Summer Training Camp: September 2008, Land’s End

By Polly Keen

Land’s End. An accurate description of the location relative to how far the drive from Cambridge seemed anyway! Several of us undertook this epic journey to the tip of Cornwall following a successful Chariots of Fire relays, and what a mammoth journey it was! With American Emily Alden in my car, who was far too excited by the picturesque British landscape, we had to take a slight detour by Stonehenge and I was deafened by squeals of delight at every single sheep she caught sight of. I’d also just like to point out that it was on this trek that Miss Alden first commented on how good—looking a certain captain was… Eventually we made it to our destination, Land’s End Youth Hostel, in the dark.

Many Hare and Hounds came and went throughout the gloriously sunny week, but overall it was a fabulously attended training camp (particularly impressive because the distances people travelled to get there). We welcomed freshers Will Mackay, Chris Bannon and John Undy, who were especially keen to find out just what the Haries were about. We were also lucky enough to be joined by Rich Mathie’s (not so little) brother, Alister, who, about to become a fresher in Oxford, impressed with his penchant for alcohol. I guess he must have needed the practice at drinking as preparation to get him through his time at the darker place!

Runners eat lots! Hence several trips to the local Tesco were needed to stock up supplies and provide our in-house chefs with their ingredients of choice. To celebrate these shops, on the penultimate evening, an impromptu fancy dress Tescos venture was made to buy food for our beach barbeque. This trip was filmed because of its legendary nature however a certain member of staff (going by the ironic name of “sexy bird”) prematurely ended the fascinating documentary of the shop.

The beach BBQ itself was an interesting affair. Darkness fell before we expected and with a single torch between us, it wasn’t surprising that several people bit into sausages which were still cold and raw in the middle. What was surprising was that no one was at all ill the next day from the experience — us runners are obviously well hard!

Land’s End was chosen largely because of the beaches and the sea, and we certainly took advantage of this. The sport of “wave bombing” was invented on the beach on our day trip to St Ives. This activity involved running down the beach towards the sea at the correct time so that as you reached the water, you jumped / dived (in your own preferred style) into as large an incoming wave as possible. Crazy, but great fun! Another way we amused ourselves on the beach was to have one person throw a rubber ring into the air then the others run around with their hands by their sides to try and end up with the ring around their neck. This resulted in us looking like deranged penguins! More conventional beach games also occurred such as surfing, frisbee, swimming, sandcastle building (at which JK was far too professional for his own good!) and burying Tim in the sand sculpting him “interesting” features.

Perhaps surprisingly, some training happened too. Fancy dress circuits saw some curious costumes concocted from whatever people could find. Runs of varying lengths were accomplished both by the sea and in land. An epic hills session was completed (which involved the delightful task of hurdling a nearly dead fox halfway up the first hill) and several beastly reps sessions were carried out.

Reverting to our childhood seemed to come very naturally to most of us on this training camp. We played an awesome game of sardines in the hostel in the dark. And following the customary “civilised” meal out (during which Charlotte tried to get into a high chair) we rampaged a children’s playground and both Charlotte and I were shoved into a wheely bin. A make shift silent disco gave an opportunity for the talented singers amongst us to be appreciated. A certain couple, however, decided discussing French Films and “star gazing” was of preference to all this immature behaviour!

All in all, it was a brilliant week which everyone thoroughly enjoyed and no one wanted to leave (well, not to be squashed into Aidan’s car for the journey back to Cambridge anyway!). Thanks to everyone for their fabulous company and to Tim for his top-quality organising. I’m sure I speak on behalf of everyone when I say that I can’t wait for the banter the next training camp will bring…

Last modified: Saturday March 21 2009 11:19:15