That was a busy week, the one when we crossed from the old year to the new, with work, an extra day off, more work and then a weekend 234 miles from home . .
Monday and Tuesday were routine until suddenly in the middle of a telephone conversation with my boss, he said I could take the rest of the day off. It was "only" 2pm. Like a fool I asked if he was quite sure, and when he told me he was I switched everything off and bolted for the door before he could change his mind!
This was great. It was a gorgeous day, full of sunshine and blue sky. I'd missed the culmination of Big Kev's year of 5ks at Ashton Court, but I could still share the finale of Jim and Neil's year of 10ks, round the corner from Ashton Court at the Dovecote pub.
Dashed home, got changed, sorted out my cameras and jumped in the car. As I drove under the Suspension Bridge it dawned on me that Jim and his tribe would be crossing the Bridge . . a unique photo opportunity. So I turned round, went back up the hill, and parked close to the bridge.
I didn't have long to wait for the first group of runners, those intent on completing the entire 46 mile circuit of Bristol. By the time Jim and his entourage reached me it had begun to get dark (and cold) but Jim looked great as he led his friends across the bridge, and there were plenty of smiles on the faces of the runners behind him.
A little while later, it was a privilege to witness those first few runners complete their ultra . . and then, soon afterwards, be there to see Jim and Neil complete their amazing "minimum of 10k a day for 2013" challenge. Once we got into the pub, Jim soon found his way to the fire to thaw out, and many of us enjoyed a drink and a chat before we made our way home, or to a pub, or a party, to see the New Year in . .
more about Big Kev
more about Jim, Neil and Alfonso
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