Pints, pizza, Platts and parkrun

My weekend started early on Friday with a leaving do for a much valued and respected colleague. Judy - you are one of the nicest, most caring people I know - like me, you say things as you see them which is often the way they are - your honesty and integrity are second to none. These qualities will be sorely missed around the place.

Judy’s farewells provided a good excuse for a couple of swift pints before meeting the family for pizza and more beer at the Greystones followed by an early night.

My plan to venture out beyond Sheffield was put on hold for another week - instead I chose Hillsborough accompanied by brother in law Ross who’s down visiting from Edinburgh.

Met Dr Chris Platts at the start looking resplendent in his shorts and Sheffield Wednesday shirt - arguably the best looking sociologist in the world (arguably!). Chris had managed to drag himself out of bed after a few more beers than me last night. After a slow start and despite my best efforts, the young, handsome sociologist left me behind on the second lap despite claiming to be conserving energy for a charity football tournament on Sunday. That 20 year age gap certainly made all the difference. 5th in my age category though - not bad.

Nice chat with former student Tom at the end who was competing in the BUCS championships later in the day. That broad Potteries accent took me back to college days in North Staffordshire in the 80s where many of my mates and most of the auxillary staff spoke like that - happy days. Good luck in the race Tom.

No cafe at Hillsborough so there was little choice but to retire to Forge Dam for a slap up breakfast thanks to the generosity of the aforementioned brother in law, followed by a dog walk in the Porter Valley.

Life is pretty good - can’t complain, and if I did no one would listen!

83 and counting. Until next time, happy parkrunning.

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