What’s Trails, tales and ales then?
Wonderful for starters! The idea is simple. An evening of running, talking about running, a couple of beers and some amazing takeaway! The real event (what you’re paying for!) is the talk with some beers. However if people want to opt in for a social run around some local trails beforehand we’ll sort that out too!
Those who want to run can head off at 17:30 for a run otherwise the bar opens at 18:00 and we’ll be back for 18:30. So join us then if you don’t fancy a leg stretcher beforehand! We’ll grab some food and drinks and then Allie will chat to us about her new bestselling book and everything else in the world of Allie Bailey.
This is no powerpoint presentation, think live podcast or pub chat! We’ll chat with Allie about her new book, There is no Wall, but the conversation will go where the room wants it to go. Allie will obviously have some lovely fresh copies of her book for you to buy and have signed!
You can then either head home or sit and have a few more beers until Church Farm shut down for the evening at around 21:30.
What do I need for the social run?
We’ll meet at Church Farm Brewery at 17:15 ready to start running at 17:30. We’ll likely set off in 2 or 3 groups with the intention of running for about 45-60 mins across the local trails and pathways at a social pace. Probably a shorter loop of 4 miles and a longer one at 6 for the quicker people. It’s very social though, no winners here (you just sprint the last 100m to be first to the bar!).
You will need a headtorch! It’s winter in the evening, it’ll be pitch black!
We towel ourselves off (baby wipe shower?), change your trainers, grab a pint and place an order for some food (if you want) and sit and listen to Allie chat for about an hour.
Who is Allie Bailey?
Allie has recently written an excellent book. As much as it’s a book about running it’s more about her struggles with alcoholism and depression. The running has been a big factor in her recovery but as she puts throughout, running doesn’t save you, it just buys you time. It’s a genuinely great book with a whole rollercoaster of emotions involved.
This is what some people have been saying about it (their opinions probably matter more than mine!!)
Damian Hall, Ultrarunner and author: “A deeply ace, unputdownable, bum-squirmingly honest, heartbreaking, brave, funny, triumphant, sweary, kick in the nuts stealth help book”
Vassos Alexander, Virgin Radio: 'This is an extraordinary book. It's about running (and some) and mental health (and some) ... Powerful, emotional and also funny!'
Paul Ross. TalkSport: 'A brilliant read ... I urge you to get hold of a copy'
Kerri Wallace, Girls on Hills: 'Allie Bailey is a spark that burns brightly throughout these dark pages’
If I want to join you for the social run how fast do I need to be?
It’s not a race. There are no prizes for getting back to the farm first (except to be first in the queue for the bar!). We’ll ask you what you current 10K time is when you enter and split the group up. Hopefully this will mean that the faster runners can go at their steady pace and the slower runners at their steady pace. The idea of the run isn’t to tire you out! It’s not a tempo run, it’s a social run across the fields with some fellow runners. We have the option of 4 or 6 miles routes to be completed in about an 45-60 minutes - as long as that sounds doable for you then we’ll have no issues! No one is getting left in a field on their own!
What does it cost?
Tickets for the whole event cost £10.
For clarity, drinks and food are not included. Neither is a signed copy of Allie’s new book There is No Wall - but she’ll have lots of copies ready to sign with her!
Members of the Big Bear Brigade will save 10% on their entry - if you’d like to do the same consider signing up to the Brigade here!
Where is it?
Church Farm Brewery, CV35 8QL. It is a farm just outside Warwick in a village called Budbrooke. It’s on the big farm on your left if you’re coming from Warwick Parkway station.
There is ample parking, but obviously car share and have a nominated driver so you can enjoy more than one beer!
It is easily accessible from the A46, less than 5 minutes away. Warwick Parkway train station is a short walk from the farm too (and on the run route!).
What is the run like?
We’ll circulate the routes leading up to the event. It will be at a sociable pace, the idea is for both runs to take less than 1 hour. The route takes in various trails, very quiet country roads and fields. The fields may have livestock in them (they did when the routes were recced) so if this is an issue for you then consider if you want to enter. Given the time of year trail shoes are a must as is a head torch!!
How long will the event last?
The plan for the evening is as follows:
Optional Social Run
17:15 - arrive, say hello, get a “before” photo and be ready to run at 17:30
17:30 - those who want to run before we start head off
Trails, tales and ales “proper”
18:00 - Church Farm Tap Room opens
18:30 - return to farm and get warm/clean clothes on and get a pint in hand and order food
19:15 - sit down ready to listen to the talk
20:15 - talk finished, go home or stay and enjoy another beer and chat!
What facilities are on-site?
Church Farm Brewery have been opening up their tap room since 2020 and have expanded it even more in recent years. They know what they’re doing and it’s a great night, there are toilets, a bar and a streetfood vendor. There will be non-alcoholic drinks available too, but the beer is genuinely spectacular!! Urban Spice Box will be the food vendor for the evening - amazing Punjabi food!
Has the event been run before?
Yes! We’ve hosted 6 previous TTA’s, including with Allie in 2022.
I have enough of PowerPoint presentations at work, will the talk be boring?!
No! There will be no PowerPoint or graphs in sight! The idea is for you to sit and listen while Allie and I talk about her book and the many things she’s done. Think of it as like a big pub chat or live podcast. There will of course be a chance to ask questions too if you’d like to.
