Pub Run Report

A big thanks to Russell, Eddie and Scot for organising another very enjoyable pub run and to the 17 Harriers who turned out, making this the biggest pub run yet. The traditional route was followed around 6 pubs, starting with The Stroud Inn, 1.5 miles into the run where the Harriers instantly quadrupled the customers present.

Russell was despatched early with the order for pub number two at Whitehills a further third of a mile away. However when the main pack arrived at Whitehills, Russell greeted us with the disappointing news that the pub was shut! Disaster was averted when a few of the members noted that the neighbouring Indian restaurant had a bar and an advance party was despatched to clear the way. Resisting the temptation to order food, the round was completed and the Harriers hit the road again but not before Frances had toured the premises in anticipation of a possible Harriers' social event here.

It was now snowing hard and a small herd of reindeer behind Whitehills farm completed the winter scene.  The longest leg out to Auldhouse (1.6 miles) was into driving snow the whole way and fair stung the face but as always was an enjoyable run in the country. We were greeted with good humour by the staff and customers at the Auldhouse Arms. Surprisingly, good ideas were now starting to flow and to take the pressure off Russell, the order for the next round was phoned ahead to Langlands club house. A further plan for a variation on a summer event was also hatched (watch this space).

On leaving Auldhouse the roads were covered in a few centimetres of fresh snow providing perfect running conditions. So although the in-pub pace was slowing, the running speed picked up. With wind assistance, Martin and I hit 5:35/mile pace for the 1.1 mile stretch to Langlands, towing Julie's visiting sister along with us. Not only was this an impressive pace for 3 pubs into the run but also the fact that Martin was wearing jeans (having forgotten his tracksters) meant that another pb could be claimed (fastest mile in jeans).

The plan had worked to perfection and the round was already lined up when we arrived at Langlands, a very nice club house indeed. My memory is starting to fail me from this point on for some reason but we did eventually leave Langlands and ran at a more sedate pace to New Farm about 1.3 miles away. Then it was the final, half mile downhill stretch to our club house for the 6th and final round, where, once showered and changed, a very nice evening was had by all.

Normal training resumes Thursday!

Alan