Wendy's marathon training takes her under 28min for the first time

Wendy came round the corner to the finish of last night's handicap as though all the hounds of hell were snapping at her heels. She more or less collapsed after crossing the line but smashed last year's PB by 43 secs, dying (almost) proof that marathon training makes you quicker. Ross recorded an equally good PB which took him well under 23 min. Graham, Chris and Lyn also recorded their best times and Kevin and Mark equaled theirs. PB's aside it was a very good race as nearly everyone finished within a minute of 3rd place Graham and Olivia had a new PB in scribbling speed trying to keep up with recording names and times. It was good to see Vernon back at the Handicap after missing it last year. He had an excellent run posting a time as good as any when he last ran two years ago. A word has to be said about Simon, the new apprentice time-keeper. He took to his new responsibilities with calm assurance and sent Wendy & Lynn off without a hitch. I felt I could relax and leave the start in his capable hands - big mistake! I suppose Gerry jogging up the road, even later than usual and well passed his start time must have been the spanner that knocked Simon's brain off the rails. After Gerry was added in and sent off late, Brent was next. He stood on the start and waited, and waited  ...."How long have I got?", he asked. Simon glanced at the list, Start time 5:10 then he glanced at the watch 5:42, 5:43, 5:44 ... GO! Simon yelled and Brent took off like a scalded cat - 34 seconds late. Who's next, Katie; what time? 5:44!! Watch now shows 6:05, Oh God! "Katie Go!" Katie shoots off and Simon takes a breath, panic over. Ross, Steve, Mark and Judy waiting in line, Simon checks the list, 6:21 for Ross 6:27 for Steve. He checks the watch - oh no not again! Watch on 6:31 - Go Ross! Go Steve! Back to the list Mark next on 6:51 also Judy, watch shows 6:50, just in time, and Simon sends them both away, but then a closer look shows Judy should have started six seconds later on 6:57! All very entertaining and it didn't alter the final result except that Lyn would have finished 9th instead of 13th. The club needs a timekeeper for The Cotleigh Canters -  I know just who to recommend.