Passports Please

YTRRC Hit France 

The Annual trip to France and the Argentan Half Marathon started early on Friday Morning with the coach leaving at 3:45 am. Guess what we all made it no one was late and we all had our Passports. So far so good lets go to Portsmouth. 

Kimberley posted Finished packing for Argentan then realised I'd forgotten to pack my trainers! Would've been a shame to have had to just drink all weekend instead of run!......wouldn't it??!!! 🍷🍷

Good thing she remembered them as Argentan did not have enough Wine.

We got to Portsmouth, got the Tickets and then the first challenge, £10 eat till you drop Breakfast, we were given our area and then the eating started, 5 hours later we docked in Ouistreham and made our way to Argentan and the Hotel des Voyageurs. 

Friday night the Host laid on a Pasta Party for us with plenty of Pasta and some strange Red stuff in a bottle (it took me a few to find out what it was). After the meal it was a short walk to the Irish Bar and Somerset soon took this over with the only Irishman in there being Phil. There was a bit of dancing on the tables but we all had a smashing time. 

Saturday morning was the annual trip to the Supermarket for the Wine top up and some pre race food. We then went to the Race HQ for our race numbers and French Cider sadly with no Cheese this year. Then it was the Group Photograph, you may notice the blonde at the front, Pete found her and I believe it is called abduction in UK.

YTRRC 2014

Back to the Hotel for Pizza and and change into YTRRC tops and pre race routines. Dave (Coach Driver) took us back to Race HQ near the Finish and the Club Flags were put up and our Banner. 

Not Sure what Linda doing here

While we were waiting for the start the weather got really hot and we were all waiting for the downpour of rain that was due to start at around start time but at the moment it was sunbeating weather I mean sunbathing. Those doing the second leg left by coach for the halfway point while the rest continued warming up and stretching

Eventually the race started with some YTRRC up at the front, and the gun went off and we ran up the hill and out of the car park as a few clouds started to come over. 

The course is Ok and with a very long stretch through a forest with a slight incline up followed by a nice drop down and back on the road for the last 4 miles. 

When you got to the halfway point the relay runners were waiting and it was a good cheering point to see some YTRRC runners there. The first YTRRC runner in was Robbie Hawkins followed by Nigel and then Pete.

     

Soon after the first runners were through the rain started and the temperature dropped a bit.

Simon Eadon said after the Race:

"Well that was an interesting half marathon: we started in warm summer sunshine and ended in a cool autumnal downpour. Daf, Ollie and I knocked minutes off our PBs. Had I not had as much alcohol last night with excessive amounts of pasta would I have done it even faster? I'll have to wait until next year to find out! A big thank you to Mike for running the last few miles with me - how you got me doing 8-and-half minute miles at that late stage of the run will remain a mystery."  

Soon we had our first lady over the line Jo Henley, this was without the aid of cork as well, and yes I said cork, more on that later.

First Lady YTRRC

The rain then decided to really pour and the last few YTRRC runners did get a bit wet..cont..

and even got told off by the Police for flashing at the rear whilst being chased by blokes on bikes.

With the last runners home it was back on the nice warm coach and back to the hotel for a Shower and ready for some serious carb loading and stretching on the dance floor. But first  it was time to get ready and a bit of rehearsal for the entry to the Hall and our French audience.  

 

Once we entered the Hall with Adam Hawkins leading the way the French joined in and the dancing began.

There are a few videos / movies out there on Facebook, then as it got later and later there was some serious snorting going on.

  

Love was in the Air 

Then it got a bit rude

The excitement was just to much for some.

Pete had to step in 

When we finally looked at the time it was 3:00 am and time to walk stagger back to the hotel and to bed.........well nearly someone mention a room party but thats another story.....

Well done to Pete and Phil for the organisation and Dave the coach driver and all the people that went as without you all it would not have been a laugh and a giggle with the odd tear and more laughter.

From Kim

All I can say is thank god I booked today off work! 😴😴😴😴😴😴 What a weekend! Thanks to all who organised it and also to the rest of u who made me laugh till it hurt. Especially a certain someone who accidentally dive bombed a table full of drinks - I've not laughed that much in years and it still makes me chuckle now. Lol!!!! roll on Argentan 2015! 

From Daphne Barfoot

I know it has been said before but a huge thankyou to Phil, Peter and the other organisers of our trip to Argentan this weekend. It was brilliant!
I would also like to apologise for my huband if his antics have caused any embarassment or offense!!! (Probably just to me as usual! - what I have to put up with!!!)
Looking forward to next year!


From Linda Membury
Brilliant weekend in Argentan. Couldn't have asked for a better running weekend. Started the marathon in sunshine and ended in gales and rain. So funny seeing Kimberly Anne Weston and Katie Brooks being shimmied along by the ambulance and the cyclist, they raised a load of smiles. YTRRC were the last lot to finish the Semi Marathon and the Relay! Brilliant fancy dress evening and the French really joined in, which made it an excellent night. Too much booze not enough sleep, hey ho...off to work tomorrow. Steve Membury will put photos on tomorrow along with someone's rear end...... more to follow

From Debbie Keeble
I have just experienced the most incredible weekend in France of running, fun, laughter and friendship! I haven't laughed so much for a very long time. Thank you Phil MacQuaid, Peter Jakeman and Bungy Williams for organising it all. Lots of great memories with a bunch of amazing people :)))