TEST WAY RELAY REPORTS

Leg Distance 1 7.1k 2 8.5k 3 10k 4 7.8k 5 7.5k 6 9.1k 7 9.1k 8 7.6k 9 6.1k Inkpen to Linkenholt Linkenholt to Stoke Hill Stoke Hill to Middleton Farm Middleton Farm to Wherwell Wherwell to Stockbridge Stockbridge to Mottisfont Mottisfont to Romsey Romsey to Lee Lee to Eling

- Saturday 19 th September 2009

Dream Team Angus Steel Mike Elmes Brian Frampton Louise Haughton Lindsay Ashton Anna Mills Graham Bungay Virginia Collins Juliana Solloway 00:30:57 00:35:02 00:42:07 00:37:16 00:37:03 00:44:45 00:37:40 00:39:48 00:29:03 Real Team Andy Gates Simon Mason Julie Ridgley Beth Frampton Emma Pilbeam Martin Nugus Emmett McCarthy Frances Stewart Pam Bungay 00:32:12 00:45:59 00:52:17 00:43:05 00:44:41 00:42:38 00:41:15 00:44:01 00:36:57

The Dream Team

Leg 1 Inkpen to Linkenholt 7.1k Angus Steel I always enjoy a good ride on the way to Inkpen Beacon and as usual the fun on the bus came thick and fast. We put our trust in Sue and she performed well as we arrived in one piece. I must admit I was a bit nervous on the start line because I have the reputation of starting races with premature zeal but luckily Andy Gates proved a good mentor as his experience speaks for itself. After the first few mounds and wet patches things settle down and I opened out a lead on the long road, which was hard underfoot. I glanced over my shoulder as I entered the bush and could see Andy about 200 yards away so I knew I had him licked. The finish on the road is always good as you pick up speed towards the waiting crowd for an explosive finish!! Leg 2 Linkenholt to Stoke Hill 8.5k Mike Elmes So, Leg Two began with Angus giving me a decent lead, I wasnt sure how much of a lead, I didnt intend on hanging around to find out either. There was beer quite literally warming up on the bus and Steve had his eye on it. This leg needed to be quick... So off I set, only to realise half a mile down the road Id actually forgotten to start the watch. So there goes the carefully planned route, based on timings and distances. Off I trot, I look down and the watch reckons Im running at 5.30 min/mile pace. Thats a bit quick. In fact thats over optimistically quick, and lo and behold after 3 miles, just as the route hits a series of gates, Im pooped. Well this isnt good... Just as Im using the opening and closing of gates as a chance to get a crafty break, Tony Lees pops up, out of the blue most unexpectedly and ruins the whole break experience with some encouragement. Off I scuttle, towards the highlight of my run, a damn big hill. 5 minutes later, panting and wheezing like an asthmatic pensioner, Im nearing the first summit of the hill, which is definitely a few metres higher this year due to having to climb the bodies of unfortunate runners who failed to finish last years race, Im in the lead, and its a good lead as I havent seen anybody. For ever. A quick jaunt through the wooded section of the hill, a knowing nod to the junction where I went wrong last year, take a left down the correct path followed by 2 minutes of the familiar feeling of thinking its just not the right path (obviously its not the right path, I took the left path. I meant the correct path). Happily though, it was the right (correct) path, half a mile later Im heading towards the changeover where Brian awaited me to pass on the relay and Steve awaited me with a beer (if it hadnt already been drunk...). This year, there were no dramas, no falling unmajestically onto my bum on the finish line, no disappearing leads to erroneous turns, just a massive lead (9 minutes I think youll find). Interestingly, my heart rate monitor recorded my heart rate at 210 going up the hill. This based on the theoretical maximum heart rate means Ive got the maximum heart rate of a 10 year old boy. Well at least it matches my mental age... Leg 3 Stoke Hill to Middleton Farm 10k Brian Frampton I had been looking forward to the Test Way for the past year and after all it turned out to be another lovely, warm, late summer day, maybe a little too warm seeing as my leg was around midday. So as expected, Mike lead the way, little did I know at the time he had a big lead and it was up to me to keep it. Off I went like a mad thing over fields, stiles and gates, jumping over the stiles only to slow down for the gates. All went to plan through St Mary Bourne, 1/3 distance, then came my near disaster, a fork in the road.was it up the hill to a private house or to the left along a gravel track on the flat. I asked a dog walker which was the Test Way Sorry, I dont know he said. Oh S*** was my reply followed by sorry. He said, thats OK and good luck, of course by then I was up the hill towards the private house. As it turned out I was right and eventually found the Test Way markers again. Other than that it was a very uneventful leg. I felt as though I was running slow (this was the effect of the hot weather) but was pleased with my time. So, a mad dash to the line helped by Paul and Mike and over to you Lou. Leg 4 Middleton Farm to Wherwell 7.8k Louise Haughton (with Angus Steel) It was a lovely sunny September day for this years Test Way Relay. After what seemed like waiting a lifetime and resisting the urge to eat all of the cakes on offer in the morning, I set off for leg 4 of the relay at around midday. Unfortunately, my original chaperone was suffering with an injury so only days before Angus was forced to be the replacement! I did the recce for leg four twice before race day but nothing could prepare me for the amount of pressure I felt during the run. With Brian completing such a fantastic time for his leg the pressure was on to run my leg with all my effort. Starting downhill, Angus ran in front so I could use him as my pace target, at the bottom of the hill we turned and ran over a small footpath then passed through a sports field and a pub where we both resisted the urge to stop for a drink! Once passing the pub, I

reached the church and ran through the field behind the church where I could hear the minibus and my team mates shouting support but, I didnt even have the energy to turn around and wave as I was so conscious that it would slow me down! After the field, I ran through a small village then followed the road around to the right then over a main road, which was luckily quiet, then up a steep farmers field. At this point Angus was really having to coach me up the hill as the heat of the midday sun was beginning to come out in full force. Running over the A303, then taking a right in to the Pig Farm I was really pushing the pace whilst it was flat ground and trying to hold my nose at the same time. We then came to a very steep hill just before the Bloodhound breeders then followed the path to another farmers field where I was informed there was less than a mile to go so with all my effort I pushed on further and tried to resist the urge to stop. Angus really motivated me by reminding me that a Pimms was waiting for me at the finish. So after reaching the final steps towards the downhill concrete road to Lindsay, a cheerful Steve with a glass of Pimms and Lemonade was waiting for me!

Leg 5 Wherwell to Stockbridge 7.5k Lindsay Ashton (with Paul Hallett) The day started bright and early at West Totton, where we all clambered aboard the minibuses bound for Inkpen. Louise and I had made cornflake cakes for the A Team which we all starting tucking into (these must have been the winning ingredient for our success!!!) Arriving at Inkpen, the two teams met to cheer on the first leg runners. The team spirit throughout the whole club was brilliant and definitely over shadowed the other running clubs. Angus did really well on Leg 1 for the A Team and created a 9-minute lead, so the pressure was on! Mike, Brian and Louise also did well on the next three legs and the lead kept on increasing, which really made my nerves set in (hence the multiple toilet stops!). Lunchtime soon came and it was my turn to run. My running buddy for Leg 5 was Paul Hallett, it was quite a nice leg to run for first timers, with hardly any horrible hills to battle. We set off through the farmers field and down some steps, Paul and I had reccied the leg together, although Paul seemed to forget most of it en route!! It wasnt long into the run that we missed the bridge and had to climb over the fence oops! Speeding down a gravel path, through the woods and into a field, I cleverly ploughed through 10ft high stinging nettles, my legs were on fire!!!! (for all the wrong reasons). The leg carried on along the river and up a grassy hill, which is where a lovely stitch decided to join my side, this started me moaning in Pauls ear (sorry!) I remembered we had a long straight in the final part, so I tried to keep pushing hard and breathing (it sounds like I was giving birth!!). It wasnt long before I could see the club supporters cheering us on, so Paul and I gave it the final sprint. The last obstacle was the dreaded roundabout, I followed Paul onto the edge of it, much to the disgust of a Winchester woman who tried to make me stop and go on the road (like I was going to do that!). Sprinting to the end, I tagged to Anna and nearly died! At the next pub stop, I was bought my much needed Pimms Oclock (many thanks to Steve) which certainly speeded up my recovery! I really enjoyed the rest of day, everyone was so pleased that we were the winners and it made it all worthwhile. Many thanks to Sue for driving us around and for the great organisation, thanks to Paul for supporting me through my leg and many thanks to Doctor Mike for rubbing my legs with doc leaves!!! Leg 6 Stockbridge to Mottisfont 9.1k Anna Mills (with Tony Lees) With injury striking one of the first team I had my call up into Team A. Thrilled I tried out the route with my personal trainer Tony! The relay day arrived and it was a scorcher. Reports were flying in that the team were doing well and in 1st place... Mike hadn't got lost this year then! Tony and I met at the pub, quick drink and final preparations. Then it was all go, Lindsay handed over to us and we set off down the long straight of the old railway track. I knew our plan was just to run fast for the team and I really didn't want to let the others down. So with support from Tony we kept trudging along, thankful for the shade from the trees. Grateful for the fact that there are only a couple of stiles on this stretch we soon reached the fields. Last slog. You can see the end from a while off and that last hill is a real killer. I remember wanting to stop at several points and kept having to remind myself that this one was for the club, keep going. It was brilliant to have the group off the bus at the end to cheer us up the last bit of the hill. I remember concentrating all my efforts on keeping going, tunnel vision with a wave of support all around keeping us going. Finally we reached the gate, the changeover point. Pleased with our time, I was even more pleased to finish our section. Go Graham! Leg 7 Mottisfont to Romsey 9.1k Graham Bungay When Andy told me I had this leg I was well chuffed it's my favourite leg with a nice variety of terrain. I had told the team this would be my second run of the day as I was fulfilling my duties to Southampton Running Club before my first claim switch over in October. I had leg 1 for SRC mens team and managed to sneak 1st position for them so job done, now to focus on our mixed team. A call to Sue told me we were leading and going well, Pam and I met up with the team at Wherwell with things still going nicely, leading, and everyone in good spirits. Off to Mottisfont for a warm up, Anna came into view with Tony guiding her up the hill to change over, off we go, with Winchester lady Lucy Elliott hot on my heels. Lucy is a 33minute 10k runner who has represented England in the past. Nice start baulked by a van blocking the road, seconds wasted, try again. The next couple of miles are uneventful but my legs are suffering fatigue and Lucy is gaining. About half way through the leg I hop over a style and there's a herd of cattle stood right in my path, whooping and hollering seems to rouse mild movement but eventually they swing out the way, more seconds lost, over another stile (there's 25+) to negotiate and oh joy another herd stood right in the way this lot aren't moving for man/women or mad runner! I give them a wide berth and away we go. Over the narrow boards down the hill and swing sharp left behind the bungalow I hate this bit a real short sharp stretch of uphill burning the increasingly tiresome legs. uphills aren't my friends any more. Lucy has caught me and I feel like I'm treading water and letting the team down. We enter Squabb Wood, not too far now, a nice downhill section sees me pass Lucy and before I know it we're heading across the meadows and onto the gravel track the home straight. Lucy digs in one last time and I can't respond but the noise from our team and supporters musters one last push to changeover phew it's over. 37-40 2nd best time in the mixed and thankfully I manage to extend our lead not drop time like I'd thought. Always a great day out, by far the best support along the route, Thanks to all and I'll let you off the ridicule about being beaten by Lucy, hey guys you race her next time.! Now my enthusiasm (or senile dementia) has given way to common sense. One leg only next year. Just got to stay fit and make the team. Leg 8 Romsey to Lee 7.6k Virginia Collins (with Matt Maiden)

What great weather we had for running the Test Way. I started my race at Leg 8 just behind the Winchester girl, my running buddy Matt was very helpful and encouraging he ran with me and not against me. My aim was to get past the Winchester girl before we got to the woods, this we achieved but we still had a long way to go, this is when my running buddy was most helpful, and we managed to finish in a decent time. It was great to see so many Totton runners at Lee Bridge cheering us in. I found the whole day was very sociable and enjoyable, thanks to Totton for allowing to run the leg, and thanks to Matt for your support; you should get a medal as well. Leg 9 Lee to Eling 6.1k Juliana Solloway (with Ryan Worth) The Test Way Relay, what a great day, real team effort that won us the cup. I enjoyed run every step of the way. My thanks to Ryan, Who risked life and limb to stop the traffic. Thanks to every one for your great support at the end.

me

the

The Real Team

Leg 1 Inkpen to Linkenholt 7.1k Andy Gates Angus and I struggled up the hill on the warm up. On the way back down to the start we discussed our race strategy of starting at the back and taking it easy up the first hill, but being men we were too busy yakking when the race started and found ourselves at the front. We didn't think this would last very long but by the time we got to the huge crowd of Totton supporters at the top of the hill we were still at the front with a good lead. We were greatly encouraged with some of the comments made by our team-mates!!!! I managed to keep Angus in sight until the last hill up through the woods and was very pleased that we came in 1st and 2nd for the leg. Leg 2 Linkenholt to Stoke Hill 8.5k Simon Mason In all my years of doing the Test Way Relay (yes I know it makes me sound like an old fart well I suppose I am and proud of it!!) I cant remember a wet race and this one wasnt going to be the exception. We all piled into the minibus convoy for the trip up to the start at Combe Gibbet. This year I was running leg 2 hoping not to repeat last years disappointing run being injured and limping the last of a mile. Mike Elmes and I stood at the start of leg 2 waiting for our handover from Angus and Andy, Angus was the first to appear on the horizon and handed over to Mike. Mike and I had recced the route on the August Bank Holiday so were quite sure of the route, very important as taking a wrong turn even for a 100 yards or for you youngins 100 metres can make all the difference. Andy handed over to me in second place about a minute or so after Angus (so no pressure then!). Now the race was on could I catch Mike (in my dreams) I set off at a good pace listening for footsteps behind me oh bugger one comes past then another so disappointed that I could not hold second place. I later learned that the first runner who passed was a 35 min 10k runner so did not feel so bad! Leg 2 is has quite a sting in its tale after the relatively easy run into Hurstbourne Tarrant. The sting is the hill over the field then up through the woods. Got to admit to a bit of fast hill walking up the first slope, then picked up going through the woods. Not much further to go now just the path across a field and past the grumpy farmers house, then to the finish and the hand over to Julie. I am now knackered, hot and sweaty then straight back in the bus, not pleasant for the rest of the passengers but they still had their turn to return the complement. Many thanks to Sue who did a couple of trips up to Combe Gibbet taking us up for recces. Leg 3 Stoke Hill to Middleton Farm 10k Julie Ridgley (with John Mursell) The sun shone again it was a beautiful day. Team B set off in the safe capable hands of our chauffeur John ( Sue in Bus A incidentally never stalled once in comparison to Johns 55!!). I ran my leg with John and have to admit without him I would have ended up goodness knows where (I will say though that I almost lost him at one stage when a tall leggy blonde from Hardley passed us !!) We ran reasonably well and urged on by John even managed a finishing sprint (this was after he had dragged himself away from the young blonde!) Another brilliant day and ended off nicely by Team A winning!! Well done to all - very well organised and fantastic team spirit! Here's to next year Leg 4 Middleton Farm to Wherwell 7.8k Beth Frampton (with Kylie Nugus) Just over a week before The Test Way, I was about to go on holiday and I found out that I wouldnt be running with Frances, who I had been on a recce with, so I was slightly worried that whoever I ended up running with would know the course less than me! (I only recced it once!!) I soon found out that my partner was Kylie and I couldnt have been more relieved, as she gives great advice whilst running and really helps keep you going! The big day arrived and after many lunch breaks at work looking at the route on Google maps, I felt ready! After a quick warm-up and a wee in the bushes, I was ready for Julie to tag me. Off we went through the shady path. Looking back at it now, I think I did set off too fast, but little did I know that the sun was right in the middle of the sky, so by the time I got to the biggest open field, it hit me. One good thing about the pig farm is that it didnt smell, however it seemed to go on forever. With one more mile to go I was really struggling. The heat was so intense, but with the encouragement from Kylie, I had to keep going. The finish line was in sight, and there I could see Emma waiting for me to tag her. It was almost like one of those bad dreams when youre not getting anywhere. Crossing the line, I was so pleased and there as promised was Rob with a pint in one hand but more importantly my drink in the other! Overall, I had a very enjoyable day and Totton were a huge success. I cannot thank Kylie enough for her support before, during and after the race.

Leg 5 Wherwell to Stockbridge 7.5k Emma Pilbeam (with Angela Soffe) I was really nervous all morning up until the start of my leg, but Angela assured me that she would help me round and she had money for drinks in the 3 pubs along leg 5. I made a dash for the pub at Wherwell but only got as far as the ladies then had to head to the start of our leg. It was really warm and sunny running. The River Test at Wherwell looked so inviting when we ran across the wooden bridge. We passed lots of families having picnics here. Rene was waiting with the camera at the next bridge so couldnt be seen going into the Mayfly PH nearby. The next part seemed to go on forever but was a bit cooler under the trees. Mum/Rene was there again this time with a bottle of squash if needed. We had one section after this before we reached the road. I was finding todays run hard having had a stitch most of the way and started to feel a bit icky so said to Angela I need a bucket but was told to keep going as we were nearly there. The last section was along the A3057 where mum drove past and shouted out to keep going. I was overtaken by a lady from Portsmouth joggers so this made me dig in and stick really close behind her and when I reached the roundabout somehow I found my second wind and overtook her back and sprinted for the finish. Thank you Angela for the invisible string that pulled me along and the money for the drinks, which didnt get used at the Stockbridge pub either! Thank you to the drivers of the mini buses and thank you to Mum for driving out to support us even though she was poorly. The Test Way relay is a good team event and is a fun day out. Leg 6 Stockbridge to Mottisfont 9.1k Martin Nugus Andy announced Dave Murray had pulled himself a little too vigorously over the weekend and couldnt run the Stockbridge to Mottisfont leg. A painful silence fell over the group until I blurted I could do itdoh! Realizing my error I added well, I can do it, as a very last resort, as I have some important business on Saturday, but really, please ask everybody else first and if you genuinely cant find any form of replacement, then I will reluctantly shelve my West Marchwoods pageant of nostalgic smurf collectables meeting and join the other window lickers on the happy bus. No surprise then, on Wednesday evening to get the call up. My leg came, kicked off at 2 oclock, following a morning of tiffin, tractors and poking a dead bird with a stick (you had to be there). I grasped my imaginary baton and shot off, sights set on a personal best, only to encounter some wrinkled old bid proudly straddling my footpath admiring her scabby flea-bitten hellhound curling out a chocolate n sweet corn Mr Whippy smack bang in the middle of the path! Being a polite and conscientious young man I screeched excuse me, but she was so engrossed in her dogs anal sculpture, budging was not an option, so once again I shouted a little louder excuse me! by which time Fido had completed the straining stage and was moving onto the owner/pet praise element of the doggy dump cycle. Only then, she tuned back into her surroundings and took the executive decision to step right into my path. My options limited to; flatten a granny or endure a shoe full of poo, I grabbed Ethel (Generic granny name) and as every action has an equal and opposite reaction I carried Ethel and the startled pooch 5 yards down the footpath. Record attempt now in tatters, I set off again when 50 yards later I heard another runner shouting excuse me! EXCUSE ME! I turned to catch a Southampton lady negotiating Ethel and her monstrous mound of pet poop. Great, some athletic tottie pressuring me for a mile then leave me standing. With the constant sound of footfall behind me I felt it bad form on checking her progress, but curiosity finally got the better of me and took a cheeky glance back, NO RUNNERS! Bloody hell! My mind playing stupid tricks again and those voices, those voices, good voices, bad voices, all the time telling me to do and say those things and.. and anyway I digress. Its widely recognised that this leg is by far the most tedious and extortionately un-scenic section of the Test Way, I was contemplating this along with the wilting heat, when towards me lumbered a herd of chubby ramblers. Now I pay my taxes, live locally and respect my environment, so retain just as much right to run along the footpath as a bunch of shirt lifting, flask carrying fudge nudgers, but these Sunday strollers were completely ignorant to a gurning sweaty bloke galloping towards them barely in control of my bodily functions let alone having the ability to avoid collision, resulting in a clash of elbows and several shoulder barges with around 60 of them (Oh and an a few sarcastic apologies from me). (NOTE: Martins views are not necessarily echoed by TRC members just in case anyone wants to sue us!!! Editor) Finally nearing Mottisfont and for the first time in my life I had an opportunity to pass a competitor, that Id been reeling in for the past 10 minutes and managed to performed a sprint on that final hill to tag a Totton bod (Sorry, havent a clue if it was you Emmett- it was all a bit fuzzy by then). As I imagine everybody else has said, great event with a really impressive team spirit, thanks to everybody that worked hard behind the scenes to create a faultless day. Please see me separately for individual apologies. Leg 7 Mottisfont to Romsey 9.1k Emmett McCarthy As I spent most of the day enjoying watching the others doing their best, and trying to keep up with the A team at each leg, as they were flying, and sadly seeing pub by pub pass by and not been able to have.. maybe just the one it won't hurt!! It was my turn, oh dear! Stood at the gate in the heat and looking across at a pitbull raring to go, snapping his teeth, yes Sean, was going to be chasing me down, my poor ankles, oh dear! Looking down the field I see a blotch appear in the distance, is it Martin? Is it? Yes here he comes, closer and closer blowing, blowing out of his a..s. We touch and its off I go, barking coming wildly behind me making me run faster, my poor legs could not keep up; down through the village and on to the trails with Sean in hot pursuit, maybe he was thirsty as well. Coming to the first of the 33 and a third of the gates over I went, to the next and again, I was starting to feel like a kangaroo without the springy bit. Screaming out with pain, not the running but those lovely nettles, my poor legs not again, and barking from behind, what can go wrong now, oh dear cows!! Lots of hungry cows, right in my way blocking my next stile, what am I going to do? When then I heard that barking again from behind and all of a sudden the way was cleared, what a relief. Head down again through the corn field, and down,

upsetting the pigs running into each other and into the woods, flying by now, hoping not to twist my ankle, and out into the open, across the fields, I could hear in the distance run faster faster, but I can't even breathe, I was saying to myself, not far now, I can see the last gate and I am sure there is a pub there...keeps me going; over that gate round the corner; this seems longer then I remember, yes everyone shouting and clapping, I have made it and leg 8 gets on their way. Phew really need a beer! Leg 8 Romsey to Lee 7.6k Frances Stewart (with Jez Weaving) I am in disgrace as the last team member to send my report for the Newsletter. The Test Way Relay seems rather a distant memory now so I wish I had got down to writing something weeks ago. While I rack my brains I want to especially thank our drivers for getting us expertly to the various stages in plenty of time and everybody on board the minibus for their company, on what turned out to be a really fun day. Most of all I have to thank Jez for his encouragement while accompanying me on my leg and keeping me on the right track. Running one of the later legs of the relay meant I spent the earlier part of the day wondering what I should eat (from my extensive supplies), and when I should eat it. Despite that I was glad my leg was not earlier because the day turned out to be lovely and sunny - I prefer cold weather for running and lived in hopes that the sun would vanish before my turn came. Leg 8 started on the outskirts of Romsey on a bridge over the River Test. I spent my time waiting (the sun had vanished yippee) feeling nervous and wishing I wasnt there. I would much rather have been around the corner in Prezzos eating one of their delicious pasta al fornos. [Tip: if you subscribe to Prezzos email list or check out Martins Money on the internet you can sometimes get a BOGOF voucher, a real bargain and, as most Totton runners know, I love a bargain.] I have managed to digress long enough so I guess I have to write something about my leg now. Although there was lots of traffic on the road I decided while I was waiting that it would slow me down running on the pavement because of the overgrown bushes (John next year please get the Council to give it a good trim). Hopefully none of the drivers would really want to have an accident so I sped off as fast as I could along the road for 300/400 yards to the safety of the grass verge. Leg 8 is a lovely run around the Mountbatten Estate, fairly straightforward I thought (I had reccied it twice), but I very soon had to thank Jez for stopping me from haring off in the wrong direction. Needless to say the sun appeared soon after I started running but there were a few clouds around so I hoped I would be luckier later. On one of my reccies there had been some cows in a field, so as I ran I prayed that if they fancied dinner Jez would be a more temping prospect than me but, luckily for Jez, this time they were the other side of a fence. After passing through the farmyard (not nearly so smelly as the pig farm on leg ?4?), there were some heavily laden blackberry bushes, but sadly I could not let my team down by stopping for a quick feed enroute, or by stopping to admire the river as I crossed the Test for the second time. Very soon Jez and I were running along the little shady track past the dog kennels (lots of encouragement from enthusiastic dogs) and the Shetland ponies (so cute) and onto the road for the last mile. I knew once I turned the corner the end would be in sight and it would be all downhill to the finish - yipeeeee Leg 9 Lee to Eling 6.1k Pam Bungay (with Jez, Emmett & Graham) Having previously recced the Route with Rene my running buddy for the day I was looking forward to running as part of the team. Then the double whammy Rene was unable to run due to illness and I could barely walk due to Plantar Fasciitis in the arch of my foot. With only about a week to go I'd all but given up hope of competing, resigning myself to following Graham and the rest of the team down the route. After a lot of rest and treatment I was running, it was sore, but ok. With manager Andy saying go for it and just enjoy it as your team was about having a go, I felt a bit better, but the worry of letting people down was at the back of my mind. After following the teams down now it was my turn. Frances handed over and I was off, ably assisted by Jez and Emmett. I started off way too fast, adrenalin kicking in, I guess that affected my legs (or I just needed a breather) as not content with stumbling over once on some tree roots I did it twice. I wasnt down long as Jez and Emmett got me to my feet pretty quickly. A quick shoe wash across the boards and we meet up with Graham who'd jogged back down the course (not content with 2 legs already he decided he would run mine as well). Now with three body guards to escort me, I thought the crossings through Totton were going to hamper progress although I hadn't banked on super hero Emmett just throwing himself in front of traffic and stopping them in their tracks, even across the dual carriageway bit at Rushington. I think if he'd hit a car it would be like the Hancock movie with Will Smith, the car would have come off worse! Across Ealing Rec and the home straight, knees bloodied and sore, everyone cheering me in. I'm so glad I got to run and really enjoyed the whole day. Thanks to my chaperones and all the support.