Hello blog lovers.
So, yesterdays blog is here, mingled in with todays blog! After our AGM last night I was a bit tired so it didn't get written up. The two for one offer, is because I went out again this morning!
I shall start with yesterdays run, a club run. We started at 7:30 last night because of our AGM, and it looked as if most people had remembered as there was a full quota of runners! The posts had been changed around, just to keep people on their toes.....and also so that we can split our ever growing club down the middle so that half go out the back gate and the other goes out the main gate. My group was heading for the main gate.
I had 11 runners with me including Janet and Auriol to sweep. I had a little idea in mind, just for a bit of fun and to challenge us all a bit. It's sometimes a bit difficult to get in a bit of a challenge when we do just 5k or maybe just a bit less. We need a challenge, we thrive on challenges, and it's also something that our new runners haven't done yet, hill training! It's only a short hill, nothing like what group 11 does, they do a 'few reps' of Summer Hill! But horse for course and all that. I hope they will like it.
To get there its up hill, up Birchwood Road! It's ok, we can do that.......the undulations of Woodside and Great Thrift might make them not like me very much, but I felt sure that this group will thrive on a little challenge! The run up Birchwood went really well with everyone running the whole way. We even caught up with group 2 who were taking a break at the top!
Once my group had caught up we just walked along for a bit as we watched group 2 disappear up the road. We then crossed over the road and headed for Tillingbourne Green, a delight that I will show the group on another occasion! But for today we were just going to run up and down the little hill, for a bit of training, get our legs stronger, see how fast we can get up each time. Piece'o'piss. Just being there half an hour earlier the traffic seemed to want to disturb our run! We had to wait and wait. In the end I sent them up two at a time on the pavement! Eighty percent all the way to the top. The first two went quickly followed by the next, then the next, next and then the last three, which included me.
All of them done really well and were even looking forward to doing the next one. We walked down and then had a short break before I sent up the first two, and then the next and so on. Me Janet and Auriol were the last three, I could hear Auriol on my right I am sure I heard her say, "Lets race" So I did! I got faster and fast, Auriol stayed at my side the whole way up, faster and faster we ran, breathing hard. There was no 80% for me, I was eyeballs out getting up to the top, I wanted to win! It was neck and neck all the way, but I think I just had the edge!
That was two reps! I thought there would surely be a couple of them that wouldn't want to do another, then I could stay at the top and keep them company! But no! They all wanted to do another rep! I of course, being the leader, had to go again! This time tho, I think I only gave about another 60% to get up the hill.
It seemed as if everyone enjoyed that! That was good, and so to the undulations! We ran all the way down to the end of Petts Wood Road and up again to the memorial hall. We had a little break at the top before setting along the undulations. We were all still a pretty tight group, but along this bit we did spread out a bit more. I was leading from the front for a change while the other ladies did their brilliant job of sweeping! I noticed that that along here were were doing slightly faster than our adviterised pace! As we were nearly there, just past Manor way then Towncourt, I sent the four front ladies together to Crossways and I picked up the middle ladies and the sweepers.
Other groups started to pass us by and run in the opposite direction to us as they headed for the back gate. We carried on to Crossways to go in through the main gate. I think it was a well time run if nothing else as all the other groups were there or just arriving. Just in time for our meeting, with a quick pop in to the One Inn the Wood! for a refreshment before the meeting!
Geeky stats
And todays run. I thought I would treat them to some interval running again. Just twice around the park, I am not the cruel! But we were going to try hard. I picked up Tracy and drove to Normans park to meet up with Tanya. It was raining this afternoon, that will at least keep us cool, it was extremely muggy as well. We started off with a walk to the gate at the beginning of the long straight. Then we started our warm up lap. Run the whole way without stopping, something that they have done now several times. We chatted as we ran along, Max of course, our little running mascot running along with us. He is just so adorable! We soon covered the first lap. I was thinking that maybe we should probably do another lap of running after the interval running! But I will see how Tanya and Tracy do after the interval running.
We walked through the carpark ready for the interval running. I spied several places to run to with a short run first, then fast paced and then short run or walk, however they felt after the speedy bit. From the first bin we jogged along to the next bit, and then it was a speedy bit to the first clump of 4 trees. Tracy took off! I've never seen her run so fast. I guess when you have a bit of stress to get rid of you can really go to town! But this is just the first of the fast bits, I just hope she hadn't over done it. After the walk, we had a short jog and then the fast bit again. This time it was Tanya who put a rocket into her shoes! You know it's in there, and then you bring it out! Fantastic. Makes me feel so proud!
After those two bits of fast pace the next few were a little slower, but we still did it! All the way around the park, with maybe just a little bit of complaining from the two ladies, a bit like what I do when I run along with NaggyNeighbour!
Here's to tomorrows sessions. Geeky stats for you.
Wednesday, 11 May 2016
Saturday, 7 May 2016
Parkrun - The Hunting For The Illusive PB
Hello blog lovers.
All beginners are no longer beginners. Some have already joined PWR and some will find it difficult to get to club runs on a Tuesday. But what we have done is steered them into parkrun junkies! I met up with Naggy Neighbour and then I picked up Tracy and headed for the park.
There were quite a few cars already parked up, I managed to find a space. Tracy met up with Tracey and then we all made our way over to the start, which is right over the other side of the park! We are back to the summertime route. I love this route so much better than the winter one!
We had about 3 minutes to get to the start. We had to run for just a short bit, a bit of a warm up! Once there among the other 600+ runners we had a couple of minutes left. I met up with Carole and Michael! They were back for some more parkrun life! Maybe with their eyes firmly set on getting a teeshirt with no.50 on the back!
But before we could have a proper chat we were off. With no-one to mentor I decided that I would try and get a pb! Ridiculous idea really, the temperature must the the highest morning record so far this year! Although there were clouds about, the sun still shone in the bright blue sky! As usual I took of way to fast! And in the heat of the morning I soon started to flag....big time.
So I told myself all the things I tell beginners to do, I used all the visual landmarks to run to, I tried the nagging, the shouting at, the motivational speaking to keep myself running at all costs. But I failed! Tut. And so the disappointment creeps in! And I shouldn't feel disappointed! The fact is, I am out here, running 5k on a gorgeous sunny morning!
I chatted with pals along the way, Becky, saw me and we ran together, keeping each other going. They Carole and Michael passed me by! They actually overtook me! See what I mean about me going off to fast! It really is all about the pacing! When I am running by myself I do seem to push myself too fast and I burn out, and in this weather it was pretty soon! I ran up to Carole and Michael and ran with them for a while, but my legs......or at least my mind telling my legs that they can go on! So I walked, I walked along till Becky caught up with me. We both watched as Carole started to get further ahead of us. I was feeling bloody proud as punch watching her and Michael. And of course I felt bloody annoyed that I was not doing what I set out to do! While we were running down the long straight I could hear behind me, "On your right" I stepped to the left a bit and waited for the inevitable overtaking "On your right!" the voice said again "ON YOUR RIGHT!" he shouted loudly.
How very rude I thought, "Ok, calm down!" I heard someone say behind me. I thought 'Good for you." I wished I had said something to you. Now parkrun, it's an all inclusive FREE timed 5k run. All are welcome, from the elites to the hip replacement patients, to the mums to be and the wooden legged men! Not only that, but Normans park is exactly that, a park, with kids playing, people walking their dogs, or just walking! We all know the protocol really, we all know that we will be passed by and we usually, of course, let them get by. Being shouted out because he was on for a new shiny PB is no excuse for his rudeness! That there is enough to stop new runners for continuing with parkrun, that little bit of intimidation right there!
Anyway, rant over, back to my blog. Its understandable of course, you can't drink beer and burn the candle at both ends if you're trying or I should say, when I am trying to get a PB. I need to have a nice, totally relaxed Friday night and then go chase my PB. Any other times should be just for fun! So after I decided that I wasn't going to get what I wanted I concentrated on just getting around, just having fun, chatting along with Becky. It was tough, I didn't stop trying to keep a good pace going, but the heat was just taking it out of me. There was to be no PB, not today.
Running down the long straight for the last time I said to Becky that we should aim to run this last bit non stop......we tried, I think I stopped just once, and only for a few seconds and then I was back to it. I even found a 'race' someone who was walking in front of me. I decided that I was going to run and overtake her before we get to the funnel! I did it. I felt a little better about myself after that.
Anyway, here's my geeky stats, not a fast run today, but still a good run!
All beginners are no longer beginners. Some have already joined PWR and some will find it difficult to get to club runs on a Tuesday. But what we have done is steered them into parkrun junkies! I met up with Naggy Neighbour and then I picked up Tracy and headed for the park.
There were quite a few cars already parked up, I managed to find a space. Tracy met up with Tracey and then we all made our way over to the start, which is right over the other side of the park! We are back to the summertime route. I love this route so much better than the winter one!
We had about 3 minutes to get to the start. We had to run for just a short bit, a bit of a warm up! Once there among the other 600+ runners we had a couple of minutes left. I met up with Carole and Michael! They were back for some more parkrun life! Maybe with their eyes firmly set on getting a teeshirt with no.50 on the back!
But before we could have a proper chat we were off. With no-one to mentor I decided that I would try and get a pb! Ridiculous idea really, the temperature must the the highest morning record so far this year! Although there were clouds about, the sun still shone in the bright blue sky! As usual I took of way to fast! And in the heat of the morning I soon started to flag....big time.
So I told myself all the things I tell beginners to do, I used all the visual landmarks to run to, I tried the nagging, the shouting at, the motivational speaking to keep myself running at all costs. But I failed! Tut. And so the disappointment creeps in! And I shouldn't feel disappointed! The fact is, I am out here, running 5k on a gorgeous sunny morning!
I chatted with pals along the way, Becky, saw me and we ran together, keeping each other going. They Carole and Michael passed me by! They actually overtook me! See what I mean about me going off to fast! It really is all about the pacing! When I am running by myself I do seem to push myself too fast and I burn out, and in this weather it was pretty soon! I ran up to Carole and Michael and ran with them for a while, but my legs......or at least my mind telling my legs that they can go on! So I walked, I walked along till Becky caught up with me. We both watched as Carole started to get further ahead of us. I was feeling bloody proud as punch watching her and Michael. And of course I felt bloody annoyed that I was not doing what I set out to do! While we were running down the long straight I could hear behind me, "On your right" I stepped to the left a bit and waited for the inevitable overtaking "On your right!" the voice said again "ON YOUR RIGHT!" he shouted loudly.
How very rude I thought, "Ok, calm down!" I heard someone say behind me. I thought 'Good for you." I wished I had said something to you. Now parkrun, it's an all inclusive FREE timed 5k run. All are welcome, from the elites to the hip replacement patients, to the mums to be and the wooden legged men! Not only that, but Normans park is exactly that, a park, with kids playing, people walking their dogs, or just walking! We all know the protocol really, we all know that we will be passed by and we usually, of course, let them get by. Being shouted out because he was on for a new shiny PB is no excuse for his rudeness! That there is enough to stop new runners for continuing with parkrun, that little bit of intimidation right there!
Anyway, rant over, back to my blog. Its understandable of course, you can't drink beer and burn the candle at both ends if you're trying or I should say, when I am trying to get a PB. I need to have a nice, totally relaxed Friday night and then go chase my PB. Any other times should be just for fun! So after I decided that I wasn't going to get what I wanted I concentrated on just getting around, just having fun, chatting along with Becky. It was tough, I didn't stop trying to keep a good pace going, but the heat was just taking it out of me. There was to be no PB, not today.
Running down the long straight for the last time I said to Becky that we should aim to run this last bit non stop......we tried, I think I stopped just once, and only for a few seconds and then I was back to it. I even found a 'race' someone who was walking in front of me. I decided that I was going to run and overtake her before we get to the funnel! I did it. I felt a little better about myself after that.
Anyway, here's my geeky stats, not a fast run today, but still a good run!
Thursday, 5 May 2016
Beautiful Day, Beautiful Run!
Hello blog readers
A beautiful morning greet me this morning, blue sky, sun shining and warm! A perfect day for running. I went down to the rec to see who would be showing up to run with me this morning. I was actually feeling a bit tired! I feel a rest day coming on for tomorrow, but today, this morning it just screamed out to be out there running.
I was just a couple of minutes late, and the car park seemed pretty full, but I managed to find a space. There were quite a few people there, DiscoRich and his crew and me with mine. Trish wanted a nice gentle 'just let me enjoy this sunshine' run as she had just got back, an hour before, from Edinburgh! I know, and I was thinking I'm nuts for running 4 days on the trot so far! Diane was totally kidnapped to go running in DiscoRichs group, but me and Trish still had some company. Janet, ZippySherry and Tracey were there.
I had a route in mind, a mission in fact, to find the right path that I needed to get to the housing estate with the big house, going in the opposite direction that I normally go. The way that I am I had planned for today! I had this idea that I will do the route, in the usual manner and then just take notes, look at things, get landmarks, and then when I want to run this in the opposite direction I would know!
We went in through Dog Poo ally and ran to the left, followed the rail lines all the way to the top of the path that leads to Botany Bay Lane. But we will turn left once we got to the stream so that we can 'enjoy' running up Goss hill. Can you tell I am still trying to convince myself that I really love running up hills! I was struggling at bit, my legs were tired, and I was feeling tired. Deffo a rest day tomorrow!
Getting up Goss Hill is a huge challenge for me, and also from Tracey and Janet. ZippySherry and Trish really enjoyed the hill! They managed to run up the whole way while us three did it in two! I took a little break once at the top! The next bit seemed to go by pretty well, with running and walking sections. We got to the top of Botany Bay lane, (the other end) and ran along to the Tigers Head and then all the way down to Opington Road. No Scadbury today, I'm on a mission, so it was straight through the road on the right and then run till we got to the woods.
I took a photo opportunity (mainly to have a break!) but then we started running again and just looking around was just stunning.
Once we started running again we came out on to the path that I just knew we would be on! So why can I not find it when I go in the other direction! It was then that the girls said, "why not take a picture of the right path" What an absolute numpty I am at times! Why didn't I think of that! Anyway, to show you all that it was their brilliant idea I got them to point the way! I think I usually take the wrong path just where behind the girls, which leads out further along the road!
Feeling totally satisfied and confident that I could find this path again we chatted and ran and walked the rest of the way back! Not the way that I had planned though, as I decided I wanted to go down the Rhododendron path, just so that I know where that is when its in bloom! And look what we saw! Stunning, I just had to grab another picture. We started running again, oh and just to let you know, its too early for the Rhododendrons to be out!
But boy, was I blimmin knackered by the time we got back!
Here's our geeky stats!
A beautiful morning greet me this morning, blue sky, sun shining and warm! A perfect day for running. I went down to the rec to see who would be showing up to run with me this morning. I was actually feeling a bit tired! I feel a rest day coming on for tomorrow, but today, this morning it just screamed out to be out there running.
I was just a couple of minutes late, and the car park seemed pretty full, but I managed to find a space. There were quite a few people there, DiscoRich and his crew and me with mine. Trish wanted a nice gentle 'just let me enjoy this sunshine' run as she had just got back, an hour before, from Edinburgh! I know, and I was thinking I'm nuts for running 4 days on the trot so far! Diane was totally kidnapped to go running in DiscoRichs group, but me and Trish still had some company. Janet, ZippySherry and Tracey were there.
I had a route in mind, a mission in fact, to find the right path that I needed to get to the housing estate with the big house, going in the opposite direction that I normally go. The way that I am I had planned for today! I had this idea that I will do the route, in the usual manner and then just take notes, look at things, get landmarks, and then when I want to run this in the opposite direction I would know!
We went in through Dog Poo ally and ran to the left, followed the rail lines all the way to the top of the path that leads to Botany Bay Lane. But we will turn left once we got to the stream so that we can 'enjoy' running up Goss hill. Can you tell I am still trying to convince myself that I really love running up hills! I was struggling at bit, my legs were tired, and I was feeling tired. Deffo a rest day tomorrow!
Getting up Goss Hill is a huge challenge for me, and also from Tracey and Janet. ZippySherry and Trish really enjoyed the hill! They managed to run up the whole way while us three did it in two! I took a little break once at the top! The next bit seemed to go by pretty well, with running and walking sections. We got to the top of Botany Bay lane, (the other end) and ran along to the Tigers Head and then all the way down to Opington Road. No Scadbury today, I'm on a mission, so it was straight through the road on the right and then run till we got to the woods.
I took a photo opportunity (mainly to have a break!) but then we started running again and just looking around was just stunning.
Once we started running again we came out on to the path that I just knew we would be on! So why can I not find it when I go in the other direction! It was then that the girls said, "why not take a picture of the right path" What an absolute numpty I am at times! Why didn't I think of that! Anyway, to show you all that it was their brilliant idea I got them to point the way! I think I usually take the wrong path just where behind the girls, which leads out further along the road!
Feeling totally satisfied and confident that I could find this path again we chatted and ran and walked the rest of the way back! Not the way that I had planned though, as I decided I wanted to go down the Rhododendron path, just so that I know where that is when its in bloom! And look what we saw! Stunning, I just had to grab another picture. We started running again, oh and just to let you know, its too early for the Rhododendrons to be out!
But boy, was I blimmin knackered by the time we got back!
Here's our geeky stats!
Wednesday, 4 May 2016
Trails for Trial!
Hello blog lovers.
Just because the the beginners course has finished, does that mean my Wednesday training session should stop? Nah, I don't think so. There is so much more to running around the streets or loops of a park. There is the woods! I know Tracy has been through the woods before but the other two ladies that were with me today haven't! Pavement pounding has its merrits, running races comes with the bling, but for total sheer enjoyment then running through the woods has to top all running! Unless of course you combine all of that, which is exactly what our 10k has done! By the way, if you're not a PWR member and you love running, then I would so recomend this....Petts Wood 10k, try it out, its brilliant!
I picked up Tracy on the way to the rec and I could see Tanya already there with Carole. But it was a lovely surprise to see J.J. there too with little fluffy Lilly, her little pooch, she just happened to be passing by. So after just a little chat we all set off, including J.J. in her everyday shoes, and cute as a button Lilly, and he wanted to run, the dog not J.J. although had she known about today she may have been tempted! We went in through Dog Poo ally. I was only going to do a short route, about 2.5 miles or there abouts. Running through the woods is quite different from running on the roads, there is just so much difference in the terrain. Plus there is all that fresh air, a girl could get quite dizzy on the stuff!
I took them up the middle path, do the second worst route, which sounds a contradiction in terms as how can any part of running in the fresh air be worse! Once we were at the top then I was going to try and find that path again, the one that leads to the housing estate with the lovely big house. Tracy had done this hill before about 2 years ago, but for Carole and Tanya it's a new experience. So added a little bit of road to the run may just appease them!
As soon as you step on the other side of that rail line it's like stepping into another world. Gone are the car fumes, gone are pavements and tarmac. Even the traffic going pass seems to just fade out as the birdsong reaches your ears. I feel sure that they will love this woods/trail running malarky! We started up the hill, the middle path, of course it's up hill straight away. I thought it best to just get it out of the way and then we can start to focus on exactly where we are, in peace and tranquitly!........and then I heard........"This hill goes on for a bit......" "How much further to the top....." "It's a lot harder running in here than on the streets......" Ok, so some motivational talking and chatting is going to be need here, the green of the leaves, the bird song, the lack of car fumes and traffic is obviously an aquired taste! Like beer! Come on, who really like the taste of beer first off, I bet hardly anyone did! But you taste it again and again, then you try others and you can taste the different! I am hoping that these ladies will 'taste the difference' with the trail running!
We eventually got to the top of the hill, with a break for a photo shoot, here see them, clinging to the tree! And so to find that path! If I had to bet that I would bet I get it wrong, I would be quids in! I shall get it right soon, even if I have to go the other way, and make some chalk marks on trees! I can find my way going in the opposite direction but going this way I just get it wrong. Still, it makes for an interesting run, and it is still within the milage I wanted to do, in fact it's probably less with I am sure the ladies will appreciate!
We popped out on the busy road, not quite as far as I wanted, but we still had a gate opposite where we could get into Scadbury Park. This bit is nice and flat, so I am sure the girls will love it, oh and Max too, how can I forget little Max, Tanyas little pooch! He is loving all this running lark, he is not sure which pair of legs he likes to run next to! And it is so much nicer to run off the leash too. We had to cross of Leesons Hill and then just through the back of some trees before cross back over the busy road. I have always thought of this as Chislehurst Road, but its Orpington Road, I know have have said this before.........and I know I am going to say it again! Lousy memory!
We we soon back over the road and running along side the rail lines towards Dog Poo ally. The last of the paths of the woods and then we were back into 'the other world'. Pavements, traffic, noise! I was hoping I have convinced them of the virtures of trail/woods running. At least it's during the summer months, I had a feeling that I wouldn't convince them if we had gone for a mud fest!
A good run, a good first time woody run for my running pals! Here's the geeky stats.
 |
| Are they smiling! |
Just because the the beginners course has finished, does that mean my Wednesday training session should stop? Nah, I don't think so. There is so much more to running around the streets or loops of a park. There is the woods! I know Tracy has been through the woods before but the other two ladies that were with me today haven't! Pavement pounding has its merrits, running races comes with the bling, but for total sheer enjoyment then running through the woods has to top all running! Unless of course you combine all of that, which is exactly what our 10k has done! By the way, if you're not a PWR member and you love running, then I would so recomend this....Petts Wood 10k, try it out, its brilliant!
I picked up Tracy on the way to the rec and I could see Tanya already there with Carole. But it was a lovely surprise to see J.J. there too with little fluffy Lilly, her little pooch, she just happened to be passing by. So after just a little chat we all set off, including J.J. in her everyday shoes, and cute as a button Lilly, and he wanted to run, the dog not J.J. although had she known about today she may have been tempted! We went in through Dog Poo ally. I was only going to do a short route, about 2.5 miles or there abouts. Running through the woods is quite different from running on the roads, there is just so much difference in the terrain. Plus there is all that fresh air, a girl could get quite dizzy on the stuff!
I took them up the middle path, do the second worst route, which sounds a contradiction in terms as how can any part of running in the fresh air be worse! Once we were at the top then I was going to try and find that path again, the one that leads to the housing estate with the lovely big house. Tracy had done this hill before about 2 years ago, but for Carole and Tanya it's a new experience. So added a little bit of road to the run may just appease them!
As soon as you step on the other side of that rail line it's like stepping into another world. Gone are the car fumes, gone are pavements and tarmac. Even the traffic going pass seems to just fade out as the birdsong reaches your ears. I feel sure that they will love this woods/trail running malarky! We started up the hill, the middle path, of course it's up hill straight away. I thought it best to just get it out of the way and then we can start to focus on exactly where we are, in peace and tranquitly!........and then I heard........"This hill goes on for a bit......" "How much further to the top....." "It's a lot harder running in here than on the streets......" Ok, so some motivational talking and chatting is going to be need here, the green of the leaves, the bird song, the lack of car fumes and traffic is obviously an aquired taste! Like beer! Come on, who really like the taste of beer first off, I bet hardly anyone did! But you taste it again and again, then you try others and you can taste the different! I am hoping that these ladies will 'taste the difference' with the trail running!
 |
| Nope, not moving! |
 |
| At least they let go of the tree! |
We eventually got to the top of the hill, with a break for a photo shoot, here see them, clinging to the tree! And so to find that path! If I had to bet that I would bet I get it wrong, I would be quids in! I shall get it right soon, even if I have to go the other way, and make some chalk marks on trees! I can find my way going in the opposite direction but going this way I just get it wrong. Still, it makes for an interesting run, and it is still within the milage I wanted to do, in fact it's probably less with I am sure the ladies will appreciate!
We popped out on the busy road, not quite as far as I wanted, but we still had a gate opposite where we could get into Scadbury Park. This bit is nice and flat, so I am sure the girls will love it, oh and Max too, how can I forget little Max, Tanyas little pooch! He is loving all this running lark, he is not sure which pair of legs he likes to run next to! And it is so much nicer to run off the leash too. We had to cross of Leesons Hill and then just through the back of some trees before cross back over the busy road. I have always thought of this as Chislehurst Road, but its Orpington Road, I know have have said this before.........and I know I am going to say it again! Lousy memory!
We we soon back over the road and running along side the rail lines towards Dog Poo ally. The last of the paths of the woods and then we were back into 'the other world'. Pavements, traffic, noise! I was hoping I have convinced them of the virtures of trail/woods running. At least it's during the summer months, I had a feeling that I wouldn't convince them if we had gone for a mud fest!
A good run, a good first time woody run for my running pals! Here's the geeky stats.
Tuesday, 3 May 2016
Club Run - Welcome Newbies!
Hello blog lovers.
So, it's the Tuesday after parkrun and we had an open invitation to any of the graduates to come along to our club and check it out! There were loads! I couldn't count them all as they were already so keen to get going they were already at their chosen posts!
It was good to have Tracy and Tracey in my group, Carole and Michael came along, although Michael could quite easily run with group 2 he thought he would get Carole settled into group 1 first. Such a lovely thing to do, a brilliant running couple! Just fills your heart doesn't it! Who else did we have from the graduates, Dotty was there, as well as our regulars and the team! Plus we had a completely new new comer!
I chose a route that wasn't to hilly, just a nice introduction to club running. The banter that was going on behind me as I led the way was a a joy to listen to........it also made me think that maybe I should work them a bit harder.......next time! I don't want to scare them off.....mwahhhaaaaaaa! (that's an evil laugh by the way!) Just a few short weeks ago they were were beginners, and now they are PWR's. Of course, this does mean that I am having to stay on form, make sure that I can keep up or at least just keep slightly ahead of everyone. My own running mojo was at a very low ebb before the beginners, and my running was suffering a bit. But since doing the beginners course it has picked up.
I am determined to keep my Saturdays as early morning running (to me getting up for 9:00 parkrun is early). And besides, I have NaggyNeighbour and Tracy relying on me now, sort of, as I said I could do the driving! Until the next beginners course anyway! And then I get another fantastic mojo fixing couple of months when we do it all again.
We were all running pretty tightly, and my Garmin said we were running at the right pace. I had forgotten to take of the Auto-stop, so my time shows actually moving time, which is always good to see anyway! It was good to hear everybody encouraging everyone else to keep going as well. I think once you know how difficult running can be you can really appreciate and empathise will all your fellow runners efforts, and so you automatically just encourage, it's just part at parcel of being runners, and being PWR's at that!
Anyway, the course took us across the 'troll' bridge and around Crest View. We then ran all the way along Crescent drive after crossing over the road. With the regular walking breaks and the occasional stop just for a catchup we completed the rest of the course. Of course, when I got to the end of Shepperton I remembered the route that we went a different way the last time we came down here. I like that route and decided to do it again. With maybe just cutting out St. Johns road, we will stick to Beaumont instead, I can always add an extra couple of easy roads to make up the difference.
We ran over the rail bridge, passing the message back to 'Mind the lip'. There is this little 'lip' thing on the other side of the bridge that has always got some of our runners tripping up on it! But not this time as we all ran over it safely. With just Beaumont road to go, more or less, I checked our stats and realised that we will need to run past the Daylight Inn and add in those couple of extra roads, Woodside and Manor way with Hazelmere thrown in for good measure.
It was a brilliant run and I thoroughly enjoyed it, and everyone was leaving with a smile on their face, of plans to register on the PWR website and when they are next going to run. And more important they were asking how far they had run today! So, take a look, geeky stats for you.
 |
| Group 1 today, with two more already at the top of the slope! |
So, it's the Tuesday after parkrun and we had an open invitation to any of the graduates to come along to our club and check it out! There were loads! I couldn't count them all as they were already so keen to get going they were already at their chosen posts!
It was good to have Tracy and Tracey in my group, Carole and Michael came along, although Michael could quite easily run with group 2 he thought he would get Carole settled into group 1 first. Such a lovely thing to do, a brilliant running couple! Just fills your heart doesn't it! Who else did we have from the graduates, Dotty was there, as well as our regulars and the team! Plus we had a completely new new comer!
I chose a route that wasn't to hilly, just a nice introduction to club running. The banter that was going on behind me as I led the way was a a joy to listen to........it also made me think that maybe I should work them a bit harder.......next time! I don't want to scare them off.....mwahhhaaaaaaa! (that's an evil laugh by the way!) Just a few short weeks ago they were were beginners, and now they are PWR's. Of course, this does mean that I am having to stay on form, make sure that I can keep up or at least just keep slightly ahead of everyone. My own running mojo was at a very low ebb before the beginners, and my running was suffering a bit. But since doing the beginners course it has picked up.
I am determined to keep my Saturdays as early morning running (to me getting up for 9:00 parkrun is early). And besides, I have NaggyNeighbour and Tracy relying on me now, sort of, as I said I could do the driving! Until the next beginners course anyway! And then I get another fantastic mojo fixing couple of months when we do it all again.
We were all running pretty tightly, and my Garmin said we were running at the right pace. I had forgotten to take of the Auto-stop, so my time shows actually moving time, which is always good to see anyway! It was good to hear everybody encouraging everyone else to keep going as well. I think once you know how difficult running can be you can really appreciate and empathise will all your fellow runners efforts, and so you automatically just encourage, it's just part at parcel of being runners, and being PWR's at that!
Anyway, the course took us across the 'troll' bridge and around Crest View. We then ran all the way along Crescent drive after crossing over the road. With the regular walking breaks and the occasional stop just for a catchup we completed the rest of the course. Of course, when I got to the end of Shepperton I remembered the route that we went a different way the last time we came down here. I like that route and decided to do it again. With maybe just cutting out St. Johns road, we will stick to Beaumont instead, I can always add an extra couple of easy roads to make up the difference.
We ran over the rail bridge, passing the message back to 'Mind the lip'. There is this little 'lip' thing on the other side of the bridge that has always got some of our runners tripping up on it! But not this time as we all ran over it safely. With just Beaumont road to go, more or less, I checked our stats and realised that we will need to run past the Daylight Inn and add in those couple of extra roads, Woodside and Manor way with Hazelmere thrown in for good measure.
It was a brilliant run and I thoroughly enjoyed it, and everyone was leaving with a smile on their face, of plans to register on the PWR website and when they are next going to run. And more important they were asking how far they had run today! So, take a look, geeky stats for you.
Monday, 2 May 2016
Chasing Chocolate On Bank Holiday Monday!
Hello blog lovers
How did that happen. Well let me tell you! Yesterday evening, chatting away to NaggyNeighbour like you do, and she mentioned that she was going to go for a run in the morning. I liked the sound of that and so before you could say lace up your trainers we had arranged to meet at 8:30 this morning. THIS MORNING! A BANK HOLIDAY! A day where I should be laying in, not thinking about anything apart from where to go for lunch.....after I got up!
I had to set the alarm! The Old Boy had no plans on getting up early so it was all down to me to make sure I was up in time! It seemed to have come around all too quickly! I got myself ready, looked out of the window and I saw what the morning had in store for us! It was nothing like yesterday, that's for sure! It was grey, and a tad chillier that it was yesterday! Oh well, just as well we are planning on running for 4 miles then, that should keep us warm!
I knocked at her door and I could see that she was expecting the sun too, short shorts on! We set off, with her bringing Chocolate, after setting our Garmins and headed for our run. We had our two routes kind of intermingled with each other, that was our plan of sorts. Usually Naggy runs around the park and then runs around the other park, where as I usually hit the roads and run to Norman Park, so this morning we combined the two.
We ran up the path and then left to go through the park once we got to five posts. We were still warming up, just a nice steady run.....so far. We were both saying that we haven't don't this for so long it was just so nice to get out and run and chat together. She has been doing parkrun as well, something that I will continue to do as well, now that the beginners course has finished! Until the next beginners course that is!
We came out of the park and started our bit of road running, towards the A21. I was still managing, only just to stay with Naggy as ran just ahead of me, with Chocolate! I was glad I had a cuppa this morning, wth sugar, because right then chocolate would have been devoured! Well, not really, but when you have chocolate on your brain it just starts the munchies! We ran along the A21 with me now behind, Naggy hadn't heard of the technique that we use with the beginners, you now, walking bits! "Non stop Old girl, that's what we got to aim for!" she says.
I took this picture of Naggy running with Chocolate!
I was chasing them all the way to the park. I caught up with them, I think because Naggy slowed down a bit to let Chocolate off the leash! We were then running together, not too bad a pace but we were certainly going faster than I have been for a while! We were just going to run around once and then head off home, that should be about 4 miles, give or take a few feet!
As we were running down the long straight, towards the play park she started to pull away again. I was playing catchup "Come on, don't stop running, catchup" she said. I started smiling, ahh, I remember those days. Memories come flooding back into my mind of when we used to ran together a couple of years back, her constantly telling me to keep up, to not stop, to keep going! In fact all the things that i tell the beginners and my mates! It just goes to remind me of just how running is quite tough going, but it is also your mind that tells you to stop running, not your body!
As we were running up the other long straight towards hook farm, Naggy and Chocs were in front of me, and I was again playing chase.
I was really trying hard to keep up, not to get too far behind her and also to try and not stop! I heard my name being called, and I looked and I say Moy! She was heading for the Ted Pepper 10k! I said hi to her and pretended to collapse in her arms as I pointed out Naggy that I was chasing, (at least I think I pretended!)
We ran out of the park and headed on home via Crown lane Spur and Southborough Lane. It was down here that someone tooted in the car, I took a quick glimpse and saw someone waving and smiling. In my fuzzled mind I didn't know who it was and just waved back, I hoped I was smiling!
Naggy was still in front and once we got to the Chequers I called her back so that we could run through Magpie Hall lane and into the park, it will be quicker to get to the park, we can still run all the way round. Chocs could then run free from the leash again! "Ok," she said "But no more walking, no more stopping!" I agreed! I was determined to do as much running as I could, and its not that far to go, so I got it into my mind that I can run for the rest of the way!
It was a good run! I really enjoyed it. Sometimes it's good to run with someone who is faster than you, as much as it 'hurts'! The hurt is all in the mind, it's the mind that says "Slow down, take a rest, you can't do this" But when you ignore that you find that you can do it! I am going to work on this, all through the summer at parkrun with Naggy and Tracy and all the other 650 runners who turn up to run!
Geeky stats.
How did that happen. Well let me tell you! Yesterday evening, chatting away to NaggyNeighbour like you do, and she mentioned that she was going to go for a run in the morning. I liked the sound of that and so before you could say lace up your trainers we had arranged to meet at 8:30 this morning. THIS MORNING! A BANK HOLIDAY! A day where I should be laying in, not thinking about anything apart from where to go for lunch.....after I got up!
I had to set the alarm! The Old Boy had no plans on getting up early so it was all down to me to make sure I was up in time! It seemed to have come around all too quickly! I got myself ready, looked out of the window and I saw what the morning had in store for us! It was nothing like yesterday, that's for sure! It was grey, and a tad chillier that it was yesterday! Oh well, just as well we are planning on running for 4 miles then, that should keep us warm!
I knocked at her door and I could see that she was expecting the sun too, short shorts on! We set off, with her bringing Chocolate, after setting our Garmins and headed for our run. We had our two routes kind of intermingled with each other, that was our plan of sorts. Usually Naggy runs around the park and then runs around the other park, where as I usually hit the roads and run to Norman Park, so this morning we combined the two.
We ran up the path and then left to go through the park once we got to five posts. We were still warming up, just a nice steady run.....so far. We were both saying that we haven't don't this for so long it was just so nice to get out and run and chat together. She has been doing parkrun as well, something that I will continue to do as well, now that the beginners course has finished! Until the next beginners course that is!
We came out of the park and started our bit of road running, towards the A21. I was still managing, only just to stay with Naggy as ran just ahead of me, with Chocolate! I was glad I had a cuppa this morning, wth sugar, because right then chocolate would have been devoured! Well, not really, but when you have chocolate on your brain it just starts the munchies! We ran along the A21 with me now behind, Naggy hadn't heard of the technique that we use with the beginners, you now, walking bits! "Non stop Old girl, that's what we got to aim for!" she says.
I took this picture of Naggy running with Chocolate!
As we were running down the long straight, towards the play park she started to pull away again. I was playing catchup "Come on, don't stop running, catchup" she said. I started smiling, ahh, I remember those days. Memories come flooding back into my mind of when we used to ran together a couple of years back, her constantly telling me to keep up, to not stop, to keep going! In fact all the things that i tell the beginners and my mates! It just goes to remind me of just how running is quite tough going, but it is also your mind that tells you to stop running, not your body!
As we were running up the other long straight towards hook farm, Naggy and Chocs were in front of me, and I was again playing chase.
 |
| I think it was just along here I saw Moy! |
 |
| Help me!!! |
We ran out of the park and headed on home via Crown lane Spur and Southborough Lane. It was down here that someone tooted in the car, I took a quick glimpse and saw someone waving and smiling. In my fuzzled mind I didn't know who it was and just waved back, I hoped I was smiling!
Naggy was still in front and once we got to the Chequers I called her back so that we could run through Magpie Hall lane and into the park, it will be quicker to get to the park, we can still run all the way round. Chocs could then run free from the leash again! "Ok," she said "But no more walking, no more stopping!" I agreed! I was determined to do as much running as I could, and its not that far to go, so I got it into my mind that I can run for the rest of the way!
It was a good run! I really enjoyed it. Sometimes it's good to run with someone who is faster than you, as much as it 'hurts'! The hurt is all in the mind, it's the mind that says "Slow down, take a rest, you can't do this" But when you ignore that you find that you can do it! I am going to work on this, all through the summer at parkrun with Naggy and Tracy and all the other 650 runners who turn up to run!
 |
| Me, Karin and Chocolate! |
Geeky stats.
Sunday, 1 May 2016
Graduation Day! Spring 2016
Hello blog readers.
Well the day had come! And to top of all the brilliant hard work that the PWR Beginners had done the sun had come out to shine on them! It was a perfect day! I picked up Tracy and Jane, she is a PWR, coming along to support and encourage our beginners. There were so many other PWR's there too, it's just as well it's not a mob match day! There were also our graduates family members coming down to support them, husbands, wives, kids! Carole's son had come all the way from Brighton to run with with! How cool is that!
The conversations and the buzz going around our group of over 30 graduates was just amazing. All of them were so excited about being here, so amazed that they are about to run, some for the very first time, the whole of a 5k parkrun! Just nine weeks back they all started from scratch. Amazed that they had even got out of bed to even think about running for a 1 minute! And now, 9 weeks later, all about to embark on a fabulous journey of running! The possibilities are endless. Races, 5k's and 10ks! Lovely medals! Then there are club Grand Prix races, these are fun. When you are a part of PWR we have this club Grand Prix throughout the year. Everyone can compete. Especially with 11 groups, everyone has a great chance of winning a trophy! A Trophy! Named and everything!
Ok, so running is not all about the bling and trophies, what it is about is...........well, it's different for everybody! Everybody has their own personal agendas, feelings, thoughts, reasons, goals! And it's free! It's just simply amazing!
We had an attempt to warm up, I think everybody was just totally excited to really get into the whole warm up mode, we walked over to the pavilion where the loos are, were the finish funnel is and where the tea and cakes will be! Most important to show that to our new first time parkrunners!
We walked over to the start, the winter route start, and our graduates were fully mingled with the rest of the 650 runners, and the excitement is rising all the time. And then we were off! The long straight, going down hill is our warm up! Just nice and steady, just taking it gentle at first, we have 3.1 miles to run, something that some of our runners haven't yet done!
The crowds soon thinned out as the faster runners move on out leaving the rest of the field clear for us all to concentrate on doing this. Our PWR members, all proudly wearing our club shirts today, so that the graduates could identify us and we could identify them as they all had stickers. The faster graduates had pacers, the middle graduates had pacers and the slower graduates, but amoung all of those they had the rest of the park and the volunteers, all were cheering on every parkrunner!
I was running with Carole and her son Jordan, what an encouraging son he is! All the way around he was giving positive encouragement to his mum! You could see that he was totally proud of what she has done and what she is doing! When were at the end of the second to last long straight I was starting to feel slightly sorry for myself! In order to not to chase my PB and to be totally focused on our graduates I gave myself a handicap! A bloomin goodnight out the night before!! And I just started to 'feel it' along here! But I kept going, if Carole was running then so was I!
That last bit of the straight down to the funnel, now that was something! We had ran all the way, no walking, and no slowing down the pace, just nice and steady, it was just so darn exciting! The parkrunners were all cheering us along. The graduates that had finished were cheering us along, the PWR's were cheering, the marshals and volunteers! It was simply amazing. I was just getting so emosh, let me tell you.
I held back and Carole took the lead, "Come on Carole" her son was ahead taking pictures, capturing the moment that she passed that 3.1k into the funnel!!!! Fantastic! Brilliant! We walked through and found the rest of our group and there were smiles, there tears and there were hugs all around! We heard some more cheers as the rest of our graduates came through the funnel. More hugs, more tears! And, then there was cake!!!
Brilliant morning, brilliant graduates and I know we are going to have a few more members of a brilliant club!
Here is some pictures of the morning
Geeky stats.
Well the day had come! And to top of all the brilliant hard work that the PWR Beginners had done the sun had come out to shine on them! It was a perfect day! I picked up Tracy and Jane, she is a PWR, coming along to support and encourage our beginners. There were so many other PWR's there too, it's just as well it's not a mob match day! There were also our graduates family members coming down to support them, husbands, wives, kids! Carole's son had come all the way from Brighton to run with with! How cool is that!
The conversations and the buzz going around our group of over 30 graduates was just amazing. All of them were so excited about being here, so amazed that they are about to run, some for the very first time, the whole of a 5k parkrun! Just nine weeks back they all started from scratch. Amazed that they had even got out of bed to even think about running for a 1 minute! And now, 9 weeks later, all about to embark on a fabulous journey of running! The possibilities are endless. Races, 5k's and 10ks! Lovely medals! Then there are club Grand Prix races, these are fun. When you are a part of PWR we have this club Grand Prix throughout the year. Everyone can compete. Especially with 11 groups, everyone has a great chance of winning a trophy! A Trophy! Named and everything!
Ok, so running is not all about the bling and trophies, what it is about is...........well, it's different for everybody! Everybody has their own personal agendas, feelings, thoughts, reasons, goals! And it's free! It's just simply amazing!
We had an attempt to warm up, I think everybody was just totally excited to really get into the whole warm up mode, we walked over to the pavilion where the loos are, were the finish funnel is and where the tea and cakes will be! Most important to show that to our new first time parkrunners!
We walked over to the start, the winter route start, and our graduates were fully mingled with the rest of the 650 runners, and the excitement is rising all the time. And then we were off! The long straight, going down hill is our warm up! Just nice and steady, just taking it gentle at first, we have 3.1 miles to run, something that some of our runners haven't yet done!
The crowds soon thinned out as the faster runners move on out leaving the rest of the field clear for us all to concentrate on doing this. Our PWR members, all proudly wearing our club shirts today, so that the graduates could identify us and we could identify them as they all had stickers. The faster graduates had pacers, the middle graduates had pacers and the slower graduates, but amoung all of those they had the rest of the park and the volunteers, all were cheering on every parkrunner!
I was running with Carole and her son Jordan, what an encouraging son he is! All the way around he was giving positive encouragement to his mum! You could see that he was totally proud of what she has done and what she is doing! When were at the end of the second to last long straight I was starting to feel slightly sorry for myself! In order to not to chase my PB and to be totally focused on our graduates I gave myself a handicap! A bloomin goodnight out the night before!! And I just started to 'feel it' along here! But I kept going, if Carole was running then so was I!
That last bit of the straight down to the funnel, now that was something! We had ran all the way, no walking, and no slowing down the pace, just nice and steady, it was just so darn exciting! The parkrunners were all cheering us along. The graduates that had finished were cheering us along, the PWR's were cheering, the marshals and volunteers! It was simply amazing. I was just getting so emosh, let me tell you.
I held back and Carole took the lead, "Come on Carole" her son was ahead taking pictures, capturing the moment that she passed that 3.1k into the funnel!!!! Fantastic! Brilliant! We walked through and found the rest of our group and there were smiles, there tears and there were hugs all around! We heard some more cheers as the rest of our graduates came through the funnel. More hugs, more tears! And, then there was cake!!!
Brilliant morning, brilliant graduates and I know we are going to have a few more members of a brilliant club!
Here is some pictures of the morning
Geeky stats.
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