Ssshhhh, the B Group Lurkers might be listening.....& Xmas thanks

I've recently heard rumours that some A & B Group members are keeping a clandestine eye on our blog. I ask you, is nothing sacred?

Well I have given this some thought and as I'm feeling particularly generous at the moment I have decided that if you are one of those racing snakes I am prepared to grant you temporary "lurking" rights over this festive season.

Furthermore you are welcome(ish) to join us on one of our D-Group X-country mud-fests that I am planning for the morning of Thursday the 28th. This will be 7 miles around the back of the Leonardslee estate (Lower Beeding) of which 90% is on footpaths and bridleways. We did this run last year and it is CHUFFING HILLY* with almost 800ft of ascent. I will post times and where to meet shortly and I will provide maps on the day. So, tell your friends and if you don't have any friends tell a jogger.

Thinking about a 10 miler this Sunday, probably from my house. 50/50 split on/off road. If anyone's interested leave some feedback or text me.

Finally I want to adopt my serious & humble persona just for a moment to thank and congratulate all in D Group for your performances in 2006. To all of our new members who have joined and excelled all through the baking summer months and freezing winter nights I say "bloody well done". It has been a pleasure to run with you and count some of you as my friends. Individually and collectively the year has seen some determined performances from the group, you know who you are (take a bow J,T,Wx2 et al) and I have personally taken great joy and pride from seeing you improve and excel. Whether your target has been to run non-stop for 30 minutes, run a 10k, run a half-marathon or simply to run to enjoy yourself I hope that we have helped you to fulfill you aim. In a short time the group has progressed from an ill-disciplined shambles into an elite athletic outfit (sorry, slipped back into character for a moment there).

So if I don't get a chance to do this in person, have a Merry Xmas and an athletically successful New Year. Final reminder that Marathon training begins on the 31st at 10 miles. Go on, look me in the eye and tell me you don't love it!

N

*Authentic UK Athletics race category, look it up if you don't believe me.