27th December
Well folks this will be the last round up for 1500 miles in 2009. If anyone reaches 1500 between now and then please could you post it on the thread. Our theme is an apt sports near misses, as a number of you will be so near, but not quite, at 1500. Be proud of what you have achieved this year though, remember that most people don't run one mile in a year.
This week's aim is 1484.
Hall of Fame
Foxy Davy
fordman
AJPAR
Sarah1
mile muncher
Rootmaster
AlanR
pabsey
Stella 0%
Bosun Tony
jasond
Biastai
Bomb
Bertie69
Makem1
Derooster
LateStart
PhilMac08
derwenttony
Mr White
Belper Bear
Chrisull
Eroej5
Mac
Loopy.lue
YP1
andy
Race Jase
ian9657
mags
Smile2
cybill
Nephi
Rick Oshay
Smileygirlie
Heavyweight
pussy cat
Relkeel66
Stewey
Pestomum
AngeM
Fenland Runner
john n
Rocket Reader
AndrewJ
We have 3 new members of the Hall of Fame, well done to Ted, SuperTed and AlexB.
Dorando Pietri denied his marathon victory: The Italian crossed the line first at the conclusion of the 1908 Olympic marathon, but was disqualified for receiving physical support from well-meaning officials.
Ojo ~ 1496 0
steve c ~ 1495 0
Southampton Tony ~ 1490 25
CC2 Speedy Goth ~ 1487 10
Henman washed away: 'Tiger Tim' was on the verge of his first ever Wimbledon final in 2001, two sets to one up against Goran Ivanesevic, with no Pete Sampras blocking the way to the title. Then the rain came…
Theboybarry ~ 1453 ~ 23
Kwaka ~ 1435 ~ 15
Vee ~ 1434 ~ 17
Sparkly Bridget ~ 1434 ~ 0
Hackett ~ 1399 ~ 24
chesilboy ~ 1391 ~ 7
Pinchi ~ 1376 ~ 4
Nightjar ~ 1361 ~ 11
Mansell’s title hopes punctured: The burly Brum was in a comfortable second place in the 1986 Australian Grand Prix, sufficient to take him to the world title, when a tyre blew out on the main straight of the Adelaide circuit. Alain Prost prevailed.
MJZurich ~ 1312 ~ 0
Zoom ~ 1296 ~ 8
rollerman ~ 1294 ~ 23
RobK ~ 1293 ~ 1
emmie ~ 1285 ~ 0
Eastham75 ~ 1267 ~ 19
SpongeBob No So Fast Pants ~ 1266 ~ 9
Che Dragon ~ 1251 ~ 35
The Rentboy ~ 1235 ~ 10
ThortonRunner ~ 1221 ~ 32
Shane Warne drops the Ashes: With England chasing series victory, the blond spinner puts down a straightforward catch from Kevin Pietersen off the bowling of Brett Lee. Having lost two wickets in the previous over, England would have been 68-4. Pietersen goes on to make 158 as England regain the Ashes.
Monkey Harris ~ 1183 ~ 0
marcus saunders ~ 1181 ~ 28
Predazord ~ 1158 ~ 12
Joopsy ~ 1124 ~ 8
brooksy ~ 1120 ~ 25
Jobe ~ 1100 ~ 19
aka billy ~ 1053 ~ 0
CB ~ 1041 ~ 0
postie postie ~ 1023 ~ 26
MISERABLEMRGILES ~ 1011 ~ 0
Runningheva ~ 1008 ~ 14
Deenzy ~ 1006 ~ 12
Devon Loch at the Grand National, 1956: Queen Elizabeth’s horse, ridden by Dick Francis, leads over the last fence but inexplicably leaps up and spreadeagles on the run-in. ESB goes on to win. “Oh, that’s racing,” says the future Queen Mother.
Homer ~ 996 ~ 0
Sime ~ 953 ~ 4
GettingThere ~ 947 ~ 0
Garfield ~ 940 ~ 19
Scoff The Sloth ~ 883 ~ 0
icklechick ~ 871 ~ 19
runningbug ~ 823 ~ 3
Little Stoker ~ 744 ~ 0
Magbag ~ 721 ~ 0
Wes-H ~ 630 ~ 7
steveelder7 ~ 574 ~ 0
.....................................................................................................................................
20th December
Only one more proper week after this one, oh how this year has flown.
This week's aim is 1455.
I'm a big fan of Musicals, so this weeks theme is the top muscials presently in London.
Hall of Fame
Foxy Davy
fordman
AJPAR
Sarah1
mile muncher
Rootmaster
AlanR
pabsey
Stella 0%
Bosun Tony
jasond
Biastai
Bomb
Bertie69
Makem1
Derooster
LateStart
PhilMac08
derwenttony
Mr White
Belper Bear
Chrisull
Eroej5
Mac
Loopy.lue
YP1
andy
Race Jase
ian9657
mags
Smile2
cybill
Nephi
Rick Oshay
Smileygirlie
Heavyweight
pussy cat
Relkeel66
Stewey
Pestomum
AngeM
Fenland Runner
john n
Welcome to our 2 new members, well done both
Rocket Reader
AndrewJ
..............................................................................................................................
20th December
Only one more proper week after this one, oh how this year has flown.
This week's aim is 1455.
I'm a big fan of Musicals, so this weeks theme is the top muscials presently in London.
Hall of Fame
Foxy Davy
fordman
AJPAR
Sarah1
mile muncher
Rootmaster
AlanR
pabsey
Stella 0%
Bosun Tony
jasond
Biastai
Bomb
Bertie69
Makem1
Derooster
LateStart
PhilMac08
derwenttony
Mr White
Belper Bear
Chrisull
Eroej5
Mac
Loopy.lue
YP1
andy
Race Jase
ian9657
mags
Smile2
cybill
Nephi
Rick Oshay
Smileygirlie
Heavyweight
pussy cat
Relkeel66
Stewey
Pestomum
AngeM
Fenland Runner
john n
Welcome to our 2 new members, well done both
Rocket Reader
AndrewJ
We Will Rock You
Ben Elton and the remaining members Queen bring you We Will Rock You, London's most vibrant musical. Set in a futuristic world where rock music has been banned, it's up to Galileo to save the world!
Ojo ~ 1496 0
steve c ~ 1495 30
SuperTed ~ 1494 29
Ted ~ 1488 23
CC2 Speedy Goth ~ 1477 18
Alex B ~ 1469 45
Southampton Tony ~ 1465 0
Chicago
Chicago tells the tale of Roxie, a chorus girl who has murdered her lover but manages to get acquitted with the help of sleazy lawyer Billy Flynn. She teams up with murderess Velma to form an unusual nightclub act. The all-singing, all-dancing show makes for a great, toe-tapping night out!
Sparkly Bridget ~ 1434 ~ 8
Theboybarry ~ 1430 ~ 20
Kwaka ~ 1420 ~ 19
Vee ~ 1417 ~ 17
The Lion King
The award-winning adaptation of Disney's film features music by Elton John and Tim Rice, plus outstanding costumes and special effects. Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains to the evocative rhythms of Africa, The Lion King will dazzle all ages.
chesilboy ~ 1384 ~ 13
Hackett ~ 1375 ~ 33
Pinchi ~ 1372 ~ 0
Nightjar ~ 1350 ~ 15
MJZurich ~ 1312 ~ 0
Les Miserables
This international award-winning musical sweeps its audience through an epic tale of passion and destruction, against the backdrop of a nation in the grip of revolution. A spectacular adaptation of Victor Hugo's masterpiece, it continues to thrill audiences night after night.
RobK ~ 1292 ~ 0
Zoom ~ 1288 ~ 9
emmie ~ 1285 ~ 0
rollerman ~ 1271 ~ 7
SpongeBob No So Fast Pants ~ 1257 ~ 18
Eastham75 ~ 1248 ~ 9
The Rentboy ~ 1225 ~ 0
Che Dragon ~ 1216 ~ 14
Mamma Mia!
A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you'll never forget. More than 10 million people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make Mamma Mia! the ultimate feel-good show.
ThortonRunner ~ 1189 ~ 15
Monkey Harris ~ 1183 ~ 9
marcus saunders ~ 1153 ~ 22
Predazord ~ 1146 ~ 27
Joopsy ~ 1116 ~ 7
brooksy ~ 1095 ~ 25
Jobe ~ 1081 ~ 8
aka billy ~ 1053 ~ 6
CB ~ 1041 ~ 0
MISERABLEMRGILES ~ 1011 ~ 0
Grease
The feel-good family show returned to the West End this summer, bringing with it the famous hit songs from the movie including You're The One That I Want, Grease is the Word, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted to You, Sandy and Greased Lightnin'.
postie postie ~ 997 ~ 14
Homer ~ 996 ~ 8
Deenzy ~ 994 ~ 6
Runningheva ~ 994 ~ 11
Sime ~ 949 ~ 4
GettingThere ~ 947 ~ 0
Garfield ~ 921 ~ 21
Scoff The Sloth ~ 883 ~ 0
icklechick ~ 852 ~ 23
runningbug ~ 820 ~ 34
Little Stoker ~ 744 ~ 0
Magbag ~ 721 ~ 0
Wes-H ~ 623 ~ 35
steveelder7 ~ 574 ~ 0
Well done all
........................................................................................................................................
13th December
1426 is the magic number this week (unless you've hit the 1500 this week!)
We're getting festive this week, but in the true spirit of Christmas, here is our Top Charity Gifts.
Hall of Fame
Foxy Davy
fordman
AJPAR
Sarah1
mile muncher
Rootmaster
AlanR
pabsey
Stella 0%
Bosun Tony
jasond
Biastai
Bomb
Bertie69
Makem1
Derooster
LateStart
PhilMac08
derwenttony
Mr White
Belper Bear
Chrisull
Eroej5
Mac
Loopy.lue
YP1
andy
Race Jase
ian9657
mags
Smile2
cybill
Nephi
Rick Oshay
Smileygirlie
Heavyweight
pussy cat
Woo hoo, another 6 members join the Hall of Fame, well done.
Relkeel66
Stewey
Pestomum
AngeM
Fenland Runner
john n
A football referee – £43
To keep the competing teams in order during the Kick HIV tournament every year in Sierra Leone, a trained referee is essential. The tournament is organised by the Bo Youth Centre, and not only does it provide an exciting competition for young people, it is a great opportunity for peer educators to mingle in the crowd and provide education about HIV and AIDS.
Ojo ~ 1496 238
Rocket Reader ~ 1496 56
AndrewJ ~ 1487 22
Ted ~ 1465 29
Southampton Tony ~ 1465 0
SuperTed ~ 1465 31
steve c ~ 1465 56
CC2 Speedy Goth ~ 1459 23
Sparkly Bridget ~ 1426 29
Bees – £15
Farm Africa’s Farm Friends project is brilliant – Many communities they work with are dependent on the forest around them to survive, but unsustainable practices are damaging the forest and their livelihood. A FARM-Africa beehive and the training that comes with it offer a family alternative, sustainable ways to survive without damaging their environment. The honey harvested is an excellent food source, and can be sold at market and used for medicine too.
Alex B ~ 1424 ~ 18
Theboybarry ~ 1410 ~ 23
Kwaka ~ 1401 ~ 25
Vee ~ 1400 ~ 39
Pinchi ~ 1372 ~ 0
chesilboy ~ 1371 ~ 5
Hackett ~ 1342 ~ 26
Nightjar ~ 1335 ~ 27
martinthemedic ~ 1329 ~ 31
Scholarship for a child: £19
Over 44% of Cambodian children aged 5 to 14 years are working. They face serious health risks – many are abused or exploited. At the drop-in centre in Battambang, working children are safe from harm and can just enjoy being kids for a while. The World Vision drop-in centre is open 5 days a week. This little haven is a place where children can sit down for snack or a meal, get a medical check-up, talk to counsellors who care, sit quietly in the library, or join in with games and sport activities.
MJZurich ~ 1312 ~ 0
RobK 1292 ~ 1
emmie ~ 1285 ~ 0
Zoom ~ 1279 ~ 19
rollerman ~ 1264 ~ 31
Eastham75 ~ 1239 ~ 21
SpongeBob No So Fast Pants ~ 1239 ~ 0
The Rentboy ~ 1225 ~ 53
A piglet: £7
When 15 year old Paul Nyombi lost both his parents to AIDS he had to fend for himself. Concern gave him two piglets and training on how to care for them. When the pigs produced their first litter there were 12 small piglets in total. Paul was delighted and called the sow ‘Mama’ because she had been so productive.
Che Dragon ~ 1202 ~ 18
Monkey Harris ~ 1174 ~ 4
ThortonRunner ~ 1174 ~ 9
marcus saunders ~ 1131 ~ 41
Predazord ~ 1119 ~ 14
Joopsy ~ 1109 ~ 6
Jobe ~ 1073 ~ 20
brooksy ~ 1070 ~ 19
aka billy ~ 1047 ~ 3
CB ~ 1041 ~ 0
Fermented cow’s urine: £20
I know what you’re thinking (Scroll down on the link – to the left). Are you taking the piss? Haha and all that. But no…
Fermented cow’s urine is a great natural pesticide, but you have to know how to use it! FARM-Africa can teach farmers how to keep their crops free from greedy insects and ensure yields are as high as possible. This gives them the best possible chance of feeding their family.
With FARM-Africa, you can choose how you want your recipient (i.e. YOUR friend) to find out about your gift – online, by e-card, or with a photo gift pack (which costs a tiny bit extra).
MISERABLEMRGILES ~ 1011 ~ 0
Homer ~ 988 ~ 6
Deenzy ~ 988 ~ 2
Runningheva ~ 983 ~ 14
postie postie ~ 983 ~ 21
GettingThere ~ 947 ~ 0
Sime ~ 945 ~ 13
Garfield ~ 900 ~ 34
Scoff The Sloth ~ 883 ~ 0
icklechick ~ 829 ~ 5
runningbug ~ 786 ~ 14
Little Stoker ~ 744 ~ 0
Magbag ~ 721 ~ 8
Wes-H ~ 588 ~ 32
steveelder7 ~ 574 ~ 0
Well done all
.................................................................................................................................
6th December
This week's aim is 1397, for which you get the usual
This week's theme is famous Hoaxes.
Hall of Fame
Foxy Davy
fordman
AJPAR
Sarah1
mile muncher
Rootmaster
AlanR
pabsey
Stella 0%
Bosun Tony
jasond
Biastai
Bomb
Bertie69
Makem1
Derooster
LateStart
PhilMac08
derwenttony
Mr White
Belper Bear
Chrisull
Eroej5
Mac
Loopy.lue
YP1
andy
Race Jase
ian9657
mags
well done to our 7, yes 7, new members of the Hall of Fame.
Smile2
cybill
Nephi
Rick Oshay
Smileygirlie
Heavyweight
pussy cat
Sarah Palin's call
Days before the 2008 US presidential election, Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin was duped by a prank phone call from a Canadian comedian posing as the French president.
Marc Antoine Audette convinced Alaska's governor she was speaking to Nicolas Sarkozy during a six-minute chat broadcast on a Montreal radio show. Subjects discussed included the beauty of Mr Sarkozy's wife, Carla Bruni and a possible joint hunting trip. A spokesperson for Mrs Palin said she was "mildly amused" by the prank.
Relkeel66 ~ 1493 41
john n ~ 1487 34
Stewey ~ 1480 32
AngeM ~ 1473 30
Fenland Runner ~ 1466 37
Southampton Tony ~ 1465 0
AndrewJ ~ 1465 20
Pestomum ~ 1460 49
Bigfoot
On July 9, 2008, Rick Dyer and Matthew Whitton posted a video on YouTube claiming that they had discovered a deceased Sasquatch, or Bigfoot, in a forest in northern Georgia in the United States. They also posted a photograph on their website showing what they claimed was the body of the legendary beast.
The story was reported by news channels around the world. At a subsequent press conference the pair claimed they would be able to produce evidence of Bigfoot's existence, and described it as having reddish hair, "blackish-grey" eyes, and human-like feet and hands. Soon afterwards the alleged Bigfoot body was presented to the public in a block of ice in a freezer. But when the contents were thawed, it was discovered that the hair was not real, the head was hollow, and the feet were made of rubber. Dyer and Whitton admitted the whole affair was a prank.
Rocket Reader ~ 1440 22
Ted ~ 1436 34
CC2 Speedy Goth ~ 1436 7
SuperTed ~ 1434 34
steve c ~ 1409 21
Alex B ~ 1406 32
Sparkly Bridget ~ 1397 13
The Meerkat David Bailey's
The BBC, the Guardian and the Daily Telegraph were all forced to apologise in September 2007 after they were tricked into thinking meerkats were capable of taking photographs.
Each had run a story claiming that a meerkat called Monty had used a Canon EOS 650 to take a portrait at Longleat Safari Park. However the EOS 650 is a 20-year-old film-based camera, whereas the reports stated the photos had been stored on the camera's "digital memory card". Keith Harris, head warden at Longleat Safari Park, later admitted: "It started off as a joke. It was a slight hoax. The meerkats didn't take any pictures at all."
Theboybarry ~ 1387 ~ 21
Kwaka ~ 1376 ~ 38
Pinchi ~ 1372 ~ 0
chesilboy ~ 1366 ~ 9
Vee ~ 1361 ~ 34
Hackett ~ 1316 ~ 20
MJZurich ~ 1312 ~ 0
Nightjar ~ 1308 ~ 31
The BBC's Flying Penguins
An article in the Daily Telegraph on April 1, 2008 proclaimed that the BBC had discovered film of flying penguins. As if the date of the report wasn't enough to set alarm bells ringing, it went on to say that the footage was to appear in a programme being presented by Monty Python star Terry Jones, who was quoted as admitting: "We'd been watching the penguins and filming them for days, without a hint of what was to come. But then the weather took a turn for the worse. It was quite amazing. Rather than getting together in a huddle to protect themselves from the cold, they did something quite unexpected, that no other penguins can do."
The article concluded by promising viewers shots of the penguins not merely soaring over the Antarctic, but flying thousands of miles to the Amazonian rainforest to find winter sun.
martinthemedic ~ 1298 ~ 18
RobK 1291 ~
emmie ~ 1285 ~ 0
Zoom ~ 1260 ~ 9
Ojo ~ 1258 ~ 0
SpongeBob No So Fast Pants ~ 1239 ~ 27
rollerman ~ 1233 ~ 24
Eastham75 ~ 1218 ~ 29
Guardian to Twitter
In spring 2009 the Guardian announced it was to become the first newspaper in the world to be published exclusively via Twitter, the social networking service.
The paper reported a spokesman as saying: "[Former Guardian editor] CP Scott would have warmly endorsed this; his well-known observation 'Comment is free but facts are sacred' is only 36 characters long". A giant project was also supposedly underway to rewrite the whole of the newspaper's archive, stretching back to 1821, in the form of tweets. Major stories already completed included: "1832 Reform Act gives voting rights to one in five adult males yay!!!"; "OMG Hitler invades Poland, allies declare war see tinyurl.com/b5x6e for more"; and "JFK assassin8d @ Dallas, def. heard second gunshot from grassy knoll WTF?" The fact the story was published on April 1 did not fool many people for very long.
Che Dragon ~ 1184 ~ 21
The Rentboy ~ 1172 ~ 50
Monkey Harris ~ 1170 ~ 5
ThortonRunner ~ 1165 ~ 6
Predazord ~ 1105 ~ 20
Joopsy ~ 1103 ~ 0
marcus saunders ~ 1090 ~ 21
Jobe ~ 1053 ~ 11
brooksy ~ 1051 ~ 32
aka billy ~ 1044 ~ 29
CB ~ 1041 ~ 12
MISERABLEMRGILES ~ 1011 ~ 0
The Turkish 'Big Brother'
In September 2009 police raided a villa in Istanbul to rescue a group women who were tricked into thinking they were reality show contestants. The nine captives, including a 15-year-old, were held for two months. They believed they were participating in a Big Brother-style television series. In fact their captors were selling images of the women on the internet.
Deenzy ~ 986 ~ 4
Homer ~ 982 ~ 0
Runningheva ~ 969 ~ 23
postie postie ~ 962 ~ 37
GettingThere ~ 947 ~ 0
Sime ~ 932 ~ 16
Scoff The Sloth ~ 883 ~ 22
Garfield ~ 866 ~ 30
icklechick ~ 824 ~ 39
runningbug ~ 772 ~ 13
Little Stoker ~ 744 ~ 0
Magbag ~ 713 ~ 0
steveelder7 ~ 574 ~ 0
Wes-H ~ 556 ~ 37
Well done all
.......................................................................................................................................
29th November
Not many weeks until the end of 2009, will you get to that target 1500? This weeks aim to be on target is 1368.
Remember Sally Gunnell, looking both athletic and curvaceous, pouting out of the pages of Runner's World in her bra and confiding that she chose to endorse her particular brand because “the only thing I want hanging round my middle is my medals”? A far better slogan for runners than “Hello Boys”, reminding us that when it comes to sports bras, the most important factor is function, not frills.
The demands of support and comfort that you make of your sports bras should be just as specific, and as rigorously upheld, as those you make of your trainers. Indeed your sports bra is second only to your footwear in terms of importance. For all that function is important, though, no one wants to be trussed up in something that looks like it was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
So to remind us ladies of the importance of a decent bra, and put a smile on the chaps faces, this weeks theme is top sports bras!
Hall of Fame
Foxy Davy
fordman
AJPAR
Sarah1
mile muncher
Rootmaster
AlanR
pabsey
Stella 0%
Bosun Tony
jasond
Biastai
Bomb
Bertie69
Makem1
Derooster
LateStart
PhilMac08
derwenttony
Mr White
Belper Bear
Chrisull
Eroej5
Mac
Loopy.lue
YP1
andy
Race Jase
ian9657
well done to mags, the new member of the hall of fame
Sugoi velex bra - £26
Sizes S to XL
Colours chintz, arrow, black
With an all-in-one design, this bra is stylish enough to wear without any layers on top in the summer. Slipping a heart-rate monitor underneath is no problem, but our testers found that the side seams rubbed slightly on the upper arm, and, annoyingly, it was a bit tricky to get off after working up a sweat. A good choice for the gym and yoga, but not supportive enough for medium or big-busted women to run in.
cybill ~ 1493 26
Smile2 ~ 1482 40
Smileygirlie ~ 1479 31
Rick OShay ~ 1475 58
Heavyweight ~ 1475 44
Southampton Tony ~ 1465 0
pussy cat ~ 1465 32
john n ~ 1453 25
Relkeel66 ~ 1452 35
Insport Dritec - £25
Sizes 32C to 40D
Colours black, white
The Insport Dritec has two layers to hold everything in its proper place at the front, but the fabric wicks well, especially at the back, so there is no problem with over-heating. It has normal hooks and eyes at the back, and Velcro adjusters on the straps, so rucksack straps won't dig in across the shoulders. Some testers found that these velcro fastenings rubbed, though, and, despite its width, the band of material around the bottom of the bra wasn't very stretchy, meaning it was awkward wearing this one with a heart-rate monitor.
Stewey ~ 1448 28
Nephi ~ 1445 34
AndrewJ ~ 1445 31
AngeM ~ 1443 29
Fenland Runner ~ 1429 32
CC2 Speedy Goth ~ 1429 30
Rocket Reader ~ 1418 32
basils xt350 ~ 1416 6
Pestomum ~ 1411 29
Ted ~ 1402 38
SuperTed ~ 1400 35
steve c ~ 1388 32
Sparkly Bridget ~ 1384 40
Alex B ~ 1374 46
Pinchi ~ 1372 11
Odlo Cross-Power - £32
Sizes 34C to 40E
Colours black, white
This bra's wonderfully soft material belies its technical performance. The conventional construction and wide shoulder straps initially felt strange for those more used to “racer-back” styles, but it was supportive, and without a hint of rubbing or chaffing. It is cut fairly high under the bust at the front, so it isn't the ideal bra to wear with a heart-rate monitor, and is probably too revealing to wear without a vest over the top, but if comfort is your priority - and it feels good enough to use as normal “daywear” too - the Cross-Power is for you.
Theboybarry ~ 1366 ~ 18
chesilboy ~ 1357 ~ 19
Kwaka ~ 1338 ~ 47
Vee ~ 1327 ~ 47
MJZurich ~ 1312 ~ 17
Hackett ~ 1296 ~ 20
emmie ~ 1285 ~ 0
martinthemedic ~ 1280 ~ 23
Nightjar ~ 1277 ~ 57
Ojo ~ 1258 ~ 0
Zoom ~ 1251 ~ 12
Bob! ~ 1244 ~ 19
SpongeBob No So Fast Pants ~ 1212 ~ 18
rollerman ~ 1209 ~ 21
Berlei Shock Absorber, B104 - £22
Sizes 32B to 38D
Colours black, white, pink, turquoise
A supportive bra for smaller-chested runners or for low-impact cross-training in the gym, this bra's most contentious aspect was the colour of the version tested. Our testers either loved or hated the bright turquoise fabric, but all agreed that it was a problem-free design - no riding up, no chafing. The fact that it retained its colour after several goes through the running/washing laundry cycle was seen as a mixed blessing. Made of a cotton/Lycra blend, this one is also good for women who enjoy natural fibres against their skin.
Eastham75 ~ 1189 ~ 20
Monkey Harris ~ 1165 ~ 10
Che Dragon ~ 1163 ~ 30
ThortonRunner ~ 1159 ~ 15
The Rentboy ~ 1122 ~ 56
Joopsy ~ 1103 ~ 14
Predazord ~ 1085 ~ 21
marcus saunders ~ 1069 ~ 0
Jobe ~ 1042 ~ 13
CB ~ 1029 ~ 26
brooksy ~ 1019 ~ 12
aka billy ~ 1015 ~ 3
MISERABLEMRGILES ~ 1011 ~ 0
Champion Comfort Strap - £22
Sizes 34B to 42DD
Colours white only
A very comfortable bra, with wide, padded shoulder straps, which mean no nasty red marks, and make it a good choice for wearing with a rucksack. Don't be put off by the thought of under-wiring in a sports bra - it really works. With adjustable straps and three sets of fastenings at the back you can get a perfect fit with this one, and make allowances as your body changes shape through the month. Unlike a crop-top style bra it does not squash everything together.
Homer ~ 982 ~ 16
Deenzy ~ 982 ~ 6
GettingThere ~ 947 ~ 0
Runningheva ~ 946 ~ 20
postie postie ~ 925 ~ 37
Sime ~ 916 ~ 24
Scoff The Sloth ~ 861 ~ 18
Garfield ~ 836 ~ 22
icklechick ~ 785 ~ 0
runningbug ~ 759 ~ 18
Little Stoker ~ 744 ~ 5
Magbag ~ 713 ~ 0
steveelder7 ~ 574 ~ 0
Wes-H ~ 519 ~ 22
Well done all
..........................................................................................................................................
22nd November
So here we go with a new week of the 1500 club. Two new inductees into the hall of fame, so put your hands together for Race Jase, and ian 9657, who got to 1500 and decided that was clearly plenty. It remains to be seen if he ever runs again. This week's theme was going to be the X-factor, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it, so instead you have my ramblings on the top-selling UK singles (they're what happened before people did downloads)
as usual to anyone who's ahead of the required run rate, with the cut-off this week being 1340. to anyone hardy enough to brave the weather and manage their weekly requirement of 29 miles.
Hall of fame
Hall of Fame
Foxy Davy
fordman
AJPAR
Sarah1
mile muncher
Rootmaster
AlanR
pabsey
Stella 0%
Bosun Tony
jasond
Biastai
Bomb
Bertie69
Makem1
Derooster
LateStart
PhilMac08
derwenttony
Mr White
Belper Bear
Chrisull
Eroej5
Mac
Loopy.lue
YP1
andy
Race Jase
ian9657
Candle in the Wind '97. That's right, in this most democratic of polls, you (yes you) the Great British public chose the ode to England's Rose to be the most commercially recognised song of all time. I suspect that there will be several views about what this says about us as a music-buying populace, but at least it wasn't Joe Dolce. Oh, and you don't escape the spotlight if you're foreign, it also tops the worldwide list.
mags ~ 1470 33
cybill ~ 1467 26
Southampton Tony ~ 1465 9
Smileygirlie ~ 1448 27
Smile2 ~ 1442 42
pussy cat ~ 1433 31
Heavyweight ~ 1431 36
Do They Know it's Christmas - in our world of plenty and all that. With such luminaries as Paul Young, Boy George, Bono and Francis Rossi, how could it fail? Well it didn't, so there. Bob Geldoff and Midge Ure's number has stayed with us as a Christmas classic, and hey, it's better than 'Stop the Cavalry'
john n ~ 1428 41
Stewey ~ 1420 39
Rick OShay ~ 1417 38
Relkeel66 ~ 1417 6
AngeM ~ 1414 33
AndrewJ ~ 1414 13
Nephi ~ 1411 58
Bohemian Rhapsody - Nine-part vocal harmonies, the first proper pop video, and two goes at number 1 for a total of 14 weeks, this was ground-breaking and has a place in the heart of anyone who's ever picked up an air guitar
basils xt350 ~ 1410 1
CC2 Speedy Goth ~ 1399 17
Fenland Runner ~ 1397 17
Rocket Reader ~ 1386 46
Pestomum ~ 1382 11
SuperTed ~ 1365 36
Ted ~ 1364 31
Mull of Kintyre - Paul McCartney's first post-Beatles #1. Probably the best thing about it is that it was the second song in my learn to play keyboards book and can be played with one hand using only the black keys.
Pinchi ~ 1361 8
steve c ~ 1356 40
Theboybarry ~ 1348 7
Sparkly Bridget ~ 1344 25
chesilboy ~ 1338 ~ 23
Alex B ~ 1328 ~ 10
MJZurich ~ 1295 ~ 52
Rivers of Babylon - at last some quality - engagingly nuts German disco pop group Boney M clealy had their finest hour with 'Rah Rah Rasputin', but the fickle record-buying public had this as their favourite, partially because of 'Brown Girl in the Ring' on the B-side. In the charts for 40 weeks in all. Is it too late for a comeback?
Kwaka ~ 1291 ~ 32
emmie ~ 1285 ~ 0
Vee ~ 1280 ~ 60
Hackett ~ 1276 ~ 23
Ojo ~ 1258 ~ 0
martinthemedic ~ 1257 ~ 33
Zoom ~ 1239 ~ 0
Relax - Top 40 shows will have you believe everyone had the T-shirt. I was seven, and my t-shirts were free of sexually ambiguous slogans, unless BHS's designers were getting a bit daring. The video remains a classic, featuring some of the finest moustaches and leather caps to be seen on our screens.
Bob! ~ 1225 ~ 24
Nightjar ~ 1220 ~ 13
SpongeBob No So Fast Pants ~ 1194 ~ 30
rollerman ~ 1188 ~ 21
Eastham75 ~ 1169 ~ 5
Monkey Harris ~ 1155 ~ 8
She Loves You - ah the innocence of 1963, before those lovely clean-cut boys started smoking tainted cigarettes and experimenting with sitars. Knocked off number one by 'I wanna hold your hand' - as shocking a message in its day as 'Frankie Says'
ThortonRunner ~ 1144 ~ 0
Che Dragon ~ 1133 ~ 26
Joopsy ~ 1089 ~ 0
marcus saunders ~ 1069 ~ 0
The Rentboy ~ 1066 ~ 0
Predazord ~ 1064 ~ 33
Jobe ~ 1029 ~ 8
You're the One that I Want - by 1978 teenagers had moved on from holding hands to racing cars and giving each other nicknames. Fortunately Olivia Newton-John rediscovered her virginity and had hits such as the seminal 'Country Roads' whilst Danny Zucco went on to work for Marcellus Wallis, eventually getting shot in the toilet by Bruce Willis.
aka billy ~ 1012 ~ 5
MISERABLEMRGILES ~ 1011 ~ 31
brooksy ~ 1007 ~ 19
CB ~ 1003 ~ 17
Deenzy ~ 976 ~ 20
Homer ~ 966 ~ 0
GettingThere ~ 947 ~ 0
Unchained Melody - the Robson and Jerome version. I don't want to come across as a music snob. 1.82 Million copies. 1.82 MILLION.
Runningheva ~ 926 ~ 20
Sime ~ 892 ~ 22
postie postie ~ 888 ~ 18
Scoff The Sloth ~ 843 ~ 0
Garfield ~ 814 ~ 32
icklechick ~ 785 ~ 0
Last but certainly not least, it's a repeat of one of the bands we've already featured - any guesses? Christmas #1 1978, and a copy of a Harry Belafonté number? No? It's those madcap discoites with Mary's Boy Child. And how many Christtmas compilations did this make it on to? Well to be fair, I do have a cover of it by Max Bygraves on Sinagalongamaxmas, and if Wilcos do their cheap Christmas CDs again this year, so could you. Christmas with Des O'Connor also comes highly recommended.
runningbug ~ 741 ~ 8
Little Stoker ~ 739 ~ 9
Magbag ~ 713 ~ 3
steveelder7 ~ 574 ~ 0
Wes-H ~ 497 ~ 14
Errors, comments, feedback and music advice to the usual address. Zoom will be back next week, barring further IT issues.
15th November
Right, so this week's target is 1311 miles, 29 will earn you a and there's nothing in this game for two in a bed. New inductees into the Hall of Fame are YP1 and Andy, so applause and a well-earned rest to them. With a number of us struggling to put the big miles in at the moment, there's a suggestion injury is haunting the group, but what sports are the most likely to put you in Hock. Shuffle closer, gentle listener, for I have a surprise or two.
Hall of Fame
Foxy Davy
fordman
AJPAR
Sarah1
mile muncher
Rootmaster
AlanR
pabsey
Stella 0%
Bosun Tony
jasond
Biastai
Bomb
Bertie69
Makem1
Derooster
LateStart
PhilMac08
derwenttony
Mr White
Belper Bear
Chrisull
Eroej5
Mac
Loopy.lue
YP1
andy
Number 1, top of the shop for thrills, spills and lumbago is lawn bowls. Yes, this apparently docile sport is top of the league for deaths, killing participants in their thousands worldwide. To be fair, the number of years lost to bowls is lowish as the unfortunate souls tend already to have had a good innings. Besides the ultimate, lawn bowls players risk injuries to hips, ankles and choking on rich tea biscuits
Race Jase ~ 1494 32
ian9657 ~ 1475 33
Southampton Tony ~ 1456 0 ~
cybill ~ 1441 32
mags ~ 1437 38
Smileygirlie ~ 1421 22 ~
Relkeel66 ~ 1411 45
basils xt350 ~ 1409 2 ~
Change of pace for number 2: Base jumping. Not desperately surprising that jumping off stuff and trusting to a parachute is dodgy. 175 dead in the last 30 years, which as a percentage of base jumpers, is fairly alarming I'd imagine.
pussy cat ~ 1402 42
AndrewJ ~ 1401 23 ~
Smile2 ~ 1400 38
Heavyweight ~ 1395 65
john n ~ 1387 26 ~
CC2 Speedy Goth ~ 1382 14 ~
Stewey ~ 1381 37
Number 3, and more dangerous than a handful of yellow bentines and Jallop, Jallop, Jallop Jallop, it's horse riding. 128 deaths in 100,000 participants(US), making boxing look like, something sedate, but not bowls. Remeber kids, think twice before getting your leg over.
AngeM ~ 1381 31
Fenland Runner ~ 1380 33
Rick OShay ~ 1379 42
Pestomum ~ 1371 23 ~
Nephi ~ 1353 57
Pinchi ~ 1353 7 ~
Theboybarry ~ 1341 24 ~
Ever wonder why the charity shops are full of pringle sweaters? At Number 4, golfers are dropping like flies, bloody thousands of them. Five percent of all deaths by lightning happen on the golf course.
Rocket Reader ~ 1340 19 ~
Ted ~ 1333 34
SuperTed ~ 1329 27 ~
Sparkly Bridget ~ 1319 28 ~
Alex B ~ 1318 24 ~
steve c ~ 1316 12 ~
chesilboy ~ 1315 28 ~
Number 5: Rock climbing. What to say, other than hanging off rock faces most people would have to lie down to look over, by your fingernails turns out to be risky. Not only that but it makes your fingers all rough and is the bane of manicurists.
emmie ~ 1285 ~ 6 ~
Kwaka ~ 1259 ~ 17 ~
Ojo ~ 1258 ~ 0 ~
Hackett ~ 1253 ~ 17 ~
MJZurich ~ 1243 ~ 0 ~
Zoom ~ 1239 ~ 0 ~
martinthemedic ~ 1224 ~ 23 ~
6: Fishing. It's unclear whether more fishermen die from rough seas or from getting booted into the canal by runners sick of hurdling those bloody poles which stretch out 6 feet behind them, but either way, it's karma for the carp.
Vee ~ 1220 ~ 17 ~
Nightjar ~ 1207 ~ 35
Bob! ~ 1201 ~ 39
rollerman ~ 1167 ~ 43
Eastham75 ~ 1164 ~ 28
SpongeBob No So Fast Pants ~ 1164 ~ 19 ~
Monkey Harris ~ 1147 ~ 6 ~
Motorcycling next, who'd a thunk it? I think it's mostly friction burns from the cornering. That and trees.
ThortonRunner ~ 1144 ~ 0 ~
Che Dragon ~ 1107 ~ 21 ~
Joopsy ~ 1089 ~ 25 ~
marcus saunders ~ 1069 ~ 25 ~
The Rentboy ~ 1066 ~ 50
Predazord ~ 1031 ~ 15 ~
Jobe ~ 1021 ~ 3 ~
8. Cheerleading. Really. You're in wose trouble on the sidelines in a mini skirt than on the field in a helmet. It's certainly put me off giving it a go which is a shame for everyone I'm sure you'll agree
aka billy ~ 1007 ~ 15 ~
brooksy ~ 988 ~ 29
CB ~ 986 ~ 4 ~
MISERABLEMRGILES ~ 980 ~ 0 ~
Homer ~ 966 ~ 14 ~
Deenzy ~ 956 ~ 23 ~
GettingThere ~ 947 ~ 0 ~
9: Cave diving. Strap on your air tank and get somewhere pitch black, inaccessible and full of sharks and conger eels. Still, keeps the lobsters well fed.
Runningheva ~ 906 ~ 15 ~
postie postie ~ 870 ~ 34
Sime ~ 870 ~ 15 ~
Scoff The Sloth ~ 843 ~ 26 ~
icklechick ~ 785 ~ 5 ~
Garfield ~ 782 ~ 33
10. Rugby. Yes, it's well hard cos you don't use shoulder pads and helmets and that, but most injuries happen when the silly btards (I was one) stand on flimsy tables to drink horrific cocktails whilst cuddling the lifesize cardboard cut-out of Charlie Dimmock they've stolen from the local garden centre.
runningbug ~ 733 ~ 11 ~
Little Stoker ~ 730 ~ 25 ~
Magbag ~ 710 ~ 0 ~
steveelder7 ~ 574 ~ 0 ~
Wes-H ~ 483 ~ 0 ~
8th November
I'm sorry but this week's theme is all about me, me, me! After completing my 40th half for my 40th challenge yesterday our theme this week is my top ten half marathons.
This weeks aim is 1282.
Hall of Fame
Foxy Davy
fordman
AJPAR
Sarah1
mile muncher
Rootmaster
AlanR
pabsey
Stella 0%
Bosun Tony
jasond
Biastai
Bomb
Bertie69
Makem1
Derooster
LateStart
PhilMac08
derwenttony
Mr White
Belper Bear
Chrisull
Eroej5
Mac
Loopy.lue
1.Humph’s Hilly Half – 08
This has to be the most scenic race I’ve done. Starting in the heart of the Cotswolds in the lovely town of Bourton on the Water, with a loop through rolling hills and quaint villages, not one inch was not scenic.
I was also surprised to enjoy the Saturday night 6.30pm start. Race then few drinks in a nice Bourton pub after, what more could you want?!
YP1 ~ 1482 32
andy ~ 1470 19
Race Jase ~ 1462 26
Southampton Tony ~ 1456 14
ian9657 ~ 1442 30
cybill ~ 1409 20
basils xt350 ~ 1407 0
2.Chippenham – 08 (and 09)
My present half pb of 1.55.50 was here in 08, which I worked so hard for and am so proud of (but don’t think I will ever get close to again!)
Smileygirlie ~ 1399 14
mags ~ 1399 48
AndrewJ ~ 1378 29
CC2 Speedy Goth ~ 1368 34
Relkeel66 ~ 1366 32
Smile2 ~ 1362 -9 ?????
john n ~ 1361 31
pussy cat ~ 1360 35
AngeM ~ 1350 26
3.Welsh Castles Relay - 09 (Stage 15 Drovers Arms to Brecon)
This year was been the first time I’ve done a stage for Harriers Relay, and I was promised a half marathon stage, when I saw the info it said 12.8m, and my garmin said 12.48m (but I’m counting it as one of my halves, as that was what I was told!)
I loved being involved with the Club Relay, the support from the fellow Harriers, and all the other teams involved, the camaraderie, the finish in Cardiff Castle and it was such a scenic stage from the middle of the Brecon Beacons down into the town of Brecon.
Pestomum ~ 1348 33
Fenland Runner ~ 1347 25
Pinchi ~ 1346 0
Stewey ~ 1344 28
Rick OShay ~ 1337 69
Heavyweight ~ 1330 40
Rocket Reader ~ 1321 34
Theboybarry ~ 1317 15
steve c ~ 1304 30
SuperTed ~ 1302 29
4.The Friends of Mick’n’Phil – 09
A race of opposites for me, the run itself was the worst half for me, felt like walking within a few miles and dropping out soon after. The nearest I’m come to a DNF, and the fact that it was one of my 40 halves was the one thing that kept me going to finish.
But race itself, a chance to support the legend that is Mick, and with all the Fetchies, awesome.
Ted ~ 1299 22
Nephi ~ 1296 58
Alex B ~ 1294 31
Sparkly Bridget ~ 1291 37
chesilboy 1287 26
5.Dale – 07
This was a girl’s weekend with 5 of us Harriers but unfortunately my mate Claire was diagnosed with Breast Cancer beforehand and was unable to run it, but did come and support. We’ve talked about going back and now she has the all clear and will be able to run it.
It started in the lovely fishing village of Dale and was out and back to the one coastal point, then out and back to the other side’s coastal point. Gorgeous views and as most of the race us four Harriers ran together, in our Harriers tops, we got lots of encouragement from the other runners.
emmie ~ 1279 ~ 0
Ojo ~ 1258 ~ 0
MJZurich ~ 1243 ~ 0
Kwaka ~ 1242 ~ 27
Zoom ~ 1239 ~ 17
Hackett ~ 1236 ~ 30
Vee ~ 1203 ~ 43
martinthemedic ~ 1201 ~ 18
6.Wyre Forest - 07 and 08
Totally off road on forest tracks through the hilly Wyre Forest. Lovely to run in the scenic forest and challenging on the hills.
Nightjar ~ 1172 ~ 25
Bob! ~ 1162 ~ 26
SpongeBob No So Fast Pants ~ 1145 ~ 32
ThortonRunner ~ 1144 ~ 0
Monkey Harris ~ 1141 ~ 39
Eastham75 ~ 1136 ~ 24
rollerman ~ 1124 ~ 30
7.Reading - 07 and 09
I’m sorry but I don’t find this one at all scenic, but love the atmosphere, crowd support and Stadium finish (in a Stadium built by the same company as Swansea City’s Liberty Stadium, and very similar in look to Swansea, so I’m bound to love it!) And of course lots of Fetchies there!
Che Dragon ~ 1086 ~ 19
Joopsy ~ 1064 ~ 0
marcus saunders ~ 1044 ~ 0
Jobe ~ 1018 ~ 22
The Rentboy ~ 1016 ~ 12
Predazord ~ 1016 ~ 34
8.Cardiff – Oct 09 (04 and 06 also)
This one only gets into my top ten thanks to this year’s race. The previous two halves I found to be badly organised and not much support from the Council organised Marshalls, although 06 did have the finish in our amazing Millennium Stadium.
This year’s race was much better organised, with a new scenic course around the main Cardiff sights. Well done at last to Cardiff City Council!
aka billy ~ 992 ~ 16
CB ~ 982 ~ 21
MISERABLEMRGILES ~ 980 ~ 20
brooksy ~ 959 ~ 18
Homer ~ 952 ~ 14
GettingThere ~ 947 ~ 0
Deenzy ~ 933 ~ 18
9.Bristol - 07 and 09
Great half around a lovely city that I worked in for 13 years, with lots of support and great atmosphere.
Runningheva ~ 891 ~ 0
Sime ~ 855 ~ 10
postie postie ~ 836 ~ 35
Scoff The Sloth ~ 817 ~ 28
10.Forest of Dean - 06, 08 and 09
Another very scenic undulating half mostly on cycle tracks or forest tracks. Being local it also has a lot of Chepstow Harriers running it.
icklechick ~ 780 ~ 82
Garfield ~ 749 ~ 16
runningbug ~ 722 ~ 9
Magbag ~ 710 ~ 11
Little Stoker ~ 705 ~ 12
steveelder7 ~ 574 ~ 13
Wes-H ~ 483 ~ 13
Well done all
....................................................................................................................................
1st November
Thanks to Mac for standing in while I was away in Ireland. This week's theme is Irish songs, as Dublin Marathon was the first race I've run in where they had us singing before the start, the traditional Dublin song Cockles and Muscles!
Hall of Fame
Foxy Davy
fordman
AJPAR
Sarah1
mile muncher
Rootmaster
AlanR
pabsey
Stella 0%
Bosun Tony
jasond
Biastai
Bomb
Bertie69
Makem1
Derooster
LateStart
PhilMac08
derwenttony
Mr White
Belper Bear
Chrisull
Eroej5
Joining our hall of fame this week is my number 2, Mac, and looby.lue *claps* well done both
This week's aim is 1253.
Cockles and Mussels
Many traditional Irish songs tend to be on the maudlin side and Cockles and Mussels is no exception. James Yorkston is credited as being the composer of the heartrending song is about a beautiful girl who pushes her wheelbarrow along the streets of Dublin, selling fish and tragically dying of a fever. The song has also been titled Molly Malone. Stories have always circulated that the tale is based upon a real life woman who was, from whatever version of the rumor you wish to choose, was either a prostitute or purely virtuous. No proof has ever been provided for this assumption, but I suppose attaching such a story to the song makes it far more interesting.
andy ~ 1451 6
YP1 ~ 1450 32
Southampton Tony ~ 1442 0
Race Jase ~ 1436 0
ian9657 ~ 1412 27
basils xt350 ~ 1407 0
cybill ~ 1389 50
Smileygirlie ~ 1385 47
Smile2 ~ 1371 97
mags ~ 1351 21
Danny Boy
Every St. Patrick's Day, without fail, this well-known Irish song is trotted out. Danny Boy, based on an old Irish tune known as The Londonderry Air, was written by Englishman Frederick Weatherby. It was first popularized around the turn of the last century and performed by Irish-American singers, such as Elsie Griffin. Danny Boy is used as the theme for the Commonwealth Games for Northern Ireland. Due to its obvious sentimental quality, instrumental versions of this song have been played for numerous funerals and other sad occasions. This is the ultimate "tears in your beer" song.
AndrewJ ~ 1349 10
Pinchi ~ 1346 0
CC2 Speedy Goth ~ 1334 35
Relkeel66 ~ 1334 26
john n ~ 1330 32
pussy cat ~ 1325 24
AngeM ~ 1324 31
Fenland Runner ~ 1322 37
Stewey ~ 1316 32
Pestomum ~ 1315 38
Theboybarry ~ 1302 26
Finnegan's Wake
This wordy song encouraged novelist James Joyce to give one of his novels the same title. The amusing Finnegan's Wake is considered to be sort of a traditional Irish drinking song, the lyrics jokingly referring to the Irish love for funerals and the comical consequences of too much whiskey.
Heavyweight ~ 1290 52
Rocket Reader ~ 1287 29
emmie ~ 1279 14
Ted ~ 1277 36
steve c ~ 1274 14
SuperTed ~ 1273 24
Rick OShay ~ 1268 13
Alex B ~ 1263 25
chesilboy 1261
Ojo ~ 1258 0
Sparkly Bridget ~ 1254 42
Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye
Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye is a traditional Irish song with an anti-war theme and an Americanized version of it called When Johnny Comes Marching Home came out of it. The Irish version of the song was likely inspired by Irish soldiers who served in the British East India Company. A book on the tragically brief Presidency of Irish-American U.S. President John F. Kennedy was titled after the Irish song.
MJZurich ~ 1243 ~ 0
Nephi ~ 1238 ~ 55
Zoom ~ 1222 ~ 31
Kwaka ~ 1215 ~ 28
Hackett ~ 1206 ~ 18
martinthemedic ~ 1183 ~ 20
Vee ~ 1160 ~ 47
Nightjar ~ 1147 ~ 14
ThortonRunner ~ 1144 ~ 0
Bob! ~ 1136 ~ 35
SpongeBob No So Fast Pants ~ 1113 ~ 10
Eastham75 ~ 1112 ~ 30
Monkey Harris ~ 1102 ~ 0
The Girl I Left Behind Me
Film buffs may recall the use of this traditional Irish tune in the movie She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. The old ballad that The Girl I Left Behind Me is derived from comes from as far back as the year 1650. It's a lively, jaunty song and has been played a numerous occasions by American and British military bands. There are several variations of the song's lyrics.
rollerman ~ 1094 ~ 29
Che Dragon ~ 1067 ~ 6
Joopsy ~ 1064 ~ 6
marcus saunders ~ 1044 ~ 24
The Rentboy ~ 1004 ~ 52
Jobe ~ 996 ~ 0
Predazord ~ 982 ~ 23
aka billy ~ 976 ~ 14
CB ~ 961 ~ 0
MISERABLEMRGILES ~ 960 ~ 0
GettingThere ~ 947 ~ 0
brooksy ~ 941 ~ 21
Homer ~ 938 ~ 27
Deenzy ~ 915 ~ 22
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
Chauncey Olcott and George Graff, Jr. penned the words to When Irish Eyes Are Smiling and Ernest Ball wrote the music. The song was published in 1912 and used in the Irish-themed musical The Isle o' Dreams. It is yet another weepy tune connected with holidays like St. Patrick's Day, but fits perfectly with the special day at hand.
Runningheva ~ 891 ~ 6
Sime ~ 845 ~ 17
postie postie ~ 801 ~ 0
Scoff The Sloth ~ 789 ~ 0
Garfield ~ 733 ~ 30
runningbug ~ 713 ~ 3
Magbag ~ 699 ~ 15
icklechick ~ 698 ~ 0
Little Stoker ~ 693 ~ 0
steveelder7 ~ 561 ~ 4
Wes-H ~ 470 ~ 3
Anyone else at a sing song before a race?!
Well done all
.......................................................................................................................................
25th October
So here we go with another weekly rundown. And if this week you feel uneasy, as if there's something wrong, something unclean watching you, an unwelcome presence it's because Zoom is away in foreign and she's left me to do 1500 again, that or halloween.
Free from fear and living happily in the Hall of Fame are the following:
Foxy Davy
fordman
AJPAR
Sarah1
mile muncher
Rootmaster
AlanR
pabsey
Stella 0%
Bosun Tony
jasond
Biastai
Bomb
Bertie69
Makem1
Derooster
LateStart
PhilMac08
derwenttony
Mr White
And, freshly enraptured, big congratulations to the new inductees:
Belper Bear
Chrisull
Eroej5
The rest of us are still grafting away, cumulative target this week is 1225, earns you a and weekly target, earning you a more seasonal is 29 miles. This week's spookily predictable subject is creatures of the night.
Howlers at the moon. You can't beat a good werewolf film. Well you can only beat it with a really poor werewolf film, but for a truly insightful and original take on the Genre, try Teen Wolf (1985). Difficult to pin down where the legend originated, and everywhere you look throughout the world, people seem to be voluntarily or otherwise turning in to bears, leopards, hyenas, water voles... Anyway, I'm sure everyone has at some stage been caught re-enacting the change scene from American Werewolf in London on the rug in the living room. Haven't you?
Maclennane ~ 1496 17
looby.lue ~ 1483 38
andy ~ 1445 48
Southampton Tony ~ 1442 30
Race Jase ~ 1436 11
YP1 ~ 1418 35
basils xt350 ~ 1407 0
ian9657 ~ 1385 30
While the werewolves are opening beer cans with their teeth and setting fire to each other's tails by the bonfire, the vampires are inside smooth-talking the ladies. Or the gents, depending on the film. They seem to have originated in Slovenia or thereabouts and various legends have them with one nostril or a dagger-like tongue, but really they're all dressed for dinner and look like Brad Pitt or pale interesting flame haired maidens. I'm getting carried away, anyway, that's you lot:
Pinchi ~ 1346 0
AndrewJ ~ 1339 22
cybill ~ 1339 17
Smileygirlie ~ 1338 32
mags ~ 1330 34
Relkeel66 ~ 1308 31
pussy cat ~ 1301 38
CC2 Speedy Goth ~ 1299 21
In your he-ead, in your he-ee-e-ead, Zombies walk like recent marathonners and originated in Afro-caribbean voodoo. Re-animated corpses which do their masters bidding, or possibly victims of some dread disease in later films. One things for sure they're not 5K speed demons like you saw in 28 days later, that really spoiled the fun. Having studied them closely, I now keep a sledgehammer by the stairs because they're not great climbers but force their way easily through boarded windows and you've never got enough cartridges for the firearms you've got laying round the house. Get upstairs and destroy the landing. It'll all blow over in a couple of weeks.
john n ~ 1298 22
AngeM ~ 1293 31
Fenland Runner ~ 1285 26
Stewey ~ 1284 5
Pestomum ~ 1277 53
Theboybarry ~ 1276 32
Smile2 ~ 1274 32
Skeletons are almost certainly real, but their ability to independently animate is in some doubt. Personifying death in Europe in the middle ages, they are given life by a more powerful undead or necromancer. Principly known for being rubbish swordsmen in Sinbad films, Skeletor himself is the clear kingpin, although my foolish father suggested his lack of a larynx and lips made his speech implausible. First appearance in modern fiction is unclear, but they appeared in The Brothers Grimm's less-well-known tale 'The Boy Who Wanted the Willies'
emmie ~ 1265 24
steve c ~ 1260 38
Rocket Reader ~ 1258 89
Ojo ~ 1258 0
Rick OShay ~ 1255 13
SuperTed ~ 1249 21
MJZurich ~ 1243 7
The Banshee is an Irish (or Scottish) spirit whose cry fortells death. She can appear as an ugly hag or a beautiful woman, according to whether your mates were there at the time. Only a select group of ancient Irish families can hear her cry and as penance for her antics, she has to wash blood-stained garments. Appears near woods, seasonal visitor with striking plumage.
Ted ~ 1241 32
Heavyweight ~ 1238 44
Alex B ~ 1238 26
Sparkly Bridget ~ 1212 - 6
Zoom ~ 1191 - 0
Hackett ~ 1188 - 12
Kwaka ~ 1187 - 30
Until Tolkein unleashed hordes of goblins on the world, they were quite solitary creatures and more impish and mischievous than malevolent and swashbuckling, but you've got to have progress I suppose. Apparently they're non-playing characters, largely for backdrop and idle slaughter in current world of warcraft versions, but, excitingly if you like that sort of thing, they're going to be proper characters in Cataclysm. Like caves, dislike dwarves, usually called things like Gak.
Nephi ~ 1183 - 56
martinthemedic ~ 1163 - 64
ThortonRunner ~ 1144 - 9
Nightjar ~ 1133 - 26
Vee ~ 1113 - 36
SpongeBob No So Fast Pants ~ 1103 - 12
Monkey Harris ~ 1102 - 18
Bob! ~ 1101 - 22
Bit more modern now, with the Chupacabra or Goat-sucker - a resident chiefly of central- and southern-america with a nasty habit of drinking the blood of livestock. It's vaguely reptillian, but covered in hair, may be as big as a bear or as small as a dog, whatever, it's got spines down its back, has extended its range to Russia and sounds a lot more impressive than having your lambs nicked by a dog. What insurance companies feel about it is unrecorded.
Eastham75 ~ 1082 - 35
rollerman ~ 1065 - 28
Che Dragon ~ 1061 - 23
Joopsy ~ 1058 - 5
marcus saunders ~ 1020 - 0
Jobe ~ 996 - 0
aka billy ~ 962 - 0
To the home of folk legend now, Northern England, we go looking for the Boggart. This terrifying apparition, er, makes your milk go sour and stuff. Small, hairy, and smelly, they can also creep into your bed at night and put a clammy hand on your face. So it's not your other half coming home from the pub or owt.
CB ~ 961 - 27
MISERABLEMRGILES ~ 960 - 0
Predazord ~ 959 - 22
The Rentboy ~ 952 - 31
GettingThere ~ 947 - 0
brooksy ~ 920 - 23
Homer ~ 911 - 26
Deenzy ~ 893 - 34
Last another enemy for goats, the Troll. Chiefly nordic, they're giant-sized, a bit dim but cunning in their own way. They've been known to take people to be their slaves, and even pinch new-borns, swapping them for their own ugly offspring in the process...
Runningheva ~ 885 - 17
Sime ~ 828 - 10
postie postie ~ 801 - 0
Scoff The Sloth ~ 789 - 13
runningbug ~ 710 - 9
Garfield ~ 703 - 41
icklechick ~ 698 - 0
Little Stoker ~ 693 - 0
Magbag ~ 684 - 28
steveelder7 ~ 557 - 8
Wes-H ~ 467 - 16
(A sorry it was delayed) 18th October
This week's target is 1196, with the usual aim of 29m a week.
We had Bristol's top attractions after I completed the Bristol half marathon last month so it's only fitting that after completing Cardiff half I do the same.
This was my third Cardiff half, and thankfully, at last, they seem to be getting most things right. This year's new route took in all the following top attractions too, well done to Cardiff City Council!
Hall of Fame
Foxy Davy
fordman
AJPAR
Sarah1
mile muncher
Rootmaster
AlanR
pabsey
Stella 0%
Bosun Tony
jasond
Biastai
Bomb
Bertie69
Makem1
Derooster
LateStart
They are coming thick and fast now, well done to our new Hall of Fame members-
PhilMac08
derwenttony
Mr White
The Millennium Stadium (Welsh: Stadiwm y Mileniwm) is the national stadium of Wales. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and the Wales national football team but is also host to many other large scale events, such as Wales Rally Great Britain stage of the World Rally Championship, Speedway Grand Prix of Great Britain, boxing and many music concerts, including Tina Turner, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, U2 and the Tsunami Relief concert. It was built ready for Cardiff to host the 1999 Rugby World Cup.
Whilst the Millennium Stadium was under construction, the original 1923 Wembley Stadium had hosted the Welsh rugby team during the building of the new ground. The favour was returned from 2001 whilst England's national stadium, Wembley Stadium was undergoing rebuilding, with the Millennium hosting:
The 125th FA Cup Final in 2006 between Liverpool and West HamFA Cup Final
League Cup Final
Football League Trophy Final
Football League play-off Finals
FA Community Shield
Challenge Cup
The stadium became notorious for an apparent "away team hoodoo". The first twelve major cup finals were all won by the teams occupying the home dressing room with their fans in the North Stand. Stoke City beat Brentford 2-0 in 2002 to end the "hoodoo", but only after an expert in the fine art of feng shui, Paul Darby had carried out a blessing. Unlike it's English counterpart, Wembley, it was built on time and in budget!
Belper Bear ~ 1493 36
eroej5 ~ 1492 26
Maclennane ~ 1479 38
Chrisull ~ 1465 53
looby.lue ~ 1445 42
Race Jase ~ 1425 9
Southampton Tony ~ 1412 36
basils xt350 ~ 1407 6
Cardiff Bay
The bay area of Cardiff has several attractions within it, but a simple walk around the bay is a delight on a sunny day. The bay is just a few minutes from the city centre using the frequent bus and train connections, and it would make a god base for a city break vacation as there are some good hotels and numerous bars and restaurants.
andy ~ 1397 32
YP1 ~ 1383 39
ian9657 ~ 1355 24
Pinchi ~ 1346 28
cybill ~ 1322 40
AndrewJ ~ 1317 38
Smileygirlie ~ 1306 9
Cardiff Castle is one of Wales' leading heritage attractions and a site of international significance. During 2000 years of history, the Castle has been a Roman Garrison, a Norman stronghold and in Victorian times was transformed into a gothic fairytale fantasy.
The castle has hosted a number of rock concerts and performances and has the capacity to accommodate over 10,000 people. Notable concerts include the Stereophonics Live at Cardiff Castle in 1998 and 2009 and Green Day in 2002. In 1948 a crowd of 16,000, a record for British Baseball game, watched Wales defeat England in Cardiff Castle grounds. Cardiff Castle plays host to Cardiff University's Summer Ball each year. It is the site of Wales' largest Mardi Gras held every August. Tom Jones also performed here before a large crowd in 2001.
The wonderful Welsh Castles Relay also finishes at the Castle.
mags ~ 1296 36
Stewey ~ 1279 26
CC2 Speedy Goth ~ 1278 26
Relkeel66 ~ 1277 18
john n ~ 1276 44
pussy cat ~ 1263 25
AngeM ~ 1262 19
Fenland Runner ~ 1259 22
Ojo ~ 1258 0
Bute Park
Right by Cardiff Castle stands leafy Bute Park, the city's green oasis. The River Taff runs through the park and there are a few small standing stones too. Also here are the Glamorgan Country Cricket Club, the Welsh Institute of Sport, a riding school, and a music and drama college.
It is also the host of many races, including the very popular, and free, Saturday morning 5k Parkrun (for more details contact The_Saint)
Theboybarry ~ 1244 31
Smile2 ~ 1242 44
Rick OShay ~ 1242 33
emmie ~ 1241 19
MJZurich ~ 1236 34
SuperTed ~ 1228 48
Pestomum ~ 1224 12
steve c ~ 1222 41
Alex B ~ 1212 4
Ted ~ 1209 33
Sparkly Bridget ~ 1206 35
National Museum and Gallery of Wales
The Welsh National Museum and Gallery has a really impressive art collection among its highlights. Here are works by Rodin, Renoir, Monet, Manet, Matisse, LS Lowry, Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and naturally many fine Welsh artists too.
Heavyweight ~ 1194 ~ 39
Zoom ~ 1191 ~ 13
Hackett ~ 1176 ~
Rocket Reader ~ 1169 ~ 0
Kwaka ~ 1157 ~ 33
ThortonRunner ~ 1135 ~ 33
Nephi ~ 1127 ~ 58
Nightjar ~ 1107 ~ 69
Sculpture Trail
Spread out along the waterfront are several statues, forming a lovely Sculpture Trail. With titles like A Wife on the Ocean Wave, these range from the amusing to the moving. Pick up a leaflet about the trail at the tourist office to be sure to see them all.
martinthemedic ~ 1099 ~
SpongeBob No So Fast Pants ~ 1091 ~ 36
Monkey Harris ~ 1084 ~ 31
Bob! ~ 1079 ~ 17
Vee ~ 1077 ~ 29
Joopsy ~ 1053 ~ 32
Eastham75 ~ 1047 ~ 0
Che Dragon ~ 1038 ~ 28
rollerman ~ 1037 ~ 20
marcus saunders ~ 1020 ~ 0
Techniquest
The science discovery centre of Techniquest is aimed squarely at children but parents shouldn't get bored either with over 160 interactive exhibits, plus a Science Theatre and a Planetarium. The purpose is to make science fun and educational at the same time, so learn what makes a hot air balloon rise, how the human body is made up, how to play a harp with no strings and, for young children, how to jump up and down on a giant piano keyboard and make a lot of noise. Older children might prefer to use the twin-turntable mixing desk to produce some cool sounds.
Jobe ~ 996 ~ 0
aka billy ~ 962 ~ 14
MISERABLEMRGILES ~ 960 ~ 16
GettingThere ~ 947 ~ 0
Predazord ~ 937 ~ 21
CB ~ 934 ~ 8
The Rentboy ~ 921 ~ 30
brooksy ~ 897 ~ 16
Homer ~ 885 ~ 9
Runningheva ~ 868 ~ 21
Deenzy ~ 859 ~ 32
Sime ~ 818 ~ 9
postie postie ~ 801 ~ 6
Norwegian Church
The delightful Norwegian Church on the Cardiff Bay waterfront was built in 1869 as a mission for the Norwegian sailors based in Cardiff, which has always been a cosmopolitan city thanks to its docks and the coal industry. In 1987 the Church was moved to its present location, and it houses an art gallery and an excellent café/restaurant.
Scoff The Sloth ~ 776 ~ 20
runningbug ~ 701 ~ 19
icklechick ~ 698 ~ 0
Little Stoker ~ 693 ~ 0
Garfield ~ 662 ~ 24
Magbag ~ 656 ~ 5
steveelder7 ~ 549 ~ 10
Wes-H ~ 451 ~ 18
Well done all
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