Camelot

Don't let it be forgot,
That once there was a spot,
For one brief, shining moment that was known as Camelot

Yes, I know. I'm smitten with my Saturday running group. I won't deny it. The group reminds me of Camelot. They are an idealised world of chivilry and grace, good times, mugachinos, raisin toast, and grand gallops across the woods and hills of the nation's capital. All the ingredients are there. There's Arthurette and Merlin and all those Dames and Knights of the Runners Round Table (I'd like to think I'm the Court's Poet Laurette, but given the exalted company I'm happy to settle with being the Village Idiot!).

After today's run we celebrated the birthday of Arthurette (Maria) herself. That's her at left. She's the one who established this most brilliant of courts. There's three candles on her cake. That's one for each thousand of years she has been with us. It's befitting this figure of legend and myth who just always seems to be there; this apparition who arises each Saturday from the mists of time. We love you Maria...er...Arthurette. You're our Merlin (ette), our wizard(ette), the glue (ette) that holds us all together. Happy Birthday.

Then there's PRB, one of the bold Knights of the Runners Round Table. That's him at right. Just last Sunday he was with us at the City to Surf. He had a great run, finishing around the 80 minute mark. On the very next day back in Canberra he underwent major surgery for a very serious condition. Despite what he had been through he looked fantastic when I visited him after today's run, still in Camelot's hospital. To all those who know him, PRB is one special person. But it was Queen Flashduck who caught his personality so well with her great epithet for him, "PRB" or Perfect Running Buddy. Indeed.

You're a cherished knight from Camelot, PRB. We miss you. Get well soon. The running woods beckon.

Then read below (extracted from her blog), QueenAki's beautiful words about both Queen Flashduck and Sir PRB:

I find it rather strange that there are all of these fully capable runners out there, yet two people who are the most bravest and strongest runners they are, who have such a great level of determination and inner strength, who are battling serious illnesses, and run despite all odds being against them just happen to be my two greatest friends and support crew with running.

They don't run because they'll make the olympics. They don't run because of pbs. They run as an act of defiance against nature and a test of their self belief, but most of all, they get out there, even if it is just to hold the clock some days, because they love it.

Aki you have brought a tear to this Knight's eye.

Such is the spirit of Camelot.