School Cross Country

Who has memories of running cross country at school. I did it a few times but I don't remember it that well. I know we used to run around the school playing field, then along the road for a bit and then back around the field. I'm guessing we did it twice but it was over 40 years ago and I struggle to remember what I did yesterday. I was a keen athlete in my teens but long distance running was never something I enjoyed.

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SchoolBelle · 61-69, F

Our route was three times around a muddy wooded track. The boys and the PE teacher steamed off in front, the girls, with one or two exceptions, trailing behind. Myself and a couple of friends used to dive off into the bushes on the first lap, have a fag and a shivering chat - it was bloody cold and damp - and rejoin at the back on the third lap.

Worked a treat for a couple of weeks but on the third we were seen by a Prefect. Which led to an audience with the PE teacher and a visit to the Headmaster's office.

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Jacko1971 · 51-55, M

@SchoolBelle and a sore bottom presumably.

SchoolBelle · 61-69, F

@Jacko1971 Yes!

SchoolBelle · 61-69, F

@GoneForGood Boys were not welcome. They had their own hiding place!

GoneForGood · M

@SchoolBelle - quite right too. Too many puffing behind one bush and the fire brigade may have been called 😂 .

Because I would miss one of our 3 laps of the heathland I’d finish relatively fresh and up with the front half of the pack . I ended up making the school cross country team and finished plum last in my one race .

I think the teacher “knew”and it was his way of calling me out

SchoolBelle · 61-69, F

@GoneForGood We always finished out of breath - probably because of the smoking.

GoneForGood · M

@SchoolBelle - probably! Things we do in our youth to feel sophisticated and grown up 🚬🚬🚬

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GoneForGood · M

@SchoolBelle Well if you’re going to freeze them off anyway at least make sure you get your fix eh !?🤣

SchoolBelle · 61-69, F

@GoneForGood We got fixed, alright.

GoneForGood · M

@SchoolBelle the mind boggles ! 🤣

SchoolBelle · 61-69, F

@GoneForGood Oh dear!