Its Getting Dark Out There!

Hello blog lovers,

Today was club running day. The Old Boy went off earlier to do his run, and I will hear all about that later, and I picked up 'Crazy Fool' (formally know as MIB)and we set off to the meeting place.

Crazy Fool was in two minds about coming out this evening, but I find that if you have a week off its hard to get back to the swing of things, but he had 3 weeks off! So I can understand how he was feeling. But usually those first runs after a break really bring you back to your senses, and re-new your enthusiasm!

We were first at the meeting point, well, apart from the officialdom, so we must have been keen, and soon everybody else arrived. The pre run speech and notices given and then we were on our way. The weather is definitely turning! I felt it in my legs, just that little bit of standing around really chilled my muscles down. The leader today was aiming for 11 - 11:30 min/mi today, I was hoping for 11:30 - 12:30 min/mi at least the first mile anyway.

Our group leader today asked if we had a favourite route that we would like to do, otherwise she would just choose one, maybe with hills! The route we took was fairly flat, and it would take us up the path behind the school. There are no street lamps down here, and the light was fading! It was getting quite dark! A head torch would be hand right about now, but it was totally exhilarating! I can quite see why Mr. S likes a night run. I know when me and the Old Boy have cycled through the dark, through parks, it is quite exciting!

We Got to the end of the first half, and some of the group did the loop around the neat gardens, while a few others stayed under the lamp, waiting for their return............ok so I was one of the lamp leaners! Next time we do this route I will definitely do the loop, promise! Crazy Fool was also one of the lamp leaners too! He said he was finding it hard tonight, but it will get easier over the next few weeks when he gets back into his stride!

From this point though, I know its a fairly level if not down hill section. We got to near the small roundabout by Crofton school and we were asked whether we wanted to go left and carry on up this road, and then under the bridge, or to go right here and go over the bridge, where there was a gentle climb up to where we needed to go. Can you believe that I voted to do the slight incline but I was out voted.

"Oh well, what a shame!" I thought, probably feeling secretly happy with that decision as well, and we carried on to the left doing the slight downhill section. Then it was just the last turn right and do our very best to get to the rec for the finish.

Crazy Fool kept me going, so I urged him on on this last section. In his mind he thinks this is the finish, but its when we get through the gate and into the car park. That's our finish!

A good run today, I'm kicking myself that I didn't do the little extra bit, but next time I will, I won't be as lazy as I usually am!

Geeky stats.



p.s.

The Old Boy did his run, he ran for just under 9 and half km, in about an hour!

Another Weekend Away, Now The Hard Work Starts!

Hello bloggees.

Well, after another weekend away, eating, drinking and rest and relaxation, todays run was well and truly needed, even if this old body of mine was complaining!

I was totally in the mood for a run, in the brain department, after watching the Guernsey marathon yesterday, and cheering a few of the weary runners on their way around different parts of their route. But, ......mmmmmm.....let's put it this way, I have not been using my belt to keep my jeans up for a couple of days!

The Old Boy was looking forward to todays run, "Only a short one today, break ourselves in again" he says. There was I thinking "Oh, right, just a two mile slow jog" but of course I had forgotten, our 'regular' run has become a four and half mile route! So of course, todays jog is going to be about 3 and half miles!

We set off from Tent Peg lane and did some ministry of silly walks type walking as we stretched and lunged and side stepped our way to the entrance of the park. From there we started our run. After only a few minutes running, I felt a twinge in my knee. Then I remembered that I had twisted my ankle and knee as we were walking along a breakwater yesterday, to view the marathon at another view point, (right next to some dude 'scratching' some discs and stuff) Can they 'scratch' CD's in the same was a vinyl?.

It put me on my guard somewhat, I made sure that if I felt any slight pain then I would stop running and start walking. I eased off the pace a bit to. There is no need to push yourself till you hurt, not where knees are concerned, I will just take it easy. From that point on I didn't feel any more twinges in my knees nor pain!

I tried to run up Goss hill today, I really did, but my breathing was all over the place, I just couldn't get enough oxygen inside of me. It could be the couple of extra pounds that I seemed to gained, (which is not too bad really, back in the bad old days it would have been over half a stone I put on). One day I will make it up that hill in one go, I am determined to do it!

The Old Boy was encouraging me each step I ran, I tried my very best to keep going. The next smaller hill had me walking up it as well, I told the Old Boy to keep going and I will see him at the top. The Old Boy can manage hills so much better than me.

From the top I tried to keep going for as long as possible, running, running! The paths we were talking were full of mud holes and huge sticky patches, I just had to slow down over those, even then, if it wasn't for the Old Boy catching me, I would quite easily ended up having an 'early mud bath'.

Just the bridges to do now. All three of them, then on to the car. I kept going as much as I could, walked when I felt I needed to, and then carried on running after that.

I got back to the car feeling as if I had done my best today, after all the rich food, beer, wines and puddings I have been indulging in over the past couple of weekends, a good run really helps to put me in a good good place. And now I am back on the programme!

Geeky stats

Quickie Blog For Slow Run!

Hi blog lovers,

A very quick blog, because I am very tired, it's late and I have loads to do!

Me and the Old Boy went for a slow short jog, just to keep the legs loose. He nagged and nagged, worse the Naggy Neighbour, worse than Nagging Sister, worse than anyone possible! He just has to be doing my endurance training a lot of good. I just wished that I listen to him on occasions, because at one point I told him to "£*&^%^!*&%" and do it himself!

I did have a rather stressful day with a darling child that refused to have his morning nap, and grandson that hasn't quite got to grips with the whole 'whispering voices' scenario.

But todays run was a good run, I kept going for as long as I could, and still enjoyed it afterwards, which is what it is all about. I am most definitely sure it is doing tons and tons of good! Definitely sure of that! (?)

Geeky stats

Club Run, With A Very Slight Detour!

Hello Blog lovers,

Today was a club run. I thought it was going to be a very 'telling' club run. Telling me that that I had eaten too much, drank too much and deffo relaxed too much. But it was a family holiday, and all the above was exactly what one should do on holiday.

The Old Boy had already been on his run, (and ran rather well! avg 9.29 min/mi) so I was under a bit of pressure to do well for this run. It was raining, that awful fine rain, that is just so annoying to be in. But it was good to see so many people out and running and we had a new person joining our happy crowd, the rain didn't stop her from coming out.

We set off, all the beeping of the Garmins, nike watches and what ever other gizmos there is, and headed off for our warm up run, which was up hill! But the cool of the evening and the rain, I can honestly say I hardly noticed it! Can you believe I am actually writing that down! I hardly noticed the hill I wonder if it was all those cream teas and cakes I had, or the relaxation. I am really hoping it was the amount of alcohol I consumed that contributed to how I ran today! Wouldn't that be just perfect!

We ran along the road, not heading into the woods this time, it's getting pretty dark now, seems like our running through the woods is over for this year. Roll on next year! My, can you believe that I am saying that as well!! Getting to grips with the whole nature thing, and bugs and mud and tree roots!.... but, and this is the very slight detour bit....... we crossed over the road, and was going to turn right up the next road to do a loop. We were running through a particularly dark part, on a gravely path, but then the front runners made a 'u turn' We were actually running up somebodys driveway!

After getting back on track, it was a pleasant run. I was really enjoying it. It was a nice gentle pace, just what I need after a hectic boozy/face stuffing short break! The new girl was also doing very well, and the new girl from last week was back as well. Our numbers grow! The group leader had two 'alternative' routes for us, a shorter version or a slightly longer version. As we were all doing really well, I don't think anybody complained about doing the longer route. We were all looking forward to it.

The down hill section is always a welcome respite, all of us are running well. Even my breathing was under control, and I was having conversations with the new girl as well, so I must be running quite comfortably. We were soon on the last section. The run up to the pavilion.

A very good run indeed. Just what I needed.

Geeky stats

Tapering Run!

Hello bloggees,

I have no idea what a tapering run is, but I have my idea of what it is, and I think that is what me and the Old Boy did......I think. Anyway it sounds good, sounds professional and sounds as if I know what I on about.

I have a very busy family weekend planned and unfortunately my running needs to go on the back burner until Tuesday, when I can run off the, hopefully, eatin and drinkin weekend!

I am not on top form at the moment either, and the Old Boy is feeling under the weather too. Its horrible wet out, dark, grey, and I have been fidgety and bored all day. So we decided to do this short run, around the streets and parks near us. Just to get us out of the house stretch our legs.

No jumping in the car this time. We are doing what I used to do before the Old Boy bought his 'Cats', straight out of the door and run! I started off pretty strong really. I couldn't believe it when I looked at my Garmin and it read something like 9.30 ish min/mi I deffo knew that pace wouldn't last! Even the Old Boy joked "slow down, wait for me" Yeah, as if I could keep up that pace anyway. Especially as we went to the pub earlier for a light late, late lunch and a pint of amber nectar! (again)

There we were, running through the park, in the rain, and I really wanted to push myself hard. But in my head I am such a whinger! I am even beginning to nag myself now. but quietly, in my head! If I did it out loud I would soon be looking at for very soft walls and mumbling sweet nothings all day long! I wanted to run the whole way today, at a good pace, non stop. Its only over 2 miles that we are doing. But this blooming couch potato head has suddenly made an appearance again. Oh yes, and also not feeling 100% is playing its part today, and the late lunch is not helping either!

I was feeling quite fatigued going up Magpiehall Lane, but I wanted to try and get up the whole way non stop. But I had a little walking spot just before the incline. I can't call it a hill anymore, really, not after the hills that I have been attempting to run up lately! but I ran up from Greenway until the Old Boy pointed for us to go right, past Astley, to go through the park from here. I took at quick short 10 second walk, and I heard myself saying "Ok, now Old girl, all the way home, no stopping" just as the Old Boy was telling me to do. I tried and tried, I tried to keep the pace up. I was dark and miserable evening, my sweat mingling with the fine rain. I had taken off my glasses as I didn't want any excuse to stop, I couldn't see through my glasses now. Not with the rain on one side, and my sweat on the other side of the glasses!

In the distance I could see some little shadows, people with three dogs. At least I couldn't see if the dogs were those big huge Alsatians, another excuse for me to stop and walk again.

"Keep going, keep this pace going" said the Old Boy. By now we were on our road. Memories of the runs I did with Nagging Sister came to me, about the whole sprinting to the front door. How can her nagging get through to me now!! I guess it's this bit of the road, the sprinting bit

I stopped the Garmin. Coughed, splutter, stretched and then smiled. Ok, so I'm not feeling good, but boy did I enjoy that run. I always enjoy my run, after I had finished it!

Geeky stats for you.

Club Run - And A Tad Bit More

Hello Bloggers,

Second day out for my new shoes! And, apparently, all the cool people are in pink asics.

I was still feeling a little fatigued after yesterdays run with the Old Boy, but usually our club runs are a little more relaxed pace, a kind of recovery run (I think that is what all the really fit people call them) So after saying 'Hi' to all my running mates, we were told by our group leaders where we are going to be running.

Then we was off. Up hill to start with, just what you need after a nigh on five mile the day before! But then it was going to be flat for a while, so not so bad really. As we went through Jubilee Park though, our illustrious leader wasn't feeling too well. So she went back. The rest of us carried on. But you could sure notice that she wasn't leading! Get well soon, Group 1 leader!

We re-grouped again at the end of the road, and chatted about were we should run. Whether it should be turn left now and then left again to go up Southborough from them, or whether to go straight across and then turn left and left again at the end of that road. We were all in agreement. Straight over. It will add an extra half mile, but what the heck.

So that's what we did. The group was still running at a faster pace than our group usually run, but we re grouped again at the round about before heading off towards Southborough Lane. And the just before running up there we had one last regroup. It was fairly straight forward from here, so the stand in group leader said to run it however we felt, and to meet up again at the pavilion.

The group stretched out further and further, I was at the back with a couple of other ladies, and me and another lady were running at the same pace. We kept each other going. There was still people behind us, which we were still pulling away from, but we wasn't gaining on the main group. We had our pace going on and we were keeping each other going. Up the steepest part of the hill was a test though. "Come on, run all the way to the crest, just to the crossing bit" I said to my run buddy. She slowed to walking pace, just before we got there, "Come on, you can do it" I said, as all the fibres of my muscles just started to hurt me, and she started to run again. I was really looking forward to easing back on the pace!

By this time, however, the main group was nowhere to be seen, and so was the ones at the back. We had become a group of 2! We ran across the walking bridge, and decided to turn left here, as it was all down hill to the pavilion. And besides, I didn't quite know which way the others went, and my run buddy knew the way from here to the pavilion, I only know it by going down towards the church and then turning left. And that seemed such a long way!

We got back to the pavilion by doing the slightly shorter route. My run buddy then informed me that the people behind us included her friend! and she had to wait for her. We thought maybe they had got lost, but they came back, and I might add, they came in the longer way. It was only just a tenth of a mile difference, mind!!

Geeky stats for you

Seasons In the Sun

Hello bloggers,

A little ditty for you, think of the song as you read it, I bet you are singing this by the end.




Goodbye to you my trusted friends,
We known each other is two thousand and ten,
together we've run hills and streams.
Learned to sprint and jumps roots of trees,
skinned our hearts and skinned our knees,
Goodbye my friend its hard to die,
when all the birds are flying in the sky,
I'm running wild without a care
5k's here and 10k's there
mob matches meetings everywhere,

We had joy we had runs,
we had training in the sun
and in spring and the fall,
we've been running in them all

Goodbye mizunos, its was meant to be,
you were good and comfy and just right for me
but you made me run all wrong,
over pronating far to long,
wonder how I ran along
Goodbye mizzies, it hard to die,
When all the birds are singing in the sky,
Now that autumn's in the air,
Friends are running everywhere,
I think of you when you were there

We had joy we had fun,
we had races in the sun,
And had beers and sang songs,
But unlike you, They'll last long.


A poignant ode to my first 'proper running shoes' And now I have my new running shoes, which deals with the whole running like a demented duck on speed. I tested them out today with the Old boy.

I was thinking as he is not feeling too well, just a short 2 miler, get used to the shoes, and the OB can get home and rest up! I shouldn't expect things like that with the OB, "You got new shoes, lets test the out" a huge gulp from me as he continued "These are running shoes, not walking shoes" Another huge gulp from me.

You know how when people sit behind a wheel of a car and then become a completely different person on the road, well the OB does this metamorphose thing when he pulls on his running shoes! "Come on run, run, don't walk, why you walking, up the hill, come on!"

But he does get me round the course, which today was about another mile and half more than we usually do!. But as we were running past the first walkover bridge, (where we usually run) I just stopped running. I could hear the OB telling me to run, and I could feel him trying to push me along. But I just stood there!! I will go when I'm good and read to go. It was most peculiar. Then the OB filtered through my thoughts again, as I heard him say "I know its psychological, and we usually run up there, but not today"

That's when I thought, blimey, it can all be in the mind, because I knew up and over those three bridges is our car! I carried on running after that, and it was just as well, because I then heard, ahead of me "Come on, don't let him beat you, keep going" It was Mr.S from the PWR, running towards me. I am sure I mumbled something as we passed, but I don't know if it was audible, let alone understandable!

The Ob was did plan for 3 official stops, 2 minutes at the top of Goss Hill, then 1 minute by 'Dog Poo' ally and then last minute stop would have been at the third bridge just before going back up Barfield.

Of course I took far more stops! I was whinging all the way, it was raining, for goodness sake, I had just had my hair done in the afternoon, and I was looking a bloomin wreck.

But boy, when I finished, (with thankfully not chucking up chunks in the car park) I was fairly pleased with my effort, and I did here the OB say that I was running well, so I was very pleased with myself.

Oh by the way, my new running shoes,




Geeky stats

Last Park Run!.... For My Old Shoes!

Hello blog lovers!!

Well, what a day! I couldn't have packed more into it if I tried! Well, I could have! If I had got up half hour or so earlier, had got ready for the Park Run earlier, then I could have done a few other things I needed to have done before going out, i.e. written an email and letter, found the stamp to have posted said letter. Rode to Park Run instead of getting the Old Boy to drive me! And!!! more importantly, gone for brekkie, because we would have been on our bikes, we were planning on going for brekkie then going for my new running shoes!!!!

But it was just as well it didn't work out that way! It was raining, it wasn't riding weather, ....yes, running weather, but just not riding weather. And, another very good reason, we couldn't actually find the running shop straight off. We drove passed it a couple of times! We had to go back, and then call Naggy Neighbour, a couple of times to ask directions!

Anyway, Park run! It was a warm muggy morning, a very warm and muggy morning actually! But I got up and went ahead with it (only cos the Old Boy had remembered I had said that I should do it again, to see if there is any improvement) So I was up, eating tea and toast at 08:30, which is not good really, not when the event starts at 09:00 in the morning! Tea and toast done we drove to the park, but then The OB (Old Boy) had me running across to the start line! which is on the opposite side of where we had parked! "A little warm up before the main event" he said, he also said "You should have been ready a long time ago! You should have done all the chores that needed doing and got the bikes out, before riding over to the park in the first place" But in a nice encouraging sort of way.

I started off fairly quick. Too quick really. But my geeky stats (Yes I took my Garmin.....) will show this, in fact, I am quite pleased with the first mile! The second and third and the last tiny bit of mile is not too bad either. Well not too bad for me, anyway! It felt like it could be a personal best, Well, we would just have to see when we stop the watch.

The OB was keeping his eyes on me. I could feel his eyes boring into the back of my head. I had to stop a couple of times, it wouldn't be me if I didn't. Of course when I say stop, I do mean I stop running, not stop all together, because I don't stop moving, I carry on walking. On the last half mile the OB is jogging along side me, he is keeping the encouragement going, "Look, there is your race, pink shirt lady, get in front of her" I thought he was kidding, but he wasn't. I picked up the pace a bit, and to my surprise I started gaining on her. I really didn't think I had it in me. I passed her and before I could even say "Yes done it!" the the OB said, "good, now there is your next race, those two there" I just knew I couldn't catch them up, by I tried. I sprinted the last bit to go through the tunnel to collect my token. Then I promptly handed them it to the OB with my bar code and walked as quickly as I can to the loo!! Tea and toast, so close to a run, not such a good idea!

But here is my geeky stats, and yes it is a .........Personal Best!!!

No Rioters Will Stop Us From Running!

Hello Blog lovers.

After the mindless mayhem that was happening last night, I was slightly concerned about going out running with my club today. For one thing, I didn't want to get caught up in any violence, but also I just didn't know what I would do if I see one of the neanderthals. The way they were destroying and looting and rampaging through my town!! Grrr, anyway, this is not about them!!

I was very pleased to see so many PWR's out, all ready to run their socks off! After the announcements, and group routes sorted out, we set off. I was up the front with the group leader, I knew I wouldn't be able to maintain this position, even to the first official 're-group' but it's a strategy I have developed for myself, you know, get in front, then fall back to the middle before ending up at the end. At least by now, I should be able to stay with the group the whole way!!

But after the first half mile I was still at front, and feeling pretty good. I had a good pace going, a nice rhythm and was just feeling quite comfortable! The first official 're-group' came, and we only waited for about twenty seconds, counted heads and then was off again. I was still in front! In fact I was just pulling just slightly away from the rest of the group. I remembered this part of the route from last time. Just and the end of this path is where we just stop again and regroup and then go off around the 'neat little gardens bit.

The path was longer than I remembered. I kept saying, "Its just up this bit" or "Oh yes, just after this left turn" But it was longer than I than that. I still stayed at the front. I just concentrated on the rhythm of my breathing, the pace and each foot fall. Just then I saw a car through the trees, I knew then that we had reached the end of the path!

I stopped at the bench, and the others caught up with me "We all want to know what you have had for you tea" said the group leader! I just told them I hadn't had it yet, and it would be waiting for me at home.

Not all the runners ran around the 'little nice neat gardens' section of the run, I chose not to run this section as well, as there were about 5 of us in a group now, just waiting for the others to come back. I felt I had pushed myself, and besides which, there is safety in numbers, and present climate that is a good thing!

The energetic runners came back and we set off for the run back to our meeting point. It was all on the road now. And it was all down hill. I was really enjoying today's run. Maybe it was because there were no hills, it was fairly flat. Or maybe it was because it was all on tarmac paths and pavements! Or (and this is probably right) it could be the Old Boys nagging, getting me up those hills, getting me to run 10 or so min miles! Oh how he is going gloat to read that.

I did start to lose my lead on the way back. But I checked my Garmin, and actually we had picked up the pace slightly, so the ones over taking me were really enjoying the down hill section more than I was!

All the way to the railway bridge, and then I start to flag then. There is a slight incline to the park, but I keep going. I try and try to not be at the back like I usually am. But the other group members are passing me by. When there were no more over taking me, I realised that I still wasn't the last one. The group leader had swapped roles and had become a 'sweeper' making sure that everyone that came running with us was in front of her, as one of the other ladies took charge of leading. In fact when I looked behind me, I couldn't see them! It was quite dark now, but I the street lights were all on and I still couldn't see them.

I ran on into the park and waited for the others to come. A good run today, a very good run for me in fact. And I felt really good! So today I am going to add my geeky stats.

Geeky stats,

A Nice Leisurely Short Run!

Hello Blog lovers,

I have been getting itchy feet, so to speak, I am absolutely loving my running lately. Ok, so I have not been speedy gonzales, but the feeling afterwards is a feeling I am just loving right now. The Old Boy pushes me hard. His notion on my 'walking stops' is that 'I stop for tea and biscuits'

The Old Boy, it seems, is also enjoying the running. I seemed to have inspired running machine, he will be getting some lycra running shirts and jog bottoms soon, to go with his new running shoes. He will be wanting to join a club soon! We decided on a short run, just to keep they ol' legs loosened.

We are running a short run through the woods today, only about 2 and half miles, up the hill from where we parked our car. I thought I would get the hill out of the way. Straight up with barely warmed up legs, lets see how I do.

My goodness, due to the alarming distraction of the riots happening, I am not going to finish todays blog.

Instead, I shall ask all who read this to pray for peace and quiet to come to the streets of London, the totaly lunacy that is happening now is just mind boggling.

A Run Of Two Halves!

Hello blog lovers!

I had every intention of going running this morning (just like I had every intention of going running yesterday morning at the park run, and failed to get out of bed for), but again, the warmth of my duvet kept me snuggled till I had to rush to get ready for church.

But after church, and various other things I had to attend to, the Old Boy had came home, and was in the mood for a run! "Go on then, I should go for a run today" I had noticed Naggy Neighbour had been out early this morning blasting out 3 rather quick miles and three more a bit more leisurely!

We got ready and discussed which way we would be going. The Old Boy said "Two miles or three?" I was undecided but the he said "Let's just see how we feel as we go" We headed for Tent Peg Lane, I started the Garmin and then did a short slow walk to where we would start our run from.

The weather was ok, not cold but it wasn't sweltering hot either. But I was not feeling totally comfortable to be running. I was just going to take it easy. Well, the Old Boy don't do things easy! We knocked out the first mile in just over 10 minutes. But that brought us to Goss Hill, and we had that hill to run up. I must just say this, the Old Boy was in front of me right up to this point. But now he decides to wait for me, "After you" he says being the polite gentleman and letting me go first up the hill. There is only one reason he has done this, and that is to keep me running the whole way up! And boy did he nag!! He didn't stop, but I did! "Don't you stop, you can have a minute rest up the top, now move it" he said as he literally pushed me up the hill. I did stop again but he just pushed me even more. I got to the top of the hill, a puffing red faced sweaty yellow and black blob of humanity, desperately trying to say to the Old Boy, "I can't breathe!" But he did let me have my one minute, which I kind of turned into two!

We carried on, "The next stop I will allow you is when we turn right into PettsWood woods" he said, as I knew exactly where he was talking about! All I know is, just before the 'up' bit or the down bit, or really rooty up bit, or (now) the bit where I took my tumble!. "You're running really well today" he said to me, I felt I was running slowly! But just as we heading for the down hill bit that leads to 'Dog Poo' ally I suddley had to have a Paul Radcliffe moment. "Any excuse for a stop" he says. But I just had to go! So I made the Old Boy stand guard! Well, needs must!

Back to the running now and the Old Boy is feeling good "Do you want to go back through Jubilee Park" "Heck no!" I was really feeling the two miles we had already done, I feel a bit under the weather, but I am pleased with what I have done so far, going further that what I have told my one brain cell would certainly have me going into shock! So we carried on our usual route.

As we were approaching the first rail bridge the Old Boy said "I think I am going to go further, and do the park again" So as we reached the first rail bridge, I gave my Garmin to the Old boy, he headed towards Botony Bay, and I went over the bridges. With no Old Boy to push me, it was all up to me to keep going over the bridges. I made sure that I ran up all three sets of steps, and pushed and pushed myself along the paths, I was determined to keep myself moving, keep myself running, albeit rather slowly.

A ran towards the car and I noted the time that I got there, in order to work out exactly how long it took me over all (Which I still cant work out, so if anyone is good with maths, please jot it down on a post card and post to the usual address) I got back to the car by 17:30 the Old boy back to the car by 17:43, we parted company when the Garmin was saying 37:09. There, maths lesson over.

Geeky stats, and do note the last two miles that the Old Boy had done, I do believe his new shoes did have him running fast!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/104706724

Post Race Run!

Hello Bloggees,

The Old Boy fancied taking the 'Cats' (i.e. his puma running shoes!) out for a bit of fresh air, so we decided to do just a short run of just over 2 miles.

The temperature was very warm indeed, about 26 degrees Celsius, and through the woods again.The Old Boy does love running through the woods. Even though the mozzies had their summer time dinner from him yesterday! The mozzies obviously fancied their desserts today, (something a little more sweeter)I have three more huge bites on my legs!! Must remember insect repellent!

The route decided, we headed off up hill from 'Dog Poo' ally. We were going to go up, then turn left and head down there for a bit, and then end up at top of Botany Bay. Then we were going to go down the steep hill towards Goss hill. But instead of going through Jubilee Park, we were going to turn left and run along side the little brook. The same as the Mob Match yesterday, but in reverse! which will lead us back to 'Dog Poo' ally.

Well, just running up the first hill had me breathing heavy. I was already complaining! The Old Boy was not impressed "Come on OLD GIRL he said, in total disbelief that I was even contemplating walking so soon. I just thought back to my day today, 3 lively under 5 year olds, plus a toddler group to run. I know the Old Boy has a hectic work load as well, so I know there is no excuse, but it is a reason! I should have had a bit more to eat during the day!

So you can imagine there was quite a few walking stops on this rather short route! Which didn't impress the Old Boy at all! He virtually pushed me up the last hill, in fact he did actually push me up the last hill! I was really feeling the heat, I thought I was going to start chucking up chunks (if I had any to chuck that is) but after a sit down on the bench I managed to recover my composure, and plus I managed not to do a Paul Radcliffe as by then I really needed to go!

We sat for a few more minutes, enjoying just being in the woods before we made our way back home.

So geeky stats again, (And Garmin have changed the pages, so who knows if you can actually see them when you click on the link, but its here anyway)

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/103892625

Mob Match: A Friendly Race!

Hello Bloggers,

Yesterday was our mob match, it was between us (The PWR's and the Orpington Road Runners) The weather was looking pretty omnious! In fact it rained cats and dogs in the morning, and it was raining just about an hour before we needed to go! And it was still so very close and humid and sticky.

The Old Boy had been 'press ganged' into a marshaling position, so we all was at the start quite early. I wanted to see if our kit secretary had bought some kit, I so wanted to run as a noticeable PWR member! And yes he did! I shall get a pic of me in it at some point.

It was a friendly grudge match, and there were quite a few people that turned up, our group 1 leader said it seems to get more and more each year! Lets hope we win with our numbers!

We all set off, the short walk out of the ground to the road, which is where the start of the race will begin. Marshalls all in place, runners all in place, the finish line all in place and tea brewing for afters!

We all set off, a total of over a hundred and fifty runners, in either bright yellow (the Orpies) or white and black (us PWR's) I was comfortable at the back. I know how these things work, they all just run at break neck speed, but I know I will burn myself out if I did that, and it really is very hot and humid now!

I was wondering which position the Old Boy had taken up as his marshalling duty. I needed to be running towards him, I didn't want to show him that I still do the walking! The pressure was on me to keep running as soon as I saw the yellow jackets of the marshalls!

I ran and ran, no stopping, well apart from the bit I went topsy turvy last Thursday, and still no sign of the Old Boy, I ran down the lane towards Botony Bay, and there I saws the silhouette of my lovely Old Boy, looking very fetching in his yellow jacket! At least now the pressure is off me I can just run and run as much as I can and take a short walking break without being seen by him!

So, trying to keep things short, by the time I was half way round I was pacing an Orpie, and we just kept each other going for a while, we chatted along the way, and then she said, "Ok, I shall let you go now" as she fell behind me. I could feel quite smug about this, but if you knew that she had only had her baby 16 weeks ago, then it really isn't that impressive, and me saying well I had my last baby 17 years ago doesn't quite sound the same!

From the half way mark, after taking over the Orpie, I was on my own, I knew there was at least one other person pehind me, so I was quite glad that I wasn't going to be last. Each marshall I pass was giving loads of encouragement, which is really what it's all about. Out there just running, and then on to the pub later to enjoy the company of your running buddies!
On to the roads now, and the last bit before I get to the rec, and this time I have to run around the boundary before getting my token!

Everyone was encouraging me, those who knew my name calling out to me to keep going, it just felt so good! I really love these sorts of occasions! Running up to the 'tunnel! I get stopped by Mr.S who informed me of my position on completion, 151, and I was not the last one!

I met up with the Old Boy at the pavilion, and he told me about his experience of being a marshall and he said "There I was, on a hot evening, near water, probably about 100% humidity, I was a gourmet feast for all those mozzies" he said. Still, he did look rather dashing in his yellow coat.

So geeky stats for you, and being blond and hot I forgot to turn off my Garmin again, so there are a couple of extra minutes to the time!


Mob Match Pwr V Orpies by moosh001 at Garmin Connect - Details