Purple Patch running weekend

From Linda Aird

I spent last weekend running around the North Wessex Downs (yes, I said 'where's that?' as well - it's in Oxfordshire, near Wantage) with a group called Purple Patch running. It was a fantastic weekend, hard (running) work, great food (and plenty of it!), nice sociable people - both the runners and the organisers, and a beautiful location. One run on the Friday night (didn't get there for that one - blame the M25), three runs on the Saturday, including a hill session (and boy, do they have hills round there) and a tempo style session. Sunday saw us doing a longer run, in ability/pace groups, along the Ridgeway and through some beautiful villages. In between the running were very useful and informative talks and discussions about training and racing, plus a chance to have a sports massage (I did - it was excellent.) I can highly recommend this type of weekend to any runner of almost any ability - you are bound to get a lot out of it whatever level you are running at. It was very good value for money - the more people book, the bigger the discount. They also run these training camps (no camping involved!) in the Brecon Beacons and in the Cotswolds. Here is there website if you want to know more - and no, I'm not on commission!

http://www.purplepatchrunning.com/