Meon Valley Plod - 2010

At last a year of true plod weather .... cold, wet and muddy - as one seasoned plodder said when he saw the forecast for Sunday - Ya Ha - bring it On!. Many of you seemed to have enjoyed yourself despite the conditions.

The conditions made photography difficult this year, so a few photos will look a little washed out. Due to the low light levels it means that the lens was operating wide open - this means depth of field is rather shallow so the runner of interest will be focus - but those either side may be out of focus. Lens wide open tend to be a little soft as well. It was a battle to keep the camera dry and functioning.

I was at the usual haunts again this year,

The first point was Small Down, a few miles from the start. I was inside the orange survival bag half way up the hill ... a little experiment to try and keep the camera dry. I can get wet ... but cameras don't like rain. Had an amusing  exchange with a runner.. Hello Alan ... How did you know ?  ... Your the only person whose daft enough to be out with a camera in this weather...

Click on this link to see the photos Location 1 - Small Down

The second point was at the top  Butser Hill on the slippery steep bank.

Click on this link to see the photos Location 2 - Butser Hill

I have been asked why do I tend to use the same locations each year? Its based mainly on where I can be sure that I can park the car and the plod route offers very few options.  Having two photo sites does limit the choice further.  Another factor in choosing locations is I need to be sure the runners can not avoid me. An option is just to use one location (any request's?). I know its a little cruel getting you twice on the hills - would you prefer a hill photo and one on the flat where you are actually running? Any thoughts let me know.

If you would like a FREE full size digital copy of the image, e-mail the image number to alandunkdenmead@aol.com , or use the request image link at the bottom of each photo. I will try and respond to all request's within 24hrs.

All images can be freely used for personal use, running club websites and running club newsletter's etc. The copy write notice is only their  to deter anyone from trying to sell my images commercially.

Alan Dunk, Denmead, 1 March 2010