Most of you will remember that Paul Boothroyd, who is in the T.A. has been sent to Afghanistan for a six month tour of duty.  He previously spent a six month tour in Iraq at the beginning of the conflict there.  This Email was received today so that you can keep check on his welfare:

Hello Running Gang,
Sorry I haven’t emailed before now, only just managed to settle in and get used to all the paperwork and procedures.
Anyway, hope everyone’s keeping fine and all the running’s going smoothly.
Except for the horrendous work load I’m ok.
Flew out on 5 Sept from Brize Norton and 20 minutes from Kandahar we were diverted to Muscat (not sure how you spell it but it sounds about right) in Oman due to a dust storm. We were stuck there for 2 days. 220 sweaty bodies stuck in a marquee in 40º C and what felt like 90% humidity, not very enjoyable. We were about 2km from the sea, didn’t get there though. On the second day the bogs packed up so had to walk about 400m to the next. A fun weekend had by all.(A bit like the Karrimor then ... Ed)
Eventually got to Kandahar but only stayed there 3 days before flying out to Camp Bastion where I’m based. This place is in the middle of nowhere, flat as a pancake, bags of sand, baked rock, hot, dry and dusty; great for monster bogies. Temperatures are still in the mid 30s during the day but the mornings are fresh and clear. The rains start in Nov/Dec, apparently some parts of the camp turn into a quagmire.
Food is very good with plenty of choice and I always have a fat boy pudding at evening meal. I managed to get into decent accommodation, converted ISO containers with air con. I’m now working on trying to get a TV……no, don’t get me wrong, this isn’t slipper city. Hours are long. Usually get up at 6 ish, go for a run, which isn’t very pleasant running along boring compacted stone roads all laid out in squares, or I may go to the gym. The fitness work must be working as my man boobs don’t bounce as much now. I Start work at 8 and usually finish about 9 in the evening 7 days a week. Mind you there’s nothing else to do and it makes the time go fast.
My job involves looking after the camp infrastructure, contractors, works etc which is quite a challenge when there are thousands of personnel here from all backgrounds. Can’t say much more about it, secret squirrel and all that sort of stuff.
Most of the work here is carried out by contractors. So, if you’re thinking of a move to a place that pays plenty of tax free dosh, with plenty of sun, and sand (and eat it) then this is the place for you. You only have to forego evenings out, time off… oh! And this place is dry so it’s no good for all those alcoholics amongst you.
All the best, keep in touch
Paul

Thanks Paul,
If anyone would like to send a personal reply please see me (George) on a Wednesday night.