Nick Rose said I was going well! The Clevedon 4 mile Boxing Day Race, 2013

I wasn't, of course, not really, but I was there and taking part. And because I was wearing my Bristol & West AC vest, Nick Rose called out and encouraged me. It may not seem important to many, but when someone of a similar age to you, who's run in every event you can think of, from the Olympics and Commonwealths down, calls out with some words of encouragement,it doesn't half give you a lift. I needed it too, right then, with the supplementary hill just around the corner. I'd hoped to post a photo of Mr Rose taking part in the Olympics, or the Commonwealths, but they're extremely hard to find, so I can't.

As you'll see from the table below, I've taken part in this event at least 8 times in 25 years. I say "at least" because I'm certain that I took part 1 or 2 more times in the 90s, but astonishingly, my records are incomplete! (I can't believe that either.) I look forward to this race every time I enter it, it's such a good morning out. The race is well organised, the course is "interesting", the support all the way around is great and as the years go by I bump into more and more old running friends, who I probably haven't seen since last Boxing Day. Today was no exception, as I bumped into John and Paul Davies, father and son, who I ran with for Bath in the 80s.

It's also a special race because it's one of the very few races my Melburnian brother Phil and I have taken part in together, back in 1990, which was the year the race was diverted because a chimney stack had blown down from a house on the course, and so we ran more than 4 miles. Good times . .

However, as I hadn't been very well yesterday, I wasn't sure if I'd be up for it this time. Going along to take photos would be an option, but not one I really wanted to take up. When I woke up this morning at 9am, having slept for 11 hours, the sun was shining and I felt no worse than normal - and a squillion times better than yesterday - and on such a beautiful day it was a simple decision to make. It was my lucky day too, because despite arriving only 30 minutes before the race I found a place in the car park. I had some time to take a few photos of that photogenic Victorian pier that Clevedon is famous for, and a some views across the Severn estuary, and to chat with Roger, Tracy, Jules and Paul when suddenly we realised that the runners ahead were on their way. That had to be one of the quietest klaxons ever!

Even on the sunniest of December mornings the first half of the race can feel cold, as we run along through shops and houses, but suddenly, as we pass Clevedon School, and turn left to climb the hill, we're out in the open and on a day like today, can feel the sun on our necks. What a great sensation that is, at this time of year. The hill can be a shock to the system, with an elevation of 44m in less than ¼ of a mile. Today, I walked some of it, for the first time, in an effort to keep my breathing under control. Those who've run with me recently will understand. Part way up the hill, there's a family who always come out and support the runners, and always have Queen belting out "We are the Champions" by way of encouragement. They've done this for years and I feel as if I've watched the children grow up and the grown ups age, as I have. I told them that the race wouldn't be the same without them as I walked past.

And to an extent, my strategy of walking worked, as once at the summit I was able to push on, and overtake those who'd passed me on the climb. The crowds were great, as ever, and it's lovely to run along being cheered so enthusiastically by complete strangers . . and Jan, from Sweatshop, who gave me a yell too. I began to push towards the finish, and worried that I'd gone too soon, but as we reached the final bend I smelt that finish line once again, and from that moment, nobody could keep up with me! Disappointed with my time, but after yesterday, it was good just to be out there taking part, so the time doesn't matter other than giving me a target for next year!

I'd hoped to be able to include a report from yesterday's Cheltenham parkrun, but was indisposed at short notice. Monday evening brought a lovely run however, with a surprise invitation to join in a run to go and see the Brailsford Lights. I'd never heard of them, although I live just a stone's throw away. They're at the top end of a street and as you run towards the house you pass a few houses with outside lights, and they look good, but as you round the bend you're suddenly confronted by a wall of light ahead of you. It's quite astonishing, and despite my inbuilt cynicism, I was amazed at what I saw. The run itself was fun too, getting lost and running around in circles for a while didn't matter and seemed almost normal! It was cold, and wet, and windy, but the endorphins were pumping and Christmas was in the air.

Meanwhile, back to the Clevedon race today . . here's what may be an inevitable trend. But watch this space, for next year, the trend will be bucked!

1988    24.02    93/360
1989    24.39    130/399
1990    25.42
2002    29.07
2005    30.22    389/823
2006    30.57    365/753
2012    38.07    554/678
2013    40.16    776/869

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December, Ashton Court parkrun #132, and a Sunday lark around Blaise Castle

A couple of runs to report on this weekend . . the last ascent of Ashton Court at parkrun before Christmas, on Saturday, and a lovely social occasion on Sunday, around Blaise Castle, across to Kingsweston Hall and back, along the narrow strip of beautiful countryside that separates Combe Dingle from Lawrence Weston.

As always, parkrun was a joy. All the more so this week for being the "Christmas" run, with so many of the 202 participants in fancy dress, with several friends attaining 100 and 50 parkrun club status, and with a bring and share picnic afterwards, when we, the parkrunners had a chance to show our appreciation to the great bunch of people who make our parkrun happen, week in, week out.

The run, my 124th parkrun, was a struggle for me. But then it usually is, just now, which is something that I need to change. On Saturday Debbie cajoled, encouraged and pushed me to get to the top of the hill and all the way back down again, and I suppose it was an achievement to do so, in fancy dress, in a quicker time than the previous week. But whilst it would be nice to think that I'd run well after a parkrun, parkrun is so much more than just the run itself. It's all about community, friendships, and participation. As has been said so many times before, it's a run with your mates, which is one reason why, to Debbie's consternation, I insisted on encouraging so many of my friends as they whizzed past on their way down, whilst we were still running up towards the top. I'm good at shouting at runners. Need to work on my high-fives, though!

with Chrissie Wellington

One of the first runners to pass us on their way down was Chrissie Wellington, 4 time World Ironman Champion, running her first AC parkrun, and only her second parkrun anywhere. Inevitably she made it look easy, chatting away to the runner beside her with a smile on her face. She went on to finish in 9th place, in a little over 19 minutes. By the time Debbie and I had finished Chrissie was still there, chatting away, posing for photos with all who asked, smiling broadly and enjoying every moment. Of course, I took my turn too, as you've seen.

no, I don't know either . .

Afterwards, whilst Chrissie set off to run back home in Clifton . . she's Iron, after all, we retired back to the Stables for our picnic, for coffee, tea or hot chocolate, and for conversation, and perhaps, one or two silly photos . . and all too soon, after about 3 hours (for a 5k?), our parkrun morning was over. There was shopping to do, chores to carry out, and errands to be run. Fortunately of course, one of the other great things about parkrun is that there's another one, next weekend.

And so to Sunday. I took the softer option and met the other Larkers at Blaise Castle. They'd already run a couple of miles to get there. When I arrived, it was a beautiful bright and sunny morning, and I sent a message to a friend that said something to that effect. As soon as I'd locked my phone in my car and walked away, I looked over my shoulder and saw the darkest clouds, decorated with a bright rainbow, and realised that my text must have seemed peculiar, to say the least!

beautiful Blaise Castle

I took a few photos of my surroundings (sadly the rainbow had disappeared) and before long Maggie and David came round the corner, followed by Abbie, Andy, Alan, Sheila, Chris and Paul. I joined them and after a few metres we paused, and were joined by the morning's other Larkers, who had taken a longer route to the meeting point. We struck out towards Kingsweston House. It was muddy, but we like that. By this time though, the storm I'd seen over my shoulder had caught up with us and it was wet and windy. Some said there were hail stones, but I don't remember them.

Fortunately the storm soon blew over and the sun returned, just in time for us to take some photos in front of the House, and admire the view across Avonmouth towards Wales. I couldn't run as well as I'd have liked to, I was tired and my knaughty knee was playing up, clicking and cracking away. Maggie was great, as always, and stuck with me whilst I struggled, and everyone else was very patient. There was plenty of stopping and starting, sheepdogging and regrouping, so I was never far behind. I was grateful for their patience. And after a little over 6k of stopping and starting, we were back close to Blaise, and we parted, the rest to run back to Maggie and David's, me to return to the car park.

A little later, we were all back at our hosts' lovely home, with red soup and green soup, and bread, and tiffin (thanks Alison) and cupcakes, and mulled wine. And as always, amongst this lovely group of people, much laughter and good fun were shared. Thanks, everyone, for a great weekend. Looking forward to the next one already . .

Sunday 15 December . . a cracking Christmas morning out . .

The Christmas Cracker 10k, organised by Weston Athletic Club, has been part of the south west's running calendar for years. I remember going along to support some friends taking part in it in the late 1980s. For some reason - I don't know why - I didn't get around to entering it and taking part until last year, when I grabbed one of the last 50 places.

Christmas Cracker, 2012

It's essential - compulsory even - to wear some tinsel whilst running this race. But it's better if you run in fancy dress. And most people do wear fancy dress. Last year my contribution was to wear a Santa hat and wrap some tinsel round my neck. It felt like barbed wire by the time I finished. Having taken part in it once though, I realised that it would be much more fun to wear fancy dress, and so this year I became an Elf for the day.

As usual the Larkers had a laugh driving down to the race. We were all in fancy dress and were looking forward to finding more Larkers and seeing what they were wearing. When we got there, Weston-super-Mare was full of all sorts of runners . . hundreds of Santas, hundreds of Elves, wise men, shepherds, Josephs and Marys. Some turkeys, some crackers, some dressed as runners, and for some bizarre reason . . penguins. Have I missed something? The Christmas Penguin? The Penguin in the Manger? The Penguin of the Lord came down? Good King Penguinslas? Who knew!

The race started under the Grand Pier and we ran north as far as we could before turning back and running 4k towards Uphill. At Uphill we stayed on the flat, and we turned off the beach before heading back to Weston. As soon as we could, the course took us onto the Promenade, where many of us had got soaking wet the previous Thursday evening in the most recent 5m Prom run.

As we got further down the prom and got closer to Grand Pier we could see the finish. The trouble was, we had to run past it. In fact we still had 2k to go, including a circuit of Marine Lake which took us across the causeway I'd last run over in 1992.

Crossing the Causeway in the Tough Ten, 1992

I'd run the whole race with Maggie, who'd wanted to take part but needed to take it easy because of a dodgy hamstring. We had a great time, nattering about this and that, and Maggie provided me with much needed encouragement as I struggled at times. The first 4k had been into the wind, along the beach, and it took more out of me than I'd have liked.

Anyway, back to the 8k mark on the Prom. As we ran past the finish area, we heard the announcer call out that Vanessa had finished, we saw Nicola and Yvonne, and Debbie, dashing towards the finish line. A little later we saw Paul in his stunning onesie. And then, after we'd crossed that Causeway, it was time for Maggie and I to hit the beach again. I looked across to the finish and it seemed so far away, and I told Maggie that I couldn't do it. I was all out of oomph. A few paces down the beach we got a big boost when Jim Plunkett-Cole took our photo. Alfonso was there too, to help him. But I still didn't think I could do much more than collapse across the finish line.

thanks, Jim . .

There's something about a finish line though isn't there. It used to happen sooner to me than it does nowadays . . but once I get the scent of a good finish line in my nostrils, I'm off. There was a fairy just ahead of us (really!) and Maggie suggested we try and pass her. The fairy didn't stand a chance! It was so good to finish, and after a moment or two we were back with the Larkers. Hugs all round, although Paul and Martin didn't seem to appreciate them. Or at least, not mine!

Tall Elf, Christmas Cracker, 2013

And then back to Weston College, Race HQ for the day, to collect our fab red t-shirts, and our mince pies, and climb all those stairs to get our bags and to get changed. Finally to the bar, to catch up with everyone, in time to see some of the penguins, our very own Larkers Alan and Sheila, get a prize for their fancy dress.

A great race, a great day out, and great fun. Thanks everyone . .

Sunday 1 December . . Looking for Mr Malreward . .

For the first time in many weeks, the Larkers had no race to chase and so we chose to recce leg 2 of the Green Man Challenge relay around Bristol, Vanessa and Paul having already run leg 1 a few days earlier. I say "we" but in fact I chose to rest my naughty knee and opted out. However with the run being from one place to another I was able to help by ferrying Vanessa, Paul and Debbie to the start, whilst Alan, Sheila and Steph followed.

Have you noticed how many Somerset villages sound like retired ac-tors? Nempnett Thrubwell and Farleigh Hungerford are two that spring to mind (probably not Flax Bourton mind you), and this morning we were looking for Norton Malreward. Thanks to Paul's navigation skills we found the village and the start of the leg. The Larkers got ready, a "before" photo was taken, and off they went, heading for Keynsham, mostly along the Chew valley.

 I jumped back in my car and set off to Woollard, where I was going to wait for my friends with water and encouragement. But I hadn't got very far when I caught a glimpse of that wonderful old railway viaduct just outside Pensford, way over across the valley. I screeched to a halt and found somewhere to park. A quick glance at the map showed that I was on the run route and almost immediately the 6 Larkers came running down towards the road. There was no time to stop of course, and I took a quick snap of them going through the kissing gate, and several more of them far away in the distance, following the valley towards Pensford, with the viaduct in the background.

Next stop for me was Woollard, where I found a narrow footbridge across a stream that flows into the Chew, and waited for the Larkers to cross the water meadow towards me. And waited, and waited, and waited . . I knew I was in the right place, but where had the runners got to? I'd just begun to doubt my navigational skills when at last, I glimpsed a flash of yellow, and another of pink, and there they were, running towards my little bridge. Turned out that the directions they were following weren't always clear and they'd done a bit of unnecessary hill-climbing in Pensford, which had delayed them somewhat.

Everyone had a cup of water, and Paul shared the Kitkats he'd been carrying, and after another photo they set off up the hill out of the village, towards Compton Dando (there's another of those ac-tors) and Keynsham. I stopped off just outside the latter at a spot overlooking the River Chew, and spent way too long sat on a stone wall (I've got a cold now) waiting. The Larkers came, they saw, they waved, and they pressed on to the end of the leg at the Lock Keeper on the River Avon, where, as you might expect, I took another photo.

And then we retired to the Brassmill where we were joined by Martin and all enjoyed a lovely lunch and and a lot of laughs. So, although I wasn't running, I still had a great day out with good friends in beautiful countryside. They covered a little over 9 miles, superbly navigated by Vanessa, and mention must be made of the fact that this was Steph's first run over 10k, and first run off road. Well done to her, and well done too to everyone else too, you all ran well. And finally if I may say so, well done to me . . when I took Alan, Sheila and Steph back to their car, I found Norton Malreward, in the dark!

the 125th Abingdon parkrun . . 5 Larkers find friendship, sunshine, mud, coffee and cake . .

23 November

I've been back in Bristol for 13 months now, and in that time I've made Ashton Court parkrun my home. It's not the easiest run, and if you're wide awake there's that "what was I thinking" thought as you attack the hill. On the other hand, there's always the "weeeeeeeeee!" as you come back down again. As a general rule though, I find it best to still be half asleep when taking on the hill.

I've also made a lot of friends at Ashton Court, many of them being the Larkers I often write about. I'm very fortunate to know this group of runners, and when Monday comes I can't wait for the next weekend. Before I returned to Bristol my home parkrun was Abingdon, where again, I met some special people and made some good friends.

All parkruns are special, of course but Abingdon is one of those that has that intangible extra, so that it stands out from the ever-increasing crowd of parkruns.

I love running beside the River Thames, twice . . the boats on the canal . . the mud . . running around the meadow . . the tall trees standing guard over the river . . and then the walk into town over the bridge, looking to see if the Heron's at home in the Weeping Willow, before settling down at Java & Co for their great coffee and cake, nattering away with everyone and watching the town go by in the Market Square.

I've been back to Abingdon twice this year, and wanted to get back again before Christmas, so that's were I went yesterday. Although the 6.50 departure time put a few off, Paul and Vanessa came with me, Caroline was already in that part of the world, and Maggie stopped off to join us as she made her way from Brixton to Banbury. It had been frosty when we left Bristol, and watching the orange sun rise made the A420 more interesting than it usually is!

As soon as we arrived at Rye Meadow I started to see some old friends and it was great to be back. Once Sue had explained the intricacies of the posh loo in the car park to Vanessa, and Caroline and Maggie had joined us, we displayed our parking tickets, put on our best larking shoes, and made our way to the start.

Run director Caroline H banned me from the pre-run tourist and newcomer briefing, so I continued catching up with old friends whilst the Larkers learnt all about Abingdon parkrun. There was just time for Julian to take a photo of us before the run when at 9am, with the sun still shining, Caroline H got our parkrun started, and along with thousands of others in England and Wales we set off on our 5k adventure.

Runners of all shapes and sizes, of all ages and abilities, we ran beside the Thames, from firm towpath to uneven muddy footpath, then over the grass around the meadow before crossing the little bridge and hitting the proper mud, made worse by tractors during the week, and after 1500m or so I was still with Vanessa and a little ahead of Paul. Well that was new! They must be having a dreadful run! Or maybe it was me, over excited by the occasion and running too quickly?

Suddenly I was overcome by lethargy, lost all my energy, and slowed right down. I couldn't understand it and kept on running and enjoying my surroundings. As the parkrun unfolded I was passed by several people I've never been ahead of before. Probably went off too fast then! Runners kept on coming by and as we got back onto the road for the last time I could see Maggie up ahead, having already finished her run and warming down, running back towards me. Just then I was caught by John, who I knew had run his 100th parkrun the previous week, and we exchanged a few words as I congratulated him. Thing is, John's age group is 20 years older than mine. I hope I'm still running like that when I'm his age but right now I don't want to be beaten by him (again!). So just as Maggie reached me I found some energy from somewhere and hurried towards the finish. It was nice to have Maggie accompany me, just as it was nice to be cheered as I finished.

The Larkers had all finished and all were saying what a lovely run it was. Caroline H offered me a piece of gingerbread man as I queued to register, and once Julie had scanned my barcodes we put some warm clothes on and headed for the Market Place. Whilst we were queuing for our coffee the sunshine disappeared, replaced by gunmetal skies and November cold, but as tradition holds, we all sat outside and were kept warm by parkrun lurve.

It was good to be back, and I know the Larkers all enjoyed their morning in Abingdon. We'll return next year, there's no doubt. Thank you to everyone at Abingdon for making us so welcome, it was good to see you all and for me it was just like being back home!

Later in the day I found that I'd had a tummy bug for company all morning, which may explain my sudden energy loss during parkrun. It certainly explains why there's no Sunday race report as I've been sensible today and stayed at home. The Larkers were off to Brent Knoll, or orienteering across the Mendips, and I'd been due to run a 10k on the Castle Combe race circuit - tarmac all the way! Hope you all enjoyed your events . .

Many thanks to Lewis and Julian for their great photos.

45 Maggie 23.48 . . 2nd lady and 1st in her age category
59 Caroline 25.04 . . 2nd in age category
86 Paul 27.09 
95 Vanessa 27.38 
143 me 31.04 
185 finishers

next Larkin' blog - probably Sunday 1 December . . after a lark along
the Chew Valley with Vanessa and Paul . . depending on how long lunch takes . .

the Bath Skyline 10k . . mudulicious malarkey at Claverton Down . .

17 November

This week the Larkers went over to Bath University for our weekly mud therapy where Relish Running Races were staging the first of this winter's series of four off road 10ks.
 
I really think the Race Naming Committee need to get onto this one urgently, as the name is neither alliterative nor onomatopoeic. I would recommend Sham Castle Shamble but I imagine that one or two of my faster friends may wish to suggest something more suggestive of speed! Also, thanks to the morning's fog, we couldn't see Bath. I know from past experience that the views across Bath from Sham Castle are stunning and it was a shame to miss them. Fortunately I was able to fill in the grey gaps from memory.
 
Earlier, the day's excursion had begun (and later was to end) with entertaining conversation, and it was with some reluctance that Vanessa, Paul and I got out of the car to go and register, particularly as up on the hill beyond Bath there was fog and moisture in the air.
 
Debbie and Martin arrived shortly after us and we had no trouble collecting our numbers in the Sports Hall. Then back to the car park, conveniently situated beside the start and finish to get ready to race, and as we tried to keep warm and stand still for those all important "before" photos we were joined by Alan, Sheila and Tracy.

Much of the pre-race conversation seemed to be devoted to Paul's washing powder of choice. Apparently, he's using the wrong stuff. I'm confused about what the right stuff is exactly (to bio or not to bio?) and as my club vest (which once was white) is now a similar shade to Paul's, I thought it best to keep quiet for once!

thanks to Martin for the photos of us all before the run,

and of Paul enjoying himself at half way

Anyway, we had to curtail our chatter to race. The 10k was two laps, over trails and meadows, and through Bathampton Woods there were some tricky bits over rocks and tree roots, where the runners in road shoes frustrated those of us wearing trail shoes. One section of the course took us past some halls of residence where we were treated to the sight of young people in pj's, in the warm, having late breakfasts.

In the early part of the second lap I was bimbling along, minding my own business as you do, when suddenly Paul's disembodied voice called out "come on Rich K". It transpired that 1½k ahead of me the race went back in the opposite direction, somewhere up in the fog. It was great to get Paul's encouragement but he scared the life out of me at the same time!

I struggled today. For this particular Larker it was probably a race too many. I've hardly raced for several years and this was my 9th race in as many weeks, and most of them have been preceded by a parkrun. But you don't find out till you try it, do you, and it's been fun getting here. Today I had to focus on the joy of being out in beautiful countryside (again), being active (again) and in the company of such good friends (again). There is much to be grateful for, and if getting round is a bit more arduous than I'd hoped sometimes, it's a small price to pay for all the many positives.

The other Larkers seemed to enjoy themselves and their races. Once again they were waiting for me at the finish, cheering me on and pulling me across the line. Aren't they great? Having run solo for a couple of k's I'd been caught up just before we entered the final field, and suddenly I had to work hard to keep my position. Thanks for helping me do that everyone.

Post race, as Paul and I struggled to get changed in the car park, the scene was likened to waiting for children in the cloakroom at reception class. I've no idea what was meant by this, perhaps we'll be told below?

Some highlights:

 •once again, the wonderful autumnal colours all around us . .
 •the occasional "ping" of a golf ball bouncing off a runner's head as we skirted the golf course . .
 •the lovely marshal with her list of entrants in one hand, looking up our numbers and calling out to us by name as we ran by . .
 •beautiful birdsong . . contrasted by the distant sound of model aeroplanes elsewhere above the Down, and the rumble of trains winding their way through Limpley Stoke valley below . .
 •a nice bit of bling for our efforts . .
 •seeing the winner! Yes, I was lapped, shortly before the half way mark. Like me the winner runs for Bristol & West AC. In fact I was disappointed to be lapped. I may have called him an "unsporting rotter" as he sped past . .

Once we'd found our way out of reception class and the car park, we returned to the Sports Hall for coffee where the laughter and teasing continued until we'd had enough and were ready to leave, and as we drove home, another excellent morning out came to a close. Big thanks to Martin for supporting us and taking our photos, to Vanessa for being this week's chauffeur, and to everyone for so much fun. And finally, thanks to Sarah, who last week invented the word "mudulicious" and gave me the inspiration for "mudulike".

So, that's another 10.69k (yes, the course was a few centimetres long) closer to the Copenhagen Marathon, with only 26 weeks to go  . . 

1 40.54 Ben Robinson 1st man  
8 46.50 Kerry Riley 1st woman
45 53.08 Alan  
72 55.23 Tracy 9th lady and 2nd in age group  
202 68.54 Paul  
211 69.39 Sheila  
242 73.13 Vanessa  
289 77.43 Debbie  
323 86.29 me  
336 took part

the Sodbury Slog . . muddiness and mayhem at Chipping Sodbury . .

10 November 

The Sodbury Slog is one of the highlights of the year for many runners across the UK, and the 1,000 or so places available always sell out in a matter of days. I ran it once in the previous century, when it was called the Beagle Bash, and on several occasions have taken photos beside one of the muddier parts of the course. I had a feeling that one year I'd have to get out there and taste mud again. And so it was that when several of my friends (you know who you are!) decided we should all take part this year, at the time (several months ago) I agreed. Since then I have had my moments of doubt, as have others, but having completed the race, and had a little snooze, I can confirm that it was in fact a Very Good Idea Indeed!

 

The thing is, the race is advertised as being 9 "country" miles. With hindsight I reckon it was exactly 9 normal ones. But it's not the distance that's the issue, it's the terrain. Having crossed Sodbury Common, which is just very wet, we're taken through all sorts of muddiness, streams, water spouts and whirlpools. All are packed with organic material that really belongs in the local farmyards, certainly not in my shoes (nor elsewhere!) and indeed some of it should be taken to Porton Down for examination!

 

Naturally the spritely young things at the pointy end of the race just glide over this stuff as if it weren't there. They have no idea what fun they miss out on! But by the time 500 pairs of feet have stirred it all up, those of us towards the rear find the going difficult, and "interesting", to say the least! And we're all grouped together in clusters, because we've not had time or opportunity to get spread out, and because we're trying to stay with our friends.

 

We are the runners for whom the phrase "survival of the fittest" has no meaning. It's All for One and One for All, isn't that so D'Artagan? So you find lots of groups of runners waiting for their straggling friends, and taking photos of one another whilst they wait (and where do they hide their cameras when the muddiness is at it's worst I wondered?).

 

Mostly we're up to our knees/thighs/waists/chests/chins/oh dear! in stuff that stinks to high heaven, and we're falling over one another, and hanging on to one another and the daft thing is that most of us are laughing! Laughing with delight! Just throwing our heads back and roaring with laughter. Actually enjoying this ordeal by ordure! Unbelievable!

 

Let's go back to the beginning. Bitton Road Runners have the organisation of the race down to a t nowadays, and once again most things worked like clockwork today. Number collection and baggage drop off were simple enough. Maybe not enough loos but so long as you planned ahead you were ok! Personally I could have done without Mr Motivator making a fool of himself but I'm usually out of step on that one so it's probably just me!

 

The race is always on Remembrance Sunday, and at 11am a bugler sounds The Last Post and there's a 2 minute silence, during which time you could have heard a safety pin drop. Much to our amusement, the end of the silence was marked by two rockets being fired into the sky . . the noise of which frightened the life (she said) out of Emma who at the time was hidden in a portaloo. The look on her face when she came out again was priceless!

 

And then we're out into the road, lined up and the runners ahead started running, so of course we gave chase. The first mile was great, through Chipping Sodbury High Street towards the Common. And then it all changed, and we entered a parallel universe of M U D !!!

 

 

There is, as we know, nothing quite like it, for cooling the blood. Fortunately today was a beautiful bright sunny day, and there was warmth in the sun, and my ploy of wearing some of my oldest and most threadbare running kit so I could just bin it afterwards (so hang on, why is it right now swirling round in the washing machine?) worked, as apart from my feet (which were blocks of ice from the water) I wasn't at all cold throughout the race.

 

Highlights? Too many for me to relate and I hope my friends and companions will forgive me as I'm sure to forget some. The views over the Cotswolds were, as always, magnificent. Hearing that Marie had to stop to retrieve one of her shoes from the morass, because it was the one with the timing chip on, made me laugh. There was the Belgian lady who asked me after 3 miles how much further there remained in miles as she was having difficulty working it out. The she said it was her first ever race. Clearly absolutely bonkers, I avoided her for the rest of the run!

 

There was one length of water we had to negotiate early on in the race, and many runners helped themselves by hanging on to the runner in front. I've no idea who was hanging on to me but hope they enjoyed it as much as I did! At one point Debbie grabbed the bloke in front, moved forward a few steps, looked away, looked in front again, and realised that her guide had disappeared! This seemed odd, we were told later, but nevertheless Debbie carried on forwards, and ran right over him, as it transpired he was submerged at the time! He did survive this, and we later learned that his name is Graeme. I don't think Graeme quite saw the funny side . . .

 

 

There was a great moment towards the end of all the mud when we found Alison and Anne waiting for us. Paul had gone on ahead on a recce at the time so wasn't with us but Debbie, Vanessa and I took a moment to pose for the camera. Can't wait to see the photo! I also enjoyed Dave's discomfort at having used Alison's race number and winning the ladies V50 category. I offered to find a scalpel and make it so but he declined! There's just no pleasing some people!

 

 

On the subject of which, the lady who removed the chip from my shoe was someone I hadn't seen for about 12 years. She said I looked great and hadn't changed a bit! After running the Slog? Jeez, I must have looked a bit grim in 2001! But it was nice to see her, and one or two others, from my previous life. I even got a spot prize because I happened to know the lady who'd been handing them out! (A jolly useful bottle of beer, since you asked!)

 

 

This morning I almost managed to keep up with my friends, and bless them, Paul, Debbie and Vanessa waited for me so that we all crossed the finish line holding hands together (that'll give the race photographer a problem!) and as we did we saw the race clock showing 2 hours and 3 minutes. I'd no idea how long we'd been running for and for once was happy to be over 2 hours, another landmark for me and the first time I've been on my feet for that long since 2009. Thanks for a great morning out, you three, and especially for waiting for me.

 

On a more sober note I should mention Kevin, a clubmate I don't know personally, who broke his leg about half way through the race. I'm sure that by now he's safe and warm in hospital, and I'd like to wish him a speedy recovery. When I saw him he was laid on the grass with a blanket over him, waiting for medical help. Emma was one of (I think) three runners who gave up their races to remain with him, and inevitably she must now be known as Florence.

 

Thinking of injured clubmates, thanks to Alison, Anne and Noel for coming out and supporting us all today, hope to be running the Slog with you all next year.

 

 

So another lovely day out, filled with laughter, and getting wet, muddy and sweaty. Thanks to all my friends and clubmates for making it so memorable (and thanks to Maggie for driving some of us there, sorry my navigation tends to be a tad last minute!). We all did very well, I think . .

 

 

Results of people I know are:
6 1.00.29 Jim  

19 1.03.40 Paul  

37 1.06.38 Colin  

84 1.10.34 Dave  

106 1.12.30 Gary  

181 1.18.08 Marie  

266 1.22.41 Maggie 2nd in her category  

385 1.29.14 Sammy  

515 1.36.50 Judy  

577 1.39.47 Sheila

579 1.39.48 Alan

667 1.44.46 Karen  

668 1.44.47 Matt  

907 2.01.35 Denica  

910 2.01.37 Nikki

??? about the same time Rikki  

919 2.03.16 Vanessa  

920 2.03.16 Debbie  

921 2.03.16 Paul  

922 2.03.16 me  

999 2.17.19 Florence
1033 runners completed the Slog today

 

thanks to Alan, Anne, Marie and RandR photos for the images above . .