DISTANCE running is not without its perils such as shin splints and hitting 'the wall'. But I had not really considered out of control dogs as being an occupational hazard until yesterday. Our regular group were winding our way around the Tuesday lunchtime course, now significantly drier than last week's soggy mess, when we encountered a dog walker and two rottweilers. I was second in the group, thinking it may best best to give said dogs a wide berth just in case. Russ, the unfortunate leader at this stage, made no attempt to go near the rottweilers, but found himself under attack. He was bitten on the bum and then on the hand as he tried to defend himself, while the dogs' gormless owner spectacularly failed to intervene, even verbally. Needless to say the idiot copped some choice words from Russ and others in the group. But he didn't appear that apologetic, even when Russ produced his bleeding hand. It could easily have been me under attack and I told Russ I would act as a witness, should he take the matter further. I am not anti-dogs or any other pets for that matter, provided they are looked after property. These rottweilers should have been on leads and I can only hope their owner sees sense before they attack again. Bleeding fingers aside, the run was quite pleasant in the spring sunshine and, weatherwise, the shape of things to come, I hope. On Saturday, again in the sunshine, I completed 20 miles in 2hrs 30mins without any lasting side effects, which was nice. A 22-miler may be on the cards this weekend, but we'll have to see. I also competed in the Teddy Hall Relays on Wednesday. I was quite pleased with my time of 21mins 19secs for the 3.6 mile course, but looking at the results, that placed me down in 142nd. Quick runners these students...

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