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.
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