A glimpse into the world of those who have discovered a more active side to their pub-going experience. For some, it's as simple as taking a few laps around the bar while nursing a pint – but for others, it's about pushing the limits. The question on everyone's mind is, how hard can running 13 miles be?
One thing is certain: help will come from unexpected places. For Barry Glendenning, that meant studying the form of past patrons at the Coach and Horses pub, including a nod to Jeffrey Bernard's infamous 'just one' moment. The author of these brief letters found himself transported back in time as he pored over the likes of bar-stool athletes.
On the other hand, others are taking on the challenge in their own unique ways. Beth from Wivenhoe, Essex has taken to reserving double rooms at Premier Inn Milton Keynes for her wife and herself – but with no luck thus far, it seems they're better off roughing it. And then there's Bren Pointer, who tried to do just that.
But the world of bar-stool athletes isn't all about personal space; some take their passion to an entirely different level – literally. Alistair Cant from Edinburgh may not have been familiar with the local geography, but he certainly has an appreciation for Bodø, Norway's 43,000-strong city that somehow managed to pull off a stunning Champions League victory.
The celebrity family feud is another topic altogether, one that Pete Bibby decided not to take on in his letter. And finally, Helen Keats from Brighstone, Isle of Wight, got her say when it came to local lingo – or the lack thereof.
It seems everyone's got a story to tell about their love for running, pubs, and football, but the real question remains: just how hard can 13 miles really be?
One thing is certain: help will come from unexpected places. For Barry Glendenning, that meant studying the form of past patrons at the Coach and Horses pub, including a nod to Jeffrey Bernard's infamous 'just one' moment. The author of these brief letters found himself transported back in time as he pored over the likes of bar-stool athletes.
On the other hand, others are taking on the challenge in their own unique ways. Beth from Wivenhoe, Essex has taken to reserving double rooms at Premier Inn Milton Keynes for her wife and herself – but with no luck thus far, it seems they're better off roughing it. And then there's Bren Pointer, who tried to do just that.
But the world of bar-stool athletes isn't all about personal space; some take their passion to an entirely different level – literally. Alistair Cant from Edinburgh may not have been familiar with the local geography, but he certainly has an appreciation for Bodø, Norway's 43,000-strong city that somehow managed to pull off a stunning Champions League victory.
The celebrity family feud is another topic altogether, one that Pete Bibby decided not to take on in his letter. And finally, Helen Keats from Brighstone, Isle of Wight, got her say when it came to local lingo – or the lack thereof.
It seems everyone's got a story to tell about their love for running, pubs, and football, but the real question remains: just how hard can 13 miles really be?
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i mean, im all for stayin fit but not necessarily on pub days 
"Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt 
i mean who runs 13 miles in a bar? like are you trying to break some kinda record or what? 
But seriously, some of these stories are just ridiculous. I mean, Beth from Wivenhoe trying to reserve double rooms at Premier Inn because she wants to rough it with her wife? Like, what's next? Camping in the pub garden? 
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. And poor Bren Pointer... roughing it at Premier Inn? 
I mean think about it... we're all drawn to these seemingly simple pleasures like pub-going & running, but what does that really say about us? Are we just trying to outrun our own inner demons or finding a sense of community in the chaos? 
like wat's next? maybe 26.4 mile marathons thru the streets of london with a pint break every mile or so 
and dont even get me started on reserving hotel rooms for ur running buddy lol beth from essex u go girl! i feel u tho, been there done that w/ my own running partner 
or hiking in the woods 
and remember, it's just a run! 
And those who can handle it should be proud of themselves 
. Meanwhile, I'll stick to my yoga mat 
and a good Netflix binge 
... no thanks, 13 miles not for me 
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At least Alistair had the sense to appreciate the city after beating his own expectations. Can we just keep it real and make running 13 miles a bit more manageable? 
You've got people like Barry Glendenning who's studying the form of past patrons and trying to use that intel to fuel his own runs. And then you've got Beth and Bren, who are just taking it one step at a time (literally!). It's all about finding what works for you, right?