I completed the scheduled hill training at Welburn this morning, and rewarded my efforts with refreshments at Pattacakes.  On the way home, however, the exhaust fell off my Kangoo.  Unfortunately, I had not taken a phone or any of the other things recommended for a winter's car journey.   But I was in my running gear.  So, I abandoned the car at Coneysthorpe, and ran home.   The lesson from this experience is, whenever you go out in the car at this time of year, make sure you take your trainers.         &nb

Sprinted home in 4 hours 28 mins.  This one starts in the city but soon heads out to quiet country lanes where it follows a three lap route.  The weather was ideal - cool and dry, and the organization good, including the most comprehensive pre-race briefing I have ever exterienced.  This included numerous plees to run on the left, follow marshalls instrunction, and not to use anyones garden as a toilet.      Terry

No - I'm not thinking of doing it.  But I might listen to a programme about it on BBC Radio 4 at 11am this Friday.             Terry

This is a beautiful part of the world.  The run starts in the picturesque little town of Clonakilty and wends its way through the west Cork countryside and along it's coast.  At times it is quite hilly, but that only adds to the interest.  As you would expect, it's a very friendly event.  Kath was awarded her first marathon medal in recognition of the enthusiasm of her support for the runners.  She's not quite sure what to do with it.  I got one too for finishing in my usual nice'n'easy time of 4 hours 47.    Terry&n

Three PRC members partook and completed the event.  The times given here are approximate as it seems impossible to search results on the Dublin Marathon site without knowing bib numbers.  Dan stormed home in 3.50, a personal best by 10 mins.  This was in spite of not having done any specific marathon training, or running of any sort recently.  Hannah also far excede expectations by finishing in 4.17.  She has been nursing an injury and had considerable doubts about running at all.  I finished in a par 4.28.

Loch Ness Oct 2nd.  4 hours 32 min.  I enjoy this event, despite having to drive 400 miles to get to it.  The cold and misty conditions at the start formed a suitable backdrop to the pipe band that saw us off.  The weather improved during the descent to Inverness and it was sunny by the time I got here.  Former PRC member Garry Brown cheered me in at about the same spot I saw him last year.  I say each year I'll not do this one again, but it does have certain something, and I probably not be able to resist.

Chester Oct  9th.  4 hours

Northumberland Coast 21st Aug.  Time 5.50.  Thought I'd try a bit off off-road, and ended up off-route.  Detours included climbing sand dunes and visiting a caravan site.  Much off the intended route is on sand, some of it soft.  But this is a beautiful stretch of coastline I can recommend the event.

Wolverhampton 4th Sept.  Time 4.41.  This one is a two lapper, quite small and friendly.  I like it.

Anyone thinking of running a marathon next year might like to consider Edinburgh.  It is a big city event, but the cost can be kept down by camping close to the finish at Musselburgh.  It is relatively easy to get a place, unlike London where less than one in five aplications succeeds.  But if you are interested, it is worth making a move now.  You can preregister now and pay for your place from next month.  After that it becomes more difficult as many of the places are block booked by the charities.