Luckily the queue for the TARDIS (Take Another Relief Despite Its Smell) was short and in spite of a locked door an enterprising chap managed to open it with a stone and we whistled merrily for a minute or two.

Carol Culley's false leg caused some amusement in the Clubhouse and her determination despite the added handicap was an inspiration for us all. You couldn't notice any difference in her gait so maybe Kay has helped her out with a nice pair of shoes.

We jogged to the start, past the start and past a few runners before we turned back to the start before it got dark and the heart rate must have resembled that of a drum roll. Realising we were, as a club, starting virtually on the front rank, the majority of us assumed our normal position as would Minardi on the start grid.

A good start up the hill and wasn't long before we turned into the country lanes. I had been keeping Den company but I realised a bloke in marathon training isn't supposed to choose a bloke just coming back from injury for company. I spied Peter, Andy and Nigel up ahead and tried to join them. Nigel was having none of this and hurtled off down the lane. Peter and Andy were much friendlier and allowed me to actually pass them on the big downhill section. Everyone impersonates Max Bygraves going down there and I thought of a new title, Run-alonga-Max 7.

Along the valley floor and Andy soon charges past, well I say charges only to illustrate the pace he went past me. He actually looks so relaxed I thought it was Perry Como. Now what side of the lane do you run along. Are you really gaining much by choosing the inside of the corners each time? I try running up the middle but its full of gravel. If I'd shuffled a bit more I could have collected enough to redo the car park at home. Peter comes past half way up that darn hill and we are more or less back in the correct pecking order. Even walking up that thing is tough and that little tease 2/3rds up only makes it worse!

Bang on through the village and then that lovely last mile or so of a downhill section. The heart is willing me to give it some and try and catch Peter but he's obviously thought the same thing and is trying to catch Andy and Nigel so the gap stays the same. I am greeted in the industrial estate by the most encouraging WHOOOO! I've think I've ever heard and thanks Carol, it gave me the inspiration to show off in front of the well wishers at the finish.

Well done to Mark for first Carnie home and to Karen for first lady. I didn't stay for the prizegiving, as Wendy suffered some kind of insect bite during the race so we got back on the road pretty sharp, so if you did win a prize, not a spot one of course, then well done retrospectively.

Most of the usual suspects seem to have completed their eight races and we look to be unlikely to have to be hiring U-Haul to take the trophies home from the presentation after the Mob Match but we do still have a number of stalwarts such as Carol D, Carol C and Janet hovering behind the leaders waiting for a slip up.

By the way, Chris and Carol have jetted off to Fuerteventura for a few rays and Chris has left me the key to the safe or rather, the use of the web site. If you feel the need to challenge the fourth estate to a duel of words or to just vent your spleen at the world that isn't appreciating your talent, please drop me a line and I will be delighted to pop it on the site for you.

Next up Probus I believe. Some of us are off to the Camel Trail on Sunday for a 20-21 miler if you fancy joining us. Nice easy pace and the promise of fairly decent weather.