On a bitterly cold, fresh day four intrepid runners braved the tundra like conditions and camped down next to the Dursley tent at the latest Gloucester League Cross Country at Milton End, Arlingham on the banks of the River Severn.  These were the TRC runners and, being for the men’s V65 race and Jo for the ladies’ race, we dressed up in various layers, gloves, headwear, long shorts and leggings against freezing conditions. At least one of us warmed up and went along the bank to see the river serenely flowing round the Horseshoe Bend. 

We sauntered over for the start and were amazed at the audacity of youth as we viewed the U17 boys in the same race, lean and athletic and dressed only in singlets and flimsy shorts. Was it really like that? 

On the start we hobbled across the field, up the bank and alongside the river as it glided placidly round the bend. Off the bank we headed off through a maze of fields and gateways, the still frozen, tussocky ground throwing feet in unwanted directions and remembering the instructions that dark patches could still be icy as we went through muddy gateways. 

Nick Langridge led the contingent and had much the same race as at Cirencester, catching the Forest of Dean V70 rival on the first lap only for the opponent to surge back and take a lead in front. Nick closed down a gap in the second lap and managed to keep in front but although he tried was unable to shake him off and despite an effort across the last field, the rival again had a better finishing spurt, I hardly dare say we sprinted, and pipped Nick on the line. Nick finished 69th and 2nd MV70 in 31:04. Next time.  

Jo Plumbley came in next, elegantly striding round the banks and field in full winter gear for 102nd in 33:53. Chris Foley was next to arrive, flushed from the fresh breeze out of the freezer and looking like his glasses were steaming up, 119th in 36:10 and 4th MV70. We waited for Arthur Renshaw as we saw him appear puffing along, seeming to pause before considering the climb on to the river bank, then down and across the field for 152nd in 42:57 with still a few behind him. 

We walked back to our encampment, all commenting of the difficulty of the frozen tussocks and it was only then that someone pointed out to Nick that he had run the race with his club vest on back to front. Poor bloke, it’s old age, you know. At least the number was on the right side and he hadn’t run backwards. 

Alas, one lady doesn’t make a team so there were no results for the ladies’ team. But as for the Men’s V65 team, and we were actually all V70, we finished second, losing out to Dursley’s, dare I say it, slightly younger team. 

It was then that we noticed the men’s team were arriving. They ignored us and camped somewhere else, presumably not wanting to be associated with the old lags. We saw them set off for their race and counted the vests through, then made for the car park. As we were on the way, the men came past again as they looped through half a lap and a discussion on the merits of various Radio 5 Live presenters was briefly interrupted as we gave Paul Thomes a shout. I think he smiled.  

We continued and headed for warmth so nothing to report on the race itself but it must have been quite a battle at the front of the Thornbury runners as Ben Bohane in 53rd position and Andy Wilson in 54th finished in the same time of 36:56. Connor Vidal-Cocker was 84th in 39:41, and Paul Thomas 114th in 42:37. David Hobbs was also entered and we counted 5 vests so a DNF. 

Alas and alack, this also was not enough for a senior or vets team so there were no team results for the men either so in this most of team events it was left to the old men, or masters as we are known, to carry the team banner for Thornbury. Yes, we may be old, hobble about a bit, huff and puff, pause for breath, wrap up against the cold and occasionally put a vest on back to front but we did get a team out – and that’s a challenge to the others.