thank you to Susie & Chris for the bbq, the lamb burgers were amazing and cooked to perfection, the sausages were good too! Once showered and smelling a whole lot better, we were joined by Fred & Jerome and Baz & Liz. All of which no doubt had very pressing appointments making them unable to make the run! Duds continued to enhance my education by supplying meaning to words I didn’t know, stealing the show as always with his description of his latest operation. Vivid descriptions of bruising and its various colours, it all sounds very sore! Jerome not to be out done informed us that he had also had it done, secretly without telling Fred!!

I was intrigued to hear that JB has now been banned from a campsite in Bude, you will have to ask him what he did?? Great evening, as they usually are, making me realised how much I had missed them. Promise to make an appearance every other week!

Susie & Chris, thanks again.

Next weeks run is from The Queens Head in Little Marlow, 7pm start

Fred and Jerome's, Hambleden, 24th june 2009

Run Report by Neil

A sunny evening, with a multitude of varying species of insects all wanting to have a good feed on any flesh they could get their teeth into, (do flies have teeth?) greeted runners on the 24th of June and all spirits seemed high as we set off from Jerome’s house in Hambleden

Runners were, and my first apology of the report for some slight, lets call them artistic differences, with names were; Jules, Steve, Jerome, Selwyn, Man with dislocated finger, Susie, Amanda, Chris, Lady all in black. We were later joined by Prezzo and another lady plus Jerome’s wife and Children for a slap up Barbeque back at the ranch.

The run totalled 8.6 km (more for Jules who had run there) and can be described with two words. Up and down. Having set off from Jerome’s house with his, at first, reluctant dog we made our way steadily and then not so steadily, some may say vertically, up to the top of Colstrope Hill. Followed by a nice long down. We then had the only flat part of the run which culminated in a lot of BJs. The number plates in that lovely house!!!! Clean your minds up now.

At this point Chris, Selwyn and dislocated finger man decided to take the path along the valley and head back to Jeromes. The rest of us went for something a bit different and crossed the valley road to do another hill. Not like the first, this WAS steep. Long, straight and steep. At this point can I thank Susie for dragging me up there.

We were rewarded for the next 5 minutes with a long steady downhill where Jules again bemoaned not having his camera with him as the views were fantastic. Jerome then led us down through the woods and, yes you got it, up another hill. A long cruise back down and across the field back to Jerome’s house concluded the run just nicely.

With a lovely spread laid on back at base for the night all that can be said is “good effort”. Conversation seemed to be mainly based around Amanda’s quest to remember her favourite porn director’s name, not sure how appropriate being sat next to Jerome’s son, but hey the kids have to learn!! I think the conclusion was Seymour Butts. Nice!

As the food ran out Steve promptly stood up and started to get ready to go. He had cycled with Selwyn but had decided it was time for him to go leaving poor Selwyn to fend for himself despite Selwyn insisting Steve had agreed to give him a tow up the hill to Frieth. The ridicule was then completed with what can only be described as a frank description of Steve’s rucksack. What was it….. oh yeah girly bag! Just the first one that came to hand when leaving mate I am sure. Sorry.

Fun had by all on a beautiful evening in the Chiltern Valley.

Neil.

The Longest Day Walk finished (at last)

Well I am glad that's over!


After 87 miles and 33 long hrs I finally made it up Beacon hill to the end of the Ridgeway.

To say I found the last 3-4 hours hard would be a bit of an understatement. Very, very grim! But very glad I have done it.

There is no way of expressing the range of feeling that pass though your head on these sorts of things other than to say without the help and all the support I would not have got even half way. The sight of Susie, Amanda all the boys, Alfons with Mark and his girls, All the Cole family, Richard and Jules Sainter all walking out to meet me at Bledlow Ridge will always be a very special memory!
Thank you to everyone!

The Walk: Chris, Rob and I set off in fine spirits. We had flown down in the back of Jo's car roof down, sun on our faces feeling great (thank you Jo). We sailed along for the first 20 odd miles in the sun with moral high and feeling good. As it got dark and we pushed on towards Jerome at the second stop, I started to realise how difficult it is to judge distance and time in the dark.

It's not often that I would be grateful to see a large hairy man looming out of the dark at midnight and l slumped into the deckchairs provided whilst Jerome waited on us with Fred's home made chicken and vegetable soup (very nice, thank you Fred).

Leaving Jerome we had a 12 mile, 4 hr stretch to West Ilsley which turned into a real mental battle, conversation and the warm soup soon dried up and all of us were locked into our own little world of doubts and fears. Presso as always lead, pulling us along without a head torch, singing and trying anything to keep us going! I found it impossible to keep track of time or distance with each mile seeming to take hours. By the time we got to Presso's car it had started to rain and we all fell into it saying very little, even though we had finished another section we all felt in a bad way.

Enter Richard Morris! Richard bounced into the car and chatted away trying to lift spirits and get us going, the three of us stared blankly back at him. Richard chirped away for the next 3 hrs. By the time we worked our way down into Streatley it was clear that Chris and Rob were ready to stop, to be honest so was I, but I had Steve and Jen waiting (they had been up since 4am and had driven down from Cheltenham) I was not going to tell them "sorry I've had enough".

The next few hours were strange. From starting out thinking I would walk for just a couple of miles before giving up. I followed Steve's pace, Jen and Steve chatted away and raising my spirits, whilst the miles didn't quite fly by, I felt much better by the time we got to Nuffield.

We stopped briefly for some much needed repair work to my feet (thank you Steve!). Selwyn and his bike then arrived and we walked on to Swyncombe. More chat and the sun on our faces made me feel that things were looking up! When Selwyn left to cycle home again and a mile or so later Steve and Jen got to their car at Watlington, I was left to walk on to Bledlow. I had half been looking forward to a section on my own! After about a hour that idea had fled and the realisation that I would never have made it this far let alone finish, without people around. (my mind is far too fragile!). After a few wobbles along what is the very dullest 5-6 miles I was very pleased to meet Jules and Marty who cycled next to me and took my mind off the walking. (the novelty had worn right off).

The last half mile into Bledlow made the whole event worthwhile; lots of people and shouts of encouragement, it felt like the whole village had turned out. I walked the next 4 miles with Max, Freddie and Oliver then another 6 or so miles on my own, with Wendover and the last stage to buoy my spirits. These sailed by and I even managed a jog down the hill to meet Rob, Liz and Stella. I breezed into the car park had a quick bite to eat and set off. Mark, Susie and Paul Daly had also come out to do the last section. With a nice big group and lots of chat it was more of less over!

After about an 1.5 hrs we were working our way up through the woods, it was about 9.40 I had been going for 29 hours it was now getting dark for the second time on the trip. I was spent! It was clear that both the terrain and my fatigue were going to mean there were a few hours still to go! I had already exceeded the dose of the Pro-plus and Neurofen so had decided not to take any more past Wendover. The lack of sleep, the problems with my feet and my mind shot, it was all I could do to follow. With Mark on one side talking away to me and Rob on the other navigating, they man-handled me onwards and onwards (the desire to stop and sit down was intense) Susie as ever holding my hand and asking if I was alright! I was not. 5 hours of hell.

In my weaker moments earlier I had thought about how I would feel finishing. I thought I would break down "an emotional wreck". In the end it was just "done" can I sleep now!
I know I would not have made it to the end without everyone's help. Thank you.

Chris

Saturday 5.30pm Bulletin

I left Chris about 5.10pm heading towards Princes Risborough in the company of Jules, Martin, Freddie,Oliver and Max. He is still walking at a good pace despite painful blisters and the distraction of various friends on route has really helped him keep up his spirits and the momentum. Thanks to Martin, Helen ,Ellie, Abbie, Jules, Richard, Mark, Charlie,Tilly, Jules, Amanda and Oliver for joining in the support group!
Chris hopes to be at Wendover about 9pm and I will join him for the last stretch, finishing towards midnight I imagine....
Susie

Saturday 9.30am Ridgeway Walk Bulletin

It been a tough night's walking. Legs aching, feet hurting, tired but otherwise surviving. Thanks to Jerome for the hot soup provided at midnight and to Richard for joining the crew at 4am in the rain to walk to Streatley. Arrived at the Swan at Streatley about 7.30am, a little behind schedule but ready for toast & tea. Baz & Presso were fantastic support through the night but their legs will carry them no further! Walking with Steve & Jenny to Swancombe, sore feet but otherwise in good spirits.

9.40pm Ridgeway walk Bulletin

Progress continues to be good. The boys have just crossed the M4 East of Swindon.
Presso is setting the pace. Conversation has surprisingly been somewhat scant.
Looking forward to Jerome joining the pack just after midnight.
Have had a request to provide a change of shoes for the morning so feet are already feeling it but otherwise all are in good spirits.

The Boys Ridgeway Walk- the start!

Leaving from Avebury now 16.25
Thank you to Jo for the lift all the way to Wiltshire in her soft-top.
Weather conditions good, the wind is behind us.
Here we go.........

Presso,Chris & Baz

Message from Chris:

As all of you must know by now Rob, Chris P and I are walking the Ridgeway, I have been collecting money for a couple of Charities - MacMillan Cancer Relief and The Walser Tanzania Charity.

The Web site only gives me an option to enter one charity so that why you can only see MacMillan on the web site.

Please follow the link to: http://www.justgiving.com/chrisroddick

Ridgeway Walk - Overton Hill to Ivenhoe Beacon - 84.7 miles

The length of the Ridgeway in one go!

At 4pm on 19th June 2009 three intrepid explorers will set out from Overton to explore the limits of human endurance and walk for an estimated 27 hours continuously to cover the 84.7 miles that is the entire length of the Chilterns Ridgeway.
We will try to keep this Blog as up to date as possible by adding comments (as anonymous users if you can't log in). Progress reports and estimated timings will be updated here or in the comments section wherever possible.

The route has been broken into 8 bite-sized chunks of 10-12 mile sections and you are invited to join Chris, Presso and Baz for as long or as short a section as you can. The current estimated arrival times and location of the starting points for each section follow. A map is attached to help.

For information you can contact the guys on the following numbers: Chris 07920 222265 / Presso 07730 403269 / Baz 07767 367052

The red wide red line follows the Ridgeway and the yellow crosses are the timed meeting points:





The meeting places will be as the Ridgeway crosses that particular road

Start is 4.00pm Friday 19th June 2009 (Nearly the longest day of 2009)

Point Time Location / Hrs / Miles / Support

S 4pm Overton / 3.3 / 11.9 / Chris's Car
1 7.45pm Ogbourne St George Nr Aldbourne / 4 hrs / 11.3 miles / None!
2 12.15am Kinstone Lisle/Blowingstone Hill B4001 / 3.45 hrs / 11.3 miles / Jerome
3 4.15am West Ilsley/ A34 Bury Down / 2.3 hrs / 7.4 miles / Richard Morris
4 7.30am Streatley Bridge over Thames / 4 hrs / 11.8 miles / Susie/Liz
5 12.00pm Swancombe House (off B481) / 3.3 hrs / 10.5 miles / Selwyn+Steve Chinnor
6 3.45pm Princes Ris/Bledlow Ridge Rd (nr dump) / 4.45 hrs / 12.5 miles / Duds
7 9.00pm Chivery Hill Just outside Wendover / 2.45 hrs / 8 miles / Liz/Susie?
8 11.00pm Ivinghoe Beacon / Taxi home!!!

A grand total of 27.25 hours to walk 84.7 miles.

The Squirrel / Hit & Miss, Penn Street (Run 11)

Run report by Jerome


Jules, Amanda, Susie, Selwyn, Steve, Duds, Julie, John, myself and a newcomer Neil, who is a fitness trainer who gives a bit to the Radnage crowd on a weekly basis. I imagine he was looking to see if he could pick up any new training techniques from us, no really!!!
Rodders also arrived as driver but without any running gear due to the epic voyage he is participating in this weekend. This made the decision to run from the Squirrel all the more galling as this was chosen as a flat run because Rodders didn’t want to over exert himself. Well the only thing over exerting itself was my car driving 45 minutes to get there. Anyway enough of my sarcasm and general vitriol.
We set off at a steaming pace for 200 yards before Chris shouted at us that the venue had changed to The Hit & Miss due to overcrowding in the Squirrel. That was a welcome rest for me and Selwyn but we soon resumed. It was then that John realised that myself and Selwyn were about to overtake him. Not realising that they had achieved super levels of fitness in the preceding week he feigned a calf injury and withdrew to go on a bike ride. Nothing too adventurous happened in the first half as the run is basically very flat and straighter than a Roman Road although Julie did manage to slip and I believe implant her derrière in the mud………fantastic. Up the bum, no harm done as they say and the rest of the run continued without incident. Fortunately John who had waited towards the end of the run to welcome home the runners realised that the Fatties had missed out the last part otherwise he would still be waiting.
Baz welcomed us in the Hit and Miss fresh from his excursions up and around Snowdon. He looked like he had recovered quite well so all the more respect to him for doing the Ridgeway this weekend. The landlord brought out 4 bowls of very nice chips and then returned with a cheesy one for the girls (chips that is).
To me at least most of the evening was taken up by Chris and Baz preparing, lest you didn’t know, for their 87 mile walk of the Ridgeway starting this Friday. I believe they have now got a support person on each of the stops although with Rodders marking the wrong car park for my stop it is highly questionable whether the walkers and the support people will actually meet up anytime during the walk. I understand that Selwyn is now joining them for a leg, is there anything this man won’t try?
As usual I could not be privy to every conversation taking place but I assume that Duds, who was gunning the Stowford Press, must have sunk to some fairly base levels of discussion in which case they should be shared. What was Neil’s drinking like Susie and does he deserve to be invited back for another run and has he paid his joining fee?
For all those not aware a plug for the intrepid Ridgeway boys. Have you sponsored them yet? For Brett a big bog off big boy for YET AGAIN not turning up with the kitty. Lost interest and potential earnings from that have increased to the extent that a round for next weeks runners will be a suitable fine. For Rachel who turned up last week after months off with a severe injury caused by her first run…….has it happened again? For Kate a come back, all is forgiven but “he’s obviously still hitting your G spot”. For Michael the baker where are you and bring some bread rolls soon.
Next weeks run will be from Ivinghoe Beacon where we will be scouring the hillside for Presso.
Fooled you there!! Actually not surprisingly it will be from the Stag & Huntsman in Hambleden. An appropriate route will be prepared and we look forward to more banter and a great deal of beer.

Jerome

Hughenden Valley & The Harrow - 10th June 2009

Run Report by John

A dull cloudy but calm evening greeted the runners up at Hughenden Valley for the latest running instalment. Jules and Rodders managed their usual 6 mile jog from Radnage to join us on time.

Prior to setting off Susie and Amanda couldn't resist telling everyone that they'd managed to get hold of the 'alternative run report' but had only watched a bit of it before turning it off in disgust! Yeah yeah. Steve demonstrated his critic skills by wondering whether they really were lesbos and if they really liked each other.

The usual half mile hilly start was negotiated satisfactorily until we heard screams from behind and wondered whether Selwyn had got lucky. No it was 'not run for a few weeks' Rachael who having caught up with us at the top was then given a 5 second rest before we all sped off again.
The ensuing woods felt like the black hole of goodness knows where and it was a relief to escape onto the open spaces of Downley Common. Selwyn's adventurous evening continued when he collided with an innocent pedestrian (we should be looking up and ahead of us when we are running!) Somehow we ended up at the posh end of Naphill and finished with a nice slightly downhill mile long path into the woods above Hughenden.

Distance was about 4 miles in 50 odd minutes - obviously not enough for Rodders, Jules and Steve who then decided to run to the Harrow. The well concealed church gardens provided changing rooms for the girls whilst the boys just stripped next to their cars. Why are women so self conscious?

In the absence of the kitty (!) Selwyn came to the rescue on his birthday with the first round. Excellent form Selwyn! He can't be the only one with a birthday between April and October but it certainly feels like it. The table arrangements resembled a golf club bar with the girls clique in one corner and boys elsewhere. Copious amounts of bits were ordered and consumed and discussion inevitably centred around Rodders, Presso and Baz's absurd idea to walk 87 miles without stopping, fuelled by breaky's and cigarettes and Jerome's choice of porridge or leek and potato soup. Duds also offered to help out but information regarding routes and stopping points was vague which is not really surprising when you realise that it is Chris organising it. Don't forget the vaseline boys!

Next week we are running from The Squirrel at Penn Street at 7pm. See you there.
John

Uncle Tom's Cabin, Cookham Dean - 3rd June 2009

Run Report by Duds

A gaggle of runners met (early ?!) at Uncle Tom's Cabin in Cookham Dean last Wednesday evening for a 7 pm start.

Ladies first… Heather, Sarah, Amanda and Susie…...were joined by Presso, Rodders, Jules, Baz (sporting a very tidy colostomy bag on his back but filled with water for those with a thirst - I can't wait to see what it looks like once filled with 2 litres of Brakspears for the "long walk"), Spider, Selwyn, Brett and his bike, John, Jerome plus chien (the animal; not his mood) and myself. Kate joined us later for drinks after having spent an evening honing her bod in the gym for the return of a certain person from Glasgow……

Heather and Brett did their own thing ("half an hour" I overheard Brett bragging later) whereas the rest of us set off on a truly beautiful, and not too hilly I might add (thanks Sarah), course from Cookham Dean along the river roughly towards Bourne End and then up and over the golf course back to the pub. Must have taken around 45 minutes at a guess.

This was the first time in my long experience that the group had split not only into Fitties and Fatties but into a sub-section called Uber-Fatties and Unter-Fatties (sorry if my use of Deutsche is completely wrong here Susie) of which I was proud to be a member of the former along with Amanda, Spider and Sarah. The Unter-Fatties were, from memory, Presso and Selwyn though I think it was more a case of "can't be arsed" to run the extra 100 yards than "can't". Nevertheless, both the Fitties and the Unter-Fatties got back before my group which wasn't quite as we had planned it………………

I was driving so I was on a strict diet of water and crisps only [other than a quick bowl or two of peanuts and Tabasco sauce thanks Brett] whereas everyone else seemed to be giving the wine and beer some serious hammer. I have no idea what everyone else was talking about (Presso, Rodders and Baz - no guesses there) and there was plenty of giggling and guffawing from the ladies and I have no idea why but it did seem to coincide with Kate's arrival……. In our corner, it was all pretty humdrum stuff (visits to the Job Centre, Spider's interview, Yo Sushi and the merits of snorting Wasabi chez les Bartletts in Hambleden, how fantastic is Sky +, the Lions, coitus non-interruptus…..you know, the usual banter).

It was unanimously (?) decided to return to the park near Hughenden for next week's run starting from the car park near the Church. We then usually adjourn to the Harrow at the other end of the village for copious amounts of porky scratchings and alcohol…… I'm looking forward to it already. Can I have a lift please someone ?

Yours truly,
Duds.

Run 8 - Golden Ball and George & Dragon, West Wycombe. Wednesday, 20th May 2009

And then there were FIVE!

This weeks run from the Golden Ball saw just five hardy souls (Jerome, Steve S, Sarah, Amanda and Jules) set out at 7:05 on the usual run via the railway crossing and Bradenham Woods, and one (Chris R) in the direction of Radnage! Chris was attempting to meet up with Susie who had decided to run over from Radnage as the babysitter was delayed. We delayed the start as we waited for more people to turn up on what was one of the warmest evenings of the season so far. WHERE WERE YOU ALL?

The first hill took it’s toll as Jerome had a minor asthma attack at the top (having run up very quickly) and cut out a short section. Now down to four we split just as the second hill begins and I did an extra half mile up to the track along the ridge where I chanced upon Susie who had come up from the other side (with out Chris!). We ran together for a few minutes before she persuaded me to carry on and catch the others. At the finish in the we had run about 4.5 miles in less than 50 minutes which is fairly quick. Can’t comment on what Chris covered but he made it to Radnage and back in just over an hour.

The George and Dragon was surprisingly unchanged (read unimproved) since we were last there – despite being closed for a good few months over the winter. Kate joined us for a drink following a Spinning class which her instructor had forced her to go to (apparently!!). Conversation was interesting, varied and entertaining (as always!). Congratulations to Sarah for completing the Marlow 5 in 43:56 - very impressive.

Next week we run from the Hucks’ in Radnage for Champions League Final (Man. U v Barca) – start 6:45 for about 50 minutes so that we can be back for the KO at 7:45. Buffet and drinks provided.

Bull & Butcher, Turville - 13th May 2009

Run Report by Baz

A now ‘hardcore’ group of runners ventured out on a very dark, but warmish evening at Turville. Rodders, Susie, Jules (H), Amanda, Jules (S), Jerome, Selwyn, Steve (T), Steve (S), Duds, Presso, Stella and I left at 7.05 after debating whether or not to wait for JB after he was seen taking his bike out of his car, putting on his famous gloves and heading ‘we know not where.’
Jules (H) and Rodders ran to the pub, but obviously left in a hurry as Chris turned up with only 1 long sock on.

A steady, steep, long climb that seemed to go on for ever, greeted us first, followed by some flatter bits (not many) followed by a few downhill bits (even fewer) Turville is obviously in its own micro climate because while the rest of Bucks has had a drought for the last month, Turville seemed to have the whole counties rainfall in 1 afternoon. The main aim of the run seemed to be trying to avoid trench foot, swine flu and in Stellas case, TB from the badger she chased for about 50 yards, until she (wisely) bottled out.

A true test of athleticism greeted us near the Turville Grange, where we all had to slither through a gap between a gatepost and a stile. The girls ghosted through with no problem, despite Susies “ample bosom” (her husbands words not mine) Duds put a second hole into his T shirt, thus relegating it now to his ‘best decorating T shirt’ and Selwyn, who decided that rather having to call out the fire brigade, to free him, he vaulted the stile in a flash, and we were on our way again.

There was a brief option for a ‘fatties’ route back to the pub, which was declined by our group of ‘elite athletes’ that we have become.
Stella picked up her usual leg of venison, complete with hoof which thankfully didn’t smell as bad as the one did last week.
In the pub, the boys were all pushed to one end of the table by Susie, so all the girls could sit together. One can only assume that they wanted to discuss new cooking, cleaning sewing techniques, to please their husbands………?

Up the other end, Piranha G-Strings were being discussed, as a new line, together with how much Brakies Presso was going to take on the Ridgeway walk in his rucksack, and where he was going squirrel away cans en route, in case he ran out. The chips although very welcome, did seem a bit measly in volume, and didn’t last long.

The next run on 20th May is from the Golden Ball at West Wycombe, followed by the George & Dragon.

Thame 10K Sunday 28th June 2009

This is an event the runners have done a few times in the past. Relatively flat on-road 10Km race. See link for on-line application.

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/foundevents.asp?evntTitle=thame+cpm

The Yew Tree, Frieth Wednesday 6th May

Run report by Stella


We set off on a lovely summer’s evening from the Yew Tree at Frieth. Had a good sniff and reckon the turnout was; Selwyn, Duds, Sarah, Amanda, Jules, Presso, Steve, Spider, Dad (Baz), John, Jerome, Chris & Susie (one of my dearest friends)

Set off into the woods and us fitties managed to lose the fatties pretty quickly, if only they had the tracking skills I have, this sort of thing just wouldn’t happen…..even marked the trail with a few err…calling cards on route, didn’t seem to help.

I wasn’t quite sure from the rancid scent what we were following but when we got to the top of hill I realised it was Chris...best to keep him at the front I reckon for the rest to follow.

Not much live wildlife on the route but managed to find my self a tasty old leg of deer so I had that to chew on for most of the run….delicious! Probably similar to those pork scratching things you guys eat in the pub, only smellier.

Managed to meet up with the fatties on that big hill just after Fingest. Hills don’t bother me much really don’t know what all the fuss is about….all that resting on the bench and puffing and stuff…..you should try just hanging your tongues out and panting, works for me. (and Jerome)

Ran as a pack for the rest of the route and breezed into the carpark after about 5 miles. Dad then took the tasty deer leg off me, think he wanted to take it home for mum.

Took up my usual spot in the pub under the table, some interesting smells, the guy with the flip flops has athlete's foot and those asics trainers have stepped in what I reckon came from a poodle with a dietary imbalance

We were joined by 2 sweeter smelling friends, David & Diana who added to the usual jovial banter.


See you all next week at the Bull & Butcher, Turville, 7pm.

The Crooked Billet, Flackwell Heath - 29th April 2009

Run Report by Steve

Hello.

On the well-founded premise that a picture paints a thousand words I will be providing this weeks run report with visual aids.

For example, instead of listing the runners, here is a lovely picture of us all in a wood with bluebells.

(Jules ran as well - he was taking the photo).

Here are some more lovely bluebells that we saw en-route...

The running that we did looked looked a bit like this...

and this...

After a very pleasant run of about 5 miles we arrived back at the pub...

He may be our Spritual Leader but he can't take his Stella like he used to!...

The (very friendly) pub was kind enough to supply us with sandwiches...

It had a very nice doggy...

That went very nicely with our kitty...



Jules - can you explain why this picture was on your camera?!



Lots and lots of different conversations at the pub so couldn't possibly relate on the major themes. We also had some very welcome injured and non-runners at the pub who added to what had become a very large group.

Man U 1 Arsenal 0 - say no more.

After throwing my perennial strop about deleting the blog in protest against Luddite e-mailers, I stated my aim to introduce Twitter to the group. This would entail writing a run report in 140 characters or less. An interesting challenge.

Next weeks run is from the Yew Tree in Frieth, 7pm start.

Cheers. Steve.

The Peacock, Bolter End - 22nd April 2009

Run Report by Brett

This was my first official Wednesday night run. The unofficial one was that memorable pre season outing with The Fatties from the Marlow Donkey where due to our lack of perspiration, we convinced ourselves that in approaching 50 we had indeed reached a proud peak of physical fitness. The sad truth was that we barely ran a mile around the block!
Running as I have been told is a 'confidence game' and with mine riding high after my near one mile trial, Sarah and I set off to join the rest of the gang at The Peacock for the 7pm start. I had 5 minutes earlier concluded my first 'dress down' valuation in Lane End. The theory is that you attend in your running kit so that as soon as you have delivered the fatal valuation and plunged the owner deep into negative equity, you can leg it out of the door......... quick. The valuation was actually for staff member, so to compensate him for the fact that his house has plunged in value, I doubled his commission on all sales achieved over the last six months. Now let me just work this out 6% of nothing is ...................
The run, attended by The Hucks, The Roddicks, a Mac, an Abbott, an Arnold, a Spider. a Male Dudley, a Taylor, a Female Sainter (Wilks), The Biggest (size not age) Bartlett and a Man who neither looks, acts nor indeed runs his age...oh and two Rivetts of course. I had expected a gentle 40 minute run through Chiltern Countryside and what I got was a 50 minute run through similar terrain that Sarah and I managed to string out for an hour. It was a fabulous run well planned by Jules and Jerome and no doubt mastefully executed by those at the front.......... but I will have to take their word for that.
The pub served good beer, ample goldfish bowls of wine in a cheery fashion and chips. Unfortunately, because I had my appointment, Sarah was unable to get into the bar beforehand to sort out a formal seating plan. which left me feeling slightly awkwardly positioned sitting in the middle of the gathering. I cant report on what was discussed as each of my ears only has an audio field of 141 degreee..... a range nontheless substantially better than those offered by my peepers. .
You received my footie email which surprisingly didnt wind people up as much as I had intended. It is only 4.30 pm and with many of your replies already received and no sign of a glut or perhaps, given his body shape, I should say a 'string' of Van Der Sars emails, I am going to announce The Crooked BIllett, Sheepcote Lane, Flackwell Heath as next weeks venue for a 7pm departure. See you all then.

The Gate, Bryants Bottom - 15th April 2009

Run Report by Kate

On the warmest day of the year so far, 12 of us met in the car park of the Gate, ‘the pack’ included, Jerome, Jules, Chris, Amanda, Susie, Steve S, Rob, Jules W, Heather, Presso, Una (special guest appearance) and myself (not a huge ‘pack’ with some runners conspicuous by their absence). The pub didn’t seem overly pleased to see us, (probably remembered us from last year) greeting us with a request to double park in order not to use up to much of the car park, needless to say by the time we did return if was not full! Having waited for the promised ‘first season appearance’ of Brett, (who despite great expectation didn’t eventually appear), we set off down the road and almost immediately embarked on the first and only real climb of the run. A start like that seems to sort out the ‘men from the boys’ and virtually set the running pecking order for the rest of the outing. We all finally regrouped at the top, regretting we had ever left the car park!
The run itself was not that challenging in relation to hills but was quite long, spirits were fading along with light when we finally returned to the Gate, sometime later. Not a great deal happened on route, we lost Heather at the top of the first hill, she assures me she did do some walking but in reality I think she made a beeline to Jane’s house where she had a couple of glasses of white wine, and appeared hyperventilating in the bar just after our return! We also lost Presso and Jerome, not sure when or where, Jerome had already done 18 holes of golf (it’s a hard life) and Presso just needed an excuse and the promise of an early pint of Brakespears. The running was quite fluent, less stopping than last week, we all congratulated Jules, where upon he informed us, he had not needed to refer to his map, at which point we took the wrong path! However I’m sure this was a calculated error, providing us with opportunity to practise our ‘of piste’ running skills, we were soon back on track, although cries of ‘how far is it now’ were beginning to be heard. I think we arrived back after about an hour, it then took what seemed like another hour to get served behind the bar, resulting in some of us being double parked, you just couldn’t be sure how long it was going to take and we were forced to grasp all opportunities, chips were also ordered, which were ok but not brilliant. Baz and Stella survived my driving and arrived safely home. You will be pleased to hear Stella was very stiff and struggled to get out the back of my car on returning back home, I would imagine she was in good company!
Conversation was varied and very loud, I spent most of my time talking to Heather and Susie with Stella’s nose resting on my knees. Susie and Una shopping trip to the Eden the day before, Amanda’s new shoes which were really nice, why was Baz sitting next to Jono at the dinner on Friday, and should we warn him? Una left crying and missing her dog and I’m sure as a consequence will not be back next week! I can’t remember that much in all honesty, if I have missed anything major let me know, but I somehow doubt it.
Next week is from the Peacock at 7pm, see you all there, Brett will you be coming or are you going to tease us again?

Red Lion, Bradenham - 8th April 2009

Run Report by Amanda

There was a reasonable turn out last night in the car park at the Red Lion in Bradenham : me, Jules, Chris, Susie, Steve S, Steve T, John, Kate, Baz (with Stella) and Presso. Jules and Chris ran there in about 21 minutes from Radnage - in fact I think Susie and I took longer to get there in the car. Weather was perfect and must have been warmer than last week as John was not wearing his new black gloves.

The run started off well with us all heading off into the woods behind the church - a steady hill for the first 1/2 mile. I was nearly wiped out by a cyclist who I did not hear approaching as I pulled on to the road before crossing - I really must polish up on my Highway Code. Still no damage done and the cyclist politely checked that we were all ok before zooming off.

In the woods the pace was steady with quite a lot of stops. Susie was in top form as she did her very best to keep up with the front two. I am sure that she must have taken some illegal substances to improve her speed as she was not nearly that quick last week. It became clear to me very quickly that I would not be able to catch her this week and I was desperate to avoid the humiliation of coming in near the back (remember no David, Brett or Selwyn running) so I decided that the only thing that I could do was to pretend to feel ill. The question was what illness could I come up with - I was mulling over dehydration when Baz came to my rescue and he told me that he was (also) suffering from hayfever and was having trouble breathing so I was saved - thanks Baz. From now on I intend to run with a mask and carry some piriton with me - funny how the hayfever is much much worse when hills are imminent.

Presso ran very well and I persuaded him not to take a short route back - if he had been allowed to leave us then I would certainly have had to pretend to pass out as I would then have been ranked in last position. As we came out of the woods I saw another hill and was about to do my fainting impression but luckily quite a few of the others (including John who is normally up for the fittie route but he said that he had run earlier in the day in Hughenden - I think his hands might have got cold without his gloves) said that they wanted to take the more direct route back. So I had managed to escape from being seen to be acres behind Susie on the closing stretch home and with that pressure lifted, I felt like a new person and sprinted back in record time (well it was a record for me). The fitties got back a few minutes after us - I ran 4.65 miles and the fitties ran just over 5 miles.

Pub was fine but quite quiet. Quite a lot of discussion centred around a "girl power" theme. From last week's report we were all very impressed to hear that Presso had dared to be late to collect Jo 20 minutes late from the station but the reality was that he had stay up till 1am to collect her as she was so drunk that she had missed her train. The "Which Dudley is running on a Wednesday?" debate is still ongoing and we shall wait to see who comes out on top there. Steve T also told us about his "gentleman's run" - involved lots of drinking in various pubs and some running. We also had a very bizarre discussion about running socks and the contenders for best socks were narrowed done to Thorlo (Chris and I like them but Susie and Jules don't as they are too thick), Falke (goes without saying must be superior as they are manufactured in ze Fatherland) and Decathlon (manufactured in land of the garlic munching surrender monkeys - say no more ).

Next weeks run will be from The Gate with a slightly later start time of 7pm.

Have a good Easter

The Royal Oak, Bovingdon Green, 1st April 2008

Run report by Chris

(Beautiful English Name)

Yesterday a proud British tradition was once again re-born.

As folklore has it a group of youths, pure of body and mind met together to battle the elements. As the years have gone by Great Britain has flourished.... wars, world cups etc won, the Battle has evolved.
Yesterday, a gaggle of 20 somethings (poetic licence), set forth from a fine English Ale House to pit their wits and stamina against the rolling Chiltern countryside.

When I joined the group (numbering 14 strong) it was being lead by Jerome and Amanda (beautiful English Names) she’s a nurse you know! They were picking their way around a ploughed field, ploughed no doubt by a strong trustworthy British farm on a reliable British tractor. Ploughed straight and true like the hearts of those running, not like in France with their crooked ploughing and their dodgy Citroen engines (those Garlic Munching, Surrender Monkeys)

To complete the idyllic scene the runners even had a dog (Stella) Beautiful English name, padding along side.

After a cordial greeting we were off again. Young Basil Hawkins (another Beautiful British name) was soon up to another traditional country pastime (Poaching rabbits).

New Girl (Rachel) seemed to know what’s what, kept back behind the guys and only spoke to say how manly and strong we all looked! (Top Filly!)

At the Ale House, Jules (beautiful English name) set the correct tone for the ladies by ordering a SMALL glass of White wine (I’m sure she’s a nurse too!) Unfortunately the ambiance was spoilt by the odd Scrounger (sorry later comer) ordering a "Pint pot and a bottle of white wine with the top off!"

Special commendations go to Mark for telling his wife that she had to stay home and look after the kids, Presso for only drinking 3 pints and being half an hour late to pick his wife up from the station.
Susie for not invading Poland! John for wearing gloves (I think they were ladies gloves, after all we’re all ladies here!) And of course me "kitty master" (opening balance £80 closing balance £85). That’s good old British Sterling, not your "here one day gone the next", Euros.

Well done all for keeping up.

Next week we meet for a 6.45 start from the Red Lion at Bradenham.

2009 Season Begins!

The first run of the 2009 Season will
be from The Royal Oak, Bovingdon Green.

Date: April 1st 2009

Start Time 6:45pm.

Lovely.

P.S. As you can see, Helga (pictured right) has already been in training.

Run Report Authorship

Here is the number of run reports produced by each runner over the last 3 seasons. Kate and Jerome are clearly the stars in this regard.

Click on the chart below for a larger image.