Neil Shuttleworth

I'm still a bit topsy turvy after yesterday's emotions. Even though I've got a whole house to pack up, I overslept!

Rosemary was arriving at lunchtime and the fridge was bare. The last few weeks had been frantic with being on a course, having the guys over from TrainingPeaks and lots of coachy stuff.....shopping was at the bottom of the list.

I trundled down to the farm shop for provisions and on my way back I saw him. "Neil" I shouted. "Thank goodness I've seen you!!". "I'm moving out of Broadbottom and am so glad I've seen you". He looked slightly bewildered! 

Neil is one of my favourite people. I first met him at the Charlesworth Festival fell race and always love when I bump into him. He's a runner through and through.....having written a book with the famous Ron Hill, run sub 2-30 marathons, completed the Bob Graham Round and has been a buddy runner on this challenge with the legendary Joss Naylor. 

Neil loves to tell stories and most of them include Ron Hill.....In fact I think he's said that name more than the miles he's run....He's kept a diary of every mile since the 1960's and has averaged about 7 miles a day since then. He made me promise not to tell anyone the total. Needless to say, it's into 6 figures and he still continues to race to this day.

We chatted for ages as usual and I insisted that I take his photo for my Blip. He was self-effacing as ever but secretly enjoyed the attention!

I just had time to get the soup on and then pick Rosemary up from the station. After lunch, I opened my new delivery, a shiny laptop for commuting to my new job etc. Rosemary's face was a picture when she saw the symbol of an apple, the word 'Pro' preceded by 'MacBook'. "How Much???????" The educational discount did not placate her.

Shortly afterwards, there was a knock on the door. It was Neil, proudly holding a picture of him out-sprinting another runner on the outfield of Old Trafford in 1972. He ran for Bolton back in the day and even though he was very fast, making the 10 strong team was a major challenge. He also had a copy of his book for me, which I insisted he signed!

As ever, we talked way too long. Then R and I started to do some packing, I had some coaching stuff to do and it was after 9pm when we managed dinner!