My Forum

Firstly, BIW - apologies for not replying months ago after my visit to Ramstein - life is hectic in Northern German especially as we are now officially in 'drawdown' with all British Forces to leave Germany by 2018/19 - this means a lot of work for me as I have to close the MoD Schools!

Secondly, as you can see I am still alive and ran a lovely 7 miler at Ramstein today where I visited again - lovely forest run by the perimeter fence of the US Air Base.   Following the visit, a nice long drive to Mons, Belgium to visit the SHAPE International School - great scenic run through Luxembourg and still plenty of snow around.

Thirdly, now into the last 5 week of my 15th London Marathon Training - it's been tough training through this German Winter as in Paderborn (where I live), we've had snow on and off (mainly on) since last December and I'm now sick of the sight of the white stuff!   Despite the weather, training has been great and all the long runs are in the bank including 2 x 22 milers and 1 x 20 miler.   I'm runnning 23 miles next week followed by the Paderborn Easter Saturday Half Marathon!

Was briefly in England last week to run my home Salisbury 10 in 67 minutes which I was chuffed with and it was great to see my best mate (and Best Man) Terry Earney (TE).   After the sad loss of his beloved parents in recent years, Terry is now running better than ever and the Old Timer (my friendly nickname for him) is flying at the moment.   Terry is coming to Germany Land next year to run the Classic 31K Trail Run - the"Hermannslauf".   It will be a good weekend although I will get English Ale from the NAAFI or Terry and me to enjoy as I can't stand German Beer (sorry, it' all gas and I feel very unwell after a short drink of the stuff).

Well, it's good to be back at the forum and I'll input from time to time.   Sadly, I'm still at work (only 51) so haven't got too much time especially as eldest daughter is about to do her GCSE's swiftly followed by son and younger daughter.

Busy times ahead in all matters especially work - will enjoy a few more years in Gerry Land but then it's back to Salisbury - what a delight to look forward to!

Best Wishes Everyone - Keep On Running!

Hi MCS,

Yep, Paderborn is a grand city and the trail running particularly is great.   Thick fog and frosty in Ramstein so it will be a slow 280 mile drive north to Paderborn tomorrow!

Hi Terry and everyone!   I'm still alive here in Germany and working hard with the MoD schools ahead of their closure when British Forces pull out of Germany over the next 6-8 years.   My running continues to go well and I've now run 35 full marathons but really enjoying the trail running scene in Paderborn in northern Germany.   I'm currently visiting Ramstein as mentioned by Terry (Above) and wondered if this is where you are IW?   It's a lovely area and I've just been for a swift 10K here before driving back north again tomorrow.   Hoping to get Terry out to Germany in the next 2 years.

Best Wishes everyone - I think I qualify to be on this forum?   I'm 51 on Friday!

Red - Well done on the run in Liverpool which I may run next year.   I have 2 concerns - the delayed start must have been very frustrating especially as everyone will have timed their breakfasts and loo visits to coincide with the published start time.   When were you told about the delayed start?   My other concern - what was it like in the Tunnel?   Was it well ventilated as I have visions of it being a health hazzard with all the residual fumes - but, I'm guessing the tunnel is ventilated?

Alan - Sounds overall that the race was received very positively?   With some minor tweaking, I'm guesing it will be back better next year?

Terry (TE) - Good to talk earlier, hope to see you soon.

Hi All,

 Thanks for all the good wishes and to Terry for updating you all.   Been without phone and internet for 2 weeks now but German Telecon are due to fix today - so much for German efficiency!   Don't moan about the UK, Germany is far worse on many things!

Recovered from Berlin and now thinking of plans for next year.

Good luck in Liverpool Red!   I may run it next year if the race goes well this year!   I must admit I'm worried about the logistics for the race - hope it all goes smoothly!

Must dash back home from the office to let the telecon enginers in!   Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!