Hello Bloggers,
Guess which activity I chose! Of Course running! The sun was shining, I had no rugrats to look after for a couple of hours, and since the weather is just chocka block full of rain this days, the oportunity to run in the sunshine was just too good to miss!
As soon as I dropped off the little 'un at nursery I came back home. A very quick tidy up and then changed into my running gear! It just had to be done. I had about just over 2 hours to run. I decided that it was going to be a long slow run. Of course all my long runs are slow runs, not that I have done many these days! But I also toyed with the idea of taking in Summer Hill. A nemesis of mine for jogging up!
I thought if I really didn't feel like it, I could quite easily turn left and go on pass Tescos, and do my 6 mile route in the opposite direction than I did last time. When I reached the top of Blackbrook lane, however, I turned right, into Summer Hill! Now I know I am a proper Pettswood Runner! Doing a solo run, on Summer Hill! Me! By myself!
I thought this run would take me to 8 miles over all, well that is what I was hoping, By the time I got to the top of the hill and heading in the direction of 'The Tigers Head' I was expecting to be at least half way there. I am no good at judging distance, but since the running and cycling I am getting a tad better! So I was quite disappointed, to find out that it was only about 3 miles to this point! Oh well, So maybe it's not going to be 8 miles today!
I was on familiar turf now, PWR's turf. I have run these roads, I know these roads. So I just concentrated on getting the job done. The kids were all coming out of school, so I tried desperately to 'act like a lady' and not to launch 'rockets' everywhere. I can do it when I am running with the club, so I will have to think that I am with fellow runners!
I am really enjoying this run. Its fun, its dry, well apart from the moisture running out of my head, and its at my pace. I am a bit tough on myself though, but I must learn to be a bit more tougher. Run harder Old Girl! A bus was passing me by and I noticed that the kids were pointing at laughing at me, did I care, not a jot.Well, maybe not acting like a lady again was quite funning! If only, when I was their age, I had even bothered to walk home from school, then I could be running further and faster than I am now. I just smiled to myself. Most kids now days want everything falling in their laps, now, instantaneously. I would love to tell them that, actually, healthy bodies and minds takes time, takes patience and takes hard work.
My hard work started very late in life! Way into my forties! But look at me now. If only I had done something earlier, I was probably guilty of laughing at all the jogging, stretching, gym crazy people when I was younger.
Running down Birchwood Road now, not that far to go. The sun still shining, my water bottle nearly empty, (I was sensible today bringing water with me!) and I was still having fun running. I can't understand why Nagging Sister don't like it. The aches in my muscles tells me that I'm doing some great hard work. The sweat on face tells me that I am working hard to burn off some extra calories, burn off all that fat, both the fat you can see and all the inside fat! My pulse racing, getting my metabolism working overtime! Yup it's a great day to run.
On to my side of the rail lines now. Pace is slower, but then running 5 miles (with walking stops of course) does that to me. I then noticed the time, I realised I had enough time to get back home, a quick stretch out, try and bring the colour down from my pink puffy face,(I just knew it would be quite a colour) before I pick up the little lad from nursery! I am going to have to turn up in my running gear mind, and probably minging to high heavens, but if anyone asks, then will say, "I have just run for 6.54 miles, so I will look at bit pink and puffy"
A very good run today. a most enjoyable run today! Bring on my next run!
Geeky stats.
Thursday, 12 July 2012
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
Mad Dogs And Englishmen, Go Out In The.....Rain!
Hello blog lovers!
How about our lovely British summertime eh? Me and my family had a pleasant weekend away in sunny Weymouth, just a couple of days ago. You may have seen it on the news, flash floods in Burton Bradstock, our caravan site was flooded, even, and this may seem incredible, the swimming pool on our site!
So you can image what we had to do to keep ourselves amused, and that was to hit the bar! There is a lot of extra over indulgence that I need to run over! It rained again before I left the house, the Old Boy was already out on his bike ride. I can imagine he was pretty soaked, if it wasn't for him being out, I think I would have probably stayed in! He inspired me to go out today, at least I was only going to be doing 3 and half to 4 miles this evening. By the time I got to the meeting place it had started again! With thunder! It was too late to go home, I was spotted! I just have to tough it out, I hate running first off in the rain, I don't mind once I have started and then the rain comes, but cold, straight off, nahhhh, don't like it!
When I got to the recreation ground there were people on the bowls green, in white rain coats, and also there were people playing tennis on the courts! At least 50 PWR's turned up to run as well. Are we all totally crazy!
Our Illustrious leader was not here this week, we had someone else to lead us, you may remember him from one of my other blogs. He was the the one that got lost and took a short cut to the second drinks station on our club Midsummer (ha ha) Eve run! Jonathon! But when he told us the route, at least I knew that I would be able to get us all back if he got lost ha ha.
We had our soaking, we had our chats, and now just as we start our running the rain stops! Typical. "There is only one bit of off road this evening" Says Jonathon. I can imagine its going to be a bit puddley (is there such a word as that?) The part behind Crofton School, just at the edge of the woods, next to the little stream, The Kidbrook. Yup, its going to be a bit puddley.
I kept up okish, until this bit of path, and then I went all 'girly' and 'Ewwed' and 'Yucked' my way on the path! We had a little stop about half way up, under the trees, by now my raincoat was off, it was quite muggy out, and my glasses were steaming up!
Then on for the next bit. We soon popped out of the woods and headed for Crofton lane. It was all down hill from there. I was still at the back of the pack until we got to the top of the road, before turning left. I love the down hill part, after we all regrouped I kept in front. There were only 6 of us in group 1 this evening, and me and two others were leading, Jonathon was sweeping. We knew our way, and would take another regroup at the next roundabout before we crossed over the bridge.
From there I found myself really pacing a little faster than I usually do! it was all down hill still, but I was slightly ahead of the other two! I was leading! Can you believe that! But now St. Johns road coming up next and that is a slight hill! I knew I would flag a bit here. But I was determined to get up it. I kept on going, I could hear the others getting nearer as I started to slow down. I think I was trying to get up it as if I was on a bike! You know, use the momentum of speed to get most of the way up the hill! But it don't work that with running! The momentum doesn't happen! But I think I got almost at the top before I stopped running! Even the others said "Well done Old girl"
But then I was at the back again, Not far to go to the end. The rain started up again. I was not going to stop and put my jacket back on, I was just going to go for it, get wet, and then get home. With a smug look on my face! "Yes, weather, I beat you again, you couldn't make us leave our caravan, and you couldn't keep me and the Old Boy from doing our thing"
3.82 miles, in the rain, well the last part was in the rain, and the getting out of the car, standing outside the pavilion for 10 minutes was in the rain!
Geeky stats.
How about our lovely British summertime eh? Me and my family had a pleasant weekend away in sunny Weymouth, just a couple of days ago. You may have seen it on the news, flash floods in Burton Bradstock, our caravan site was flooded, even, and this may seem incredible, the swimming pool on our site!
So you can image what we had to do to keep ourselves amused, and that was to hit the bar! There is a lot of extra over indulgence that I need to run over! It rained again before I left the house, the Old Boy was already out on his bike ride. I can imagine he was pretty soaked, if it wasn't for him being out, I think I would have probably stayed in! He inspired me to go out today, at least I was only going to be doing 3 and half to 4 miles this evening. By the time I got to the meeting place it had started again! With thunder! It was too late to go home, I was spotted! I just have to tough it out, I hate running first off in the rain, I don't mind once I have started and then the rain comes, but cold, straight off, nahhhh, don't like it!
When I got to the recreation ground there were people on the bowls green, in white rain coats, and also there were people playing tennis on the courts! At least 50 PWR's turned up to run as well. Are we all totally crazy!
Our Illustrious leader was not here this week, we had someone else to lead us, you may remember him from one of my other blogs. He was the the one that got lost and took a short cut to the second drinks station on our club Midsummer (ha ha) Eve run! Jonathon! But when he told us the route, at least I knew that I would be able to get us all back if he got lost ha ha.
We had our soaking, we had our chats, and now just as we start our running the rain stops! Typical. "There is only one bit of off road this evening" Says Jonathon. I can imagine its going to be a bit puddley (is there such a word as that?) The part behind Crofton School, just at the edge of the woods, next to the little stream, The Kidbrook. Yup, its going to be a bit puddley.
I kept up okish, until this bit of path, and then I went all 'girly' and 'Ewwed' and 'Yucked' my way on the path! We had a little stop about half way up, under the trees, by now my raincoat was off, it was quite muggy out, and my glasses were steaming up!
Then on for the next bit. We soon popped out of the woods and headed for Crofton lane. It was all down hill from there. I was still at the back of the pack until we got to the top of the road, before turning left. I love the down hill part, after we all regrouped I kept in front. There were only 6 of us in group 1 this evening, and me and two others were leading, Jonathon was sweeping. We knew our way, and would take another regroup at the next roundabout before we crossed over the bridge.
From there I found myself really pacing a little faster than I usually do! it was all down hill still, but I was slightly ahead of the other two! I was leading! Can you believe that! But now St. Johns road coming up next and that is a slight hill! I knew I would flag a bit here. But I was determined to get up it. I kept on going, I could hear the others getting nearer as I started to slow down. I think I was trying to get up it as if I was on a bike! You know, use the momentum of speed to get most of the way up the hill! But it don't work that with running! The momentum doesn't happen! But I think I got almost at the top before I stopped running! Even the others said "Well done Old girl"
But then I was at the back again, Not far to go to the end. The rain started up again. I was not going to stop and put my jacket back on, I was just going to go for it, get wet, and then get home. With a smug look on my face! "Yes, weather, I beat you again, you couldn't make us leave our caravan, and you couldn't keep me and the Old Boy from doing our thing"
3.82 miles, in the rain, well the last part was in the rain, and the getting out of the car, standing outside the pavilion for 10 minutes was in the rain!
Geeky stats.
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
No Kids, No Work, No Slacking!
Hello Blog lovers!
Look at this, another blog, directly after yesterday's blog! Does this mean the Old Girl has been out running again? Of course it does. What else am I going to do with my spare time, stay in bed and dream of being in the Olympics? Well that couldn't happen if I did that now, would it. Not that I could ever be an Olympian!
I had every intention of getting up early and doing a LSR, but I looked out side and saw the rain, more bloomin wet stuff falling down. Tut, British weather is not very inspiring, is it? But I waited, snuggled up in my bed, and then thought,"at least get up and prepare as if you are going to go running" I often talk to myself when it comes to doing exercise!
Up, into my jog pants and top and everything else that makes me look like a committed runner, and then I sat down again! Looking at the rain. Tut. I just wasn't feeling it. "I can run in the rain if its not raining in the beginning" And then that still small voice said "Just get out there......its ok now" As I noticed a break in the rain.
With that I was out, Garmin on, key in pocket and IPhone tunes playing in my ears! Why don't my tunes shuffle, even though I have it on shuffle? Anyway, the weather is quite warm out, quite muggy, and the LSR is not going to happen! I have aother things that are needing doing in the afternoon, so I need to be washed and blow dried before I do them.
I was just going to do 5K, one of my old routes familiar routes, and depending on time (or how quickly I get around) then I could extend the distance. I kept trying to sort out my stupid IPhone shuffle thing, because it kept playing the same tune. At least I could change it with the little thing switch on my ear phones, but its just so annoying!
About half way round the rain started again, but as the morning was quite warm and muggy I was quite thankful for the rain, it was cooling me down.
I was soon running along Southborough lane, I am guessing that it is not a PB for me as I was faffing about with my IPhone and the tunes. I was also deciding that extending the distance today is not an option, I have to get back and cleaned up. Ready to play, strum my guitar and sing with the children at Treasure tots!
Geeky stats today
Look at this, another blog, directly after yesterday's blog! Does this mean the Old Girl has been out running again? Of course it does. What else am I going to do with my spare time, stay in bed and dream of being in the Olympics? Well that couldn't happen if I did that now, would it. Not that I could ever be an Olympian!
I had every intention of getting up early and doing a LSR, but I looked out side and saw the rain, more bloomin wet stuff falling down. Tut, British weather is not very inspiring, is it? But I waited, snuggled up in my bed, and then thought,"at least get up and prepare as if you are going to go running" I often talk to myself when it comes to doing exercise!
Up, into my jog pants and top and everything else that makes me look like a committed runner, and then I sat down again! Looking at the rain. Tut. I just wasn't feeling it. "I can run in the rain if its not raining in the beginning" And then that still small voice said "Just get out there......its ok now" As I noticed a break in the rain.
With that I was out, Garmin on, key in pocket and IPhone tunes playing in my ears! Why don't my tunes shuffle, even though I have it on shuffle? Anyway, the weather is quite warm out, quite muggy, and the LSR is not going to happen! I have aother things that are needing doing in the afternoon, so I need to be washed and blow dried before I do them.
I was just going to do 5K, one of my old routes familiar routes, and depending on time (or how quickly I get around) then I could extend the distance. I kept trying to sort out my stupid IPhone shuffle thing, because it kept playing the same tune. At least I could change it with the little thing switch on my ear phones, but its just so annoying!
About half way round the rain started again, but as the morning was quite warm and muggy I was quite thankful for the rain, it was cooling me down.
I was soon running along Southborough lane, I am guessing that it is not a PB for me as I was faffing about with my IPhone and the tunes. I was also deciding that extending the distance today is not an option, I have to get back and cleaned up. Ready to play, strum my guitar and sing with the children at Treasure tots!
Geeky stats today
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
Homeward Bound - And Passed!
Hello blog lovers!
Club run today! I do love meeting up with everyone. Nagging Sister was there. We are going to have to work on her, she says she she hates running. She hates getting her gear on, getting out, she hates that she feels un fit as she is running, and she hates aching afterwards. Yet each week she is here! There is something that is keeping her going. She has yet to find that, "Blimey, I done it" feeling when she has finished. Where as me I say that each time I have done a run, whether it's a 3 mile run, 6 miles or like today a 4 mile club run!
I feel good that I can and still want to go out running! I feel good when I have 'done it' and I feel good about tucking into a little treat for myself, whether it is a bar of chocolate or a gingerbread medal that my grandson had decorated all by himself! Now that is what running does for me and what it's all about. And the bonus of running ..... its obvious isn't it. I'm getting fitter, and thinner! Ok so my weight loss is still something that is elusive!
This is what keep fit is all about, The Feel Good Factor, whether you are running, cycling, badmington, swimming! Or dancing! Anything that gets your heart going, the cadio vascular thingy working. Getting all hot and sweaty, and then stopping! and that feeling 'Yeah, I did it,'
Our Illustrious Leader today decided on a new route. Through Jubilee Park, and then down Blackbrook, and instead of turning left to go up Southborough we were to run across the road and through the park. (obviously being watchful of the cars!)
OMG, this is going to take us on to my manor! This is going to go directly pass my house! This is where I live! I am so going to have to put on a good show!! I was sweeper this evening along with our group 1 Marathoner!, So I will be at the back anyway! An excellet excuse to use if I do see anyone I know!
When we got through the Park and to the path that takes us either right, to Turn around Lamppost, or left, to my home we had another re-group. After a few directions, and pointing out the landmarks by various people, I told our Illustrious leader that this acutally is where I live, "Oh good" she says, "you can take us to Farringdon Avenue then". "Ok, and I shall make sure I look happy and fresh" I replied. And as I took the lead she said "When we are on your road I shall call out to you to slow down" Now there is a leader that makes you feel good.
It was kind of weird as I ran pass my mother in laws house, and then run pass the green that the neighbours kids were playing footie on, out side our houses. "Don't forget to look good Old Girl" I reminded my self, as I waved to the kids!
Homeward bound....... and now passing! Hence today's subtitle! Did that feel good, did that make me feel unfit. Did it 'eckers like! It made me feel even fitter knowing that I am going to be running all the way back to our meeting point again.! Back in 2008 I couldn't even run from my house to my mother in laws house with out calling for a medic!
Running is fun! I just have to convince Nagging sister of it! It took me a while to get to like it, I know when I am actually running my face will show, that for me, its blooming hard work! But when you stop,it's just great! All those chemicals in your body that you have stirred up! I just love it, in fact the sprint up to the finish point! That's the bit that I am starting to like now as well!
My geeky stats for you. Unfortunately my battery ran out just as we crossed over the footbridge, to the crinkly side of Pettswood, about half a mile from the end! But I heard one of the other ladies say that we had covered 4 miles this evening, very pleased with that.
Club run today! I do love meeting up with everyone. Nagging Sister was there. We are going to have to work on her, she says she she hates running. She hates getting her gear on, getting out, she hates that she feels un fit as she is running, and she hates aching afterwards. Yet each week she is here! There is something that is keeping her going. She has yet to find that, "Blimey, I done it" feeling when she has finished. Where as me I say that each time I have done a run, whether it's a 3 mile run, 6 miles or like today a 4 mile club run!
I feel good that I can and still want to go out running! I feel good when I have 'done it' and I feel good about tucking into a little treat for myself, whether it is a bar of chocolate or a gingerbread medal that my grandson had decorated all by himself! Now that is what running does for me and what it's all about. And the bonus of running ..... its obvious isn't it. I'm getting fitter, and thinner! Ok so my weight loss is still something that is elusive!
This is what keep fit is all about, The Feel Good Factor, whether you are running, cycling, badmington, swimming! Or dancing! Anything that gets your heart going, the cadio vascular thingy working. Getting all hot and sweaty, and then stopping! and that feeling 'Yeah, I did it,'
Our Illustrious Leader today decided on a new route. Through Jubilee Park, and then down Blackbrook, and instead of turning left to go up Southborough we were to run across the road and through the park. (obviously being watchful of the cars!)
OMG, this is going to take us on to my manor! This is going to go directly pass my house! This is where I live! I am so going to have to put on a good show!! I was sweeper this evening along with our group 1 Marathoner!, So I will be at the back anyway! An excellet excuse to use if I do see anyone I know!
When we got through the Park and to the path that takes us either right, to Turn around Lamppost, or left, to my home we had another re-group. After a few directions, and pointing out the landmarks by various people, I told our Illustrious leader that this acutally is where I live, "Oh good" she says, "you can take us to Farringdon Avenue then". "Ok, and I shall make sure I look happy and fresh" I replied. And as I took the lead she said "When we are on your road I shall call out to you to slow down" Now there is a leader that makes you feel good.
It was kind of weird as I ran pass my mother in laws house, and then run pass the green that the neighbours kids were playing footie on, out side our houses. "Don't forget to look good Old Girl" I reminded my self, as I waved to the kids!
Homeward bound....... and now passing! Hence today's subtitle! Did that feel good, did that make me feel unfit. Did it 'eckers like! It made me feel even fitter knowing that I am going to be running all the way back to our meeting point again.! Back in 2008 I couldn't even run from my house to my mother in laws house with out calling for a medic!
Running is fun! I just have to convince Nagging sister of it! It took me a while to get to like it, I know when I am actually running my face will show, that for me, its blooming hard work! But when you stop,it's just great! All those chemicals in your body that you have stirred up! I just love it, in fact the sprint up to the finish point! That's the bit that I am starting to like now as well!
My geeky stats for you. Unfortunately my battery ran out just as we crossed over the footbridge, to the crinkly side of Pettswood, about half a mile from the end! But I heard one of the other ladies say that we had covered 4 miles this evening, very pleased with that.
Tuesday, 26 June 2012
Midsummer Eve Club Run!
Hello blog lovers!
Today I was really looking forward to our club run. Today is the day where we all join together and really look like a formidable running club. It's our two 'drinks station stop, then Pimms at our Kit mans, MidSummers Eve', Run!
We have seven running groups in our club, group 1 being the 'Beginners Group' and group 7 being the fastest group! We combined together to make three for this evening, 7,6 and 5 will run as one group, 4 and 3 will run and 2 and 1 will run as another. We ran out together, all heading for one point in Chislehust, to the first drinks station, with, obviously, slightly varying routes and distances to keep it challenging for everyone (and so we can time ourselves to arrive at the same sort of time)
When we have our Midsummers Eve run (yes it really is midsummer!), it's not just your ordinary H2O that is on offer, oh no, we provide your squash as well, (thats undiluted orange juice to my USA readers) to flavour it up, I do believe there were two different flavours today, plus we had a choice of ....... beer or even a shandy! Perfect for running, I believe! It certainly kept me moving!
Our group, today, were heading through the woods, which were still quite wet and muddy in places. I could hear all the girls in front and behind me squealing as they are trying to find the safest, less muddy, places to cross, as the boys just squelched through the middle of them, with the beer on their minds, no doubt!
Our route took us through 'Poo Ally', left along the railway tracks, and up to Botony Bay, a hill I have yet to conquer, with out stopping to walk! But today I did it! I ran and squelched and squealed non stop to the top of the first part, where we normally stop on our first official regroup. I made it to the top!
I didn't quite make it the rest of the way, to the first drinks station though, with me walking on a couple of parts of the hill and the road. The drinks station wasn't that far to go. After we all congregated there, the other groups drifted in. It was soon time to run to the next drinks station.
Our Illustrious leader was trying to gather up her 'flock' of runners, so this where I introduced my infamous whistle! My whistle has stopped taxis in their tracks that have driven passed and missed our hailing, my whistle has brought my kids home from the woods when I needed them home for their dinner. And tonight, it got everyones attention. Our Illustrious leader was able to call in groups 1 and 2 without hardly raising her voice!
On to the next station. This was at Scadbury park. Again I seemed to have kept pace with the front runners, (a shandy is a good incentive to keep moving, it seems) I was impressing myself. Even Nagging Sister noticed that I had kept going! We were going through some more of the fantastic woods that we have here. The path, which we took, runs parrallel to the road, so muh nicer to run through here than the road. It's a route we have taken in our group 1 before but when we popped out of the woods, onto the the road, instead of going right to head back to the meeting/start point, we turned left to go to Scadbury park.
Our Illistrious Leader held another regrouping here, (it also gave a little time for the drinks station to be organised at Scadbury park!) We were waiting for the sweeper to be popping out of the woods behind us. "Just run up to the park" she said to us "And if you see the blue car then go on in to the park, if not just turn around start running back to us until we all catch up again" So, while our Illustrious leader waited with another runner for the sweeper and anyone else that was behind, we all headed to the next drink stop.
We arrived at the park and we could see that the blue car was there! "Fantastic, we don't have to run back", I thought to myself! We ran across the long grassy path, towards the blue car and we saw.......hmm, , shall I name him? Yes I will!, we saw Jonathan! He was our sweeper!, and there he was busy pouring out drinks!
"How did you get here" we asked him "Oh I got a bit lost, we couldn't see where you went and we just kind of took a short cut" he said! "Oh but our Illustrious leader is waiting for you at the end of this road" we informed him as we pointed in the opposite direction of where he came from! Well guess what? I volunteered to run back to let her know that Jonathan was at the drinks station! I know, can you imagine me, doing extra bits of running, and after a fizzy shandy!
The next stop from here, though was our Kit mans lovely garden. By jove, I will name him too! He and his wife derserve recognition! His name is Mike. He and his wife have this amazing garden, just beautiful. He opens his garden once a year and collects donations for the Harris Hospice! Amazing! So a big huge thank you to these guys for letting us trample all over their amazing velvet lawn! I hope we didn't didn't do too much damage to your lawn.
Here in Mikes garden also, we held our prize giving. I had the privilege and the pleasure of presenting prizes for our Pettswood Runners members only, 10k race, to six of our runners who were the fastest in their particular groups, with Nagging Sister helping me. (and Mr. S. heckling me! Did I go on then, Mr. S?)
I had fogotten to take my garmin this evening so no geeky stats, I think I was probably a little nervous and worried about what I will be talking about! Obviously I didn't wan't to be going on and on like I do in my blogs, after all they all had to get home some time this evening!
A great day, a great run and a fanastic time in Mikes garden, drinking Pimms.
Today I was really looking forward to our club run. Today is the day where we all join together and really look like a formidable running club. It's our two 'drinks station stop, then Pimms at our Kit mans, MidSummers Eve', Run!
We have seven running groups in our club, group 1 being the 'Beginners Group' and group 7 being the fastest group! We combined together to make three for this evening, 7,6 and 5 will run as one group, 4 and 3 will run and 2 and 1 will run as another. We ran out together, all heading for one point in Chislehust, to the first drinks station, with, obviously, slightly varying routes and distances to keep it challenging for everyone (and so we can time ourselves to arrive at the same sort of time)
When we have our Midsummers Eve run (yes it really is midsummer!), it's not just your ordinary H2O that is on offer, oh no, we provide your squash as well, (thats undiluted orange juice to my USA readers) to flavour it up, I do believe there were two different flavours today, plus we had a choice of ....... beer or even a shandy! Perfect for running, I believe! It certainly kept me moving!
Our group, today, were heading through the woods, which were still quite wet and muddy in places. I could hear all the girls in front and behind me squealing as they are trying to find the safest, less muddy, places to cross, as the boys just squelched through the middle of them, with the beer on their minds, no doubt!
Our route took us through 'Poo Ally', left along the railway tracks, and up to Botony Bay, a hill I have yet to conquer, with out stopping to walk! But today I did it! I ran and squelched and squealed non stop to the top of the first part, where we normally stop on our first official regroup. I made it to the top!
I didn't quite make it the rest of the way, to the first drinks station though, with me walking on a couple of parts of the hill and the road. The drinks station wasn't that far to go. After we all congregated there, the other groups drifted in. It was soon time to run to the next drinks station.
Our Illustrious leader was trying to gather up her 'flock' of runners, so this where I introduced my infamous whistle! My whistle has stopped taxis in their tracks that have driven passed and missed our hailing, my whistle has brought my kids home from the woods when I needed them home for their dinner. And tonight, it got everyones attention. Our Illustrious leader was able to call in groups 1 and 2 without hardly raising her voice!
On to the next station. This was at Scadbury park. Again I seemed to have kept pace with the front runners, (a shandy is a good incentive to keep moving, it seems) I was impressing myself. Even Nagging Sister noticed that I had kept going! We were going through some more of the fantastic woods that we have here. The path, which we took, runs parrallel to the road, so muh nicer to run through here than the road. It's a route we have taken in our group 1 before but when we popped out of the woods, onto the the road, instead of going right to head back to the meeting/start point, we turned left to go to Scadbury park.
Our Illistrious Leader held another regrouping here, (it also gave a little time for the drinks station to be organised at Scadbury park!) We were waiting for the sweeper to be popping out of the woods behind us. "Just run up to the park" she said to us "And if you see the blue car then go on in to the park, if not just turn around start running back to us until we all catch up again" So, while our Illustrious leader waited with another runner for the sweeper and anyone else that was behind, we all headed to the next drink stop.
We arrived at the park and we could see that the blue car was there! "Fantastic, we don't have to run back", I thought to myself! We ran across the long grassy path, towards the blue car and we saw.......hmm, , shall I name him? Yes I will!, we saw Jonathan! He was our sweeper!, and there he was busy pouring out drinks!
"How did you get here" we asked him "Oh I got a bit lost, we couldn't see where you went and we just kind of took a short cut" he said! "Oh but our Illustrious leader is waiting for you at the end of this road" we informed him as we pointed in the opposite direction of where he came from! Well guess what? I volunteered to run back to let her know that Jonathan was at the drinks station! I know, can you imagine me, doing extra bits of running, and after a fizzy shandy!
The next stop from here, though was our Kit mans lovely garden. By jove, I will name him too! He and his wife derserve recognition! His name is Mike. He and his wife have this amazing garden, just beautiful. He opens his garden once a year and collects donations for the Harris Hospice! Amazing! So a big huge thank you to these guys for letting us trample all over their amazing velvet lawn! I hope we didn't didn't do too much damage to your lawn.
Here in Mikes garden also, we held our prize giving. I had the privilege and the pleasure of presenting prizes for our Pettswood Runners members only, 10k race, to six of our runners who were the fastest in their particular groups, with Nagging Sister helping me. (and Mr. S. heckling me! Did I go on then, Mr. S?)
I had fogotten to take my garmin this evening so no geeky stats, I think I was probably a little nervous and worried about what I will be talking about! Obviously I didn't wan't to be going on and on like I do in my blogs, after all they all had to get home some time this evening!
A great day, a great run and a fanastic time in Mikes garden, drinking Pimms.
Tuesday, 19 June 2012
Club Run - Post L2B
Hello blog lovers,
Today was club run night. I do love running with my club, and it seems just at the moment this is the only running that I am doing!
But today I am feeling fat and bloated! I think it was all the celebratory drinks that we had after me and my team completed the London to Brighton bike ride! But running through the woods, I was hoping all the scenery and smells (and huge muddy puddles) will keep me suitable focused on the running.
I heard our illustrious leader mention "That hill!" Some of our club members are running the Orpington 10k race on Sunday, and this is good practise for that. Now, the only hill that I can think of going through our woods that can be called "That hill!" is Goss Hill. I mentioned it to Nagging Sister, because she had decided to run with Group 1 today, but I don't think she heard me!
We headed off to 'Poo Ally' and then turned left, running along side the rail way line. I was thinking to my self, "It's either going up to Botony Bay, or it definitely is Goss hill" So when Illustrious Leader turned left when we reached the little river, I knew it was 'That Hill'
The weather was perfect running weather, not too hot, not too cold, the going, however was sticky in places. When I noticed I.L's footwear earlier at the Pavilion, I knew that she was planning on coming to the woods, and dug out her old trainers! We were all like gazelles, tippy toe-ing all along the muddy puddles, looking for the firmer ground. Good exercise, I thought, and kept us all looking very ladylike, and sound like it too, with the "ewww, yuck, ohhhh, aaaggghhh" echoing from the woods, but obviously not from the only chap that was running with group 1 today, (he obviously not too bothered about England playing the Ukraine tonight......by the way we beat them! 1-0 whhooo hoooo!)
Any way, I digress again. I expect you are all wondering if I made that hill today?! You got to be kidding! Over 50 miles cycling on Sunday, another 16 miles on the bike yesterday, fat and bloating feeling today! I am surprised I actually ran at all today! But I was quite surprised that the hill didn't seem that long today, not as threatening as it has done! I am sure, when the time is perfect, I will be flying up that hill, non stop!
Just a couple more smaller hills, of course......I didn't quite manage to run up these either, but from the top of here it was down hill all the way, and I ran all the way, (of course you did, Old girl, you virtually rolled down!) Through 'Poo Ally' and back to the rec, where we were to run around to make it at least just over the 3 miles running today.
An enjoyable run, just what I needed after a busy weekend!
Geeky stats.
Today was club run night. I do love running with my club, and it seems just at the moment this is the only running that I am doing!
But today I am feeling fat and bloated! I think it was all the celebratory drinks that we had after me and my team completed the London to Brighton bike ride! But running through the woods, I was hoping all the scenery and smells (and huge muddy puddles) will keep me suitable focused on the running.
I heard our illustrious leader mention "That hill!" Some of our club members are running the Orpington 10k race on Sunday, and this is good practise for that. Now, the only hill that I can think of going through our woods that can be called "That hill!" is Goss Hill. I mentioned it to Nagging Sister, because she had decided to run with Group 1 today, but I don't think she heard me!
We headed off to 'Poo Ally' and then turned left, running along side the rail way line. I was thinking to my self, "It's either going up to Botony Bay, or it definitely is Goss hill" So when Illustrious Leader turned left when we reached the little river, I knew it was 'That Hill'
The weather was perfect running weather, not too hot, not too cold, the going, however was sticky in places. When I noticed I.L's footwear earlier at the Pavilion, I knew that she was planning on coming to the woods, and dug out her old trainers! We were all like gazelles, tippy toe-ing all along the muddy puddles, looking for the firmer ground. Good exercise, I thought, and kept us all looking very ladylike, and sound like it too, with the "ewww, yuck, ohhhh, aaaggghhh" echoing from the woods, but obviously not from the only chap that was running with group 1 today, (he obviously not too bothered about England playing the Ukraine tonight......by the way we beat them! 1-0 whhooo hoooo!)
Any way, I digress again. I expect you are all wondering if I made that hill today?! You got to be kidding! Over 50 miles cycling on Sunday, another 16 miles on the bike yesterday, fat and bloating feeling today! I am surprised I actually ran at all today! But I was quite surprised that the hill didn't seem that long today, not as threatening as it has done! I am sure, when the time is perfect, I will be flying up that hill, non stop!
Just a couple more smaller hills, of course......I didn't quite manage to run up these either, but from the top of here it was down hill all the way, and I ran all the way, (of course you did, Old girl, you virtually rolled down!) Through 'Poo Ally' and back to the rec, where we were to run around to make it at least just over the 3 miles running today.
An enjoyable run, just what I needed after a busy weekend!
Geeky stats.
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
Club Run - Lethargy, Get Out Of Here!
After a drought of exercise, during this 'drought with hose pipe ban' period we are having, I finally got out for a run.
The weather has been appalling! It seems to have been raining now for weeks and week, non stop, without a break. I think I will have to count the days its been raining and then go and read the bible to clarify things! But I feel sure that it won't be raining for that long again!
Nagging Sister wasn't feeling too well today, she stayed at home. "This weather don't help put you in a good frame of mind" she said. And I do know exactly what she means! Continuous rain! It's enough to get a duck down! But this evening it seems to have stopped! It feels bloomin cold though, so a long sleeve running top is in order, and just in case I shall be taking my rain jacket as well!
We have handed keys back to the Pavilion, our club has grown and grown in the the last few years, and it was becoming quite a squeeze for all of us in the little nursery room! We have enjoyed the nice and warm space during the winter months, and have appreciated the room to have our bags locked up. So now, we still meet at the pavilion, only these days, there are more runners turning on on foot, rather that by car and bikes! and also I think, backpacks will mark us out as 'The Running Club to be in' as we will all look so fit!
Our illustrious leader was taking us through Jubilee Park. It's better than running along the roads, but it is only a very short part of our 3 and 3/4 mile route this evening, and then it's back on the pavements. I am so looking forward to going through the woods again! But this rain is just making it so difficult, it will be so muddy going though there!
We had a couple of stops on our route today. The first one was just as we got out of the park. There we discussed the Orpington 10k, but I am not sure if I will make it. My other sister is having her 50th birthday party the evening before! Probably not a good idea to run if I have been celebrating too much!
It was back on the pavements. We all kept up quite well with the main group. I was at the back, where I usually am, and only had about 3 or four short 'unofficial' walking stops! So maybe absence makes the legs get stronger! We ran up Southborough Lane, and then turned right into Oxhawth! So close to home! If I hadn't had my car, I could have just ran on home! Well, actually I was having quite a good run. So even if I didn't I would have still carried on!
When we got to the round about at Tudor way, our illustrious leader gave the instructions run as fast or as slow as you want back to the rec. She took over the sweeping duties and I just picked up the pace just a tad more before I got Crossways and then I started my sprint. I was smiling as I was running towards to the sign, well at least I was smiling inside. I was feeling very good. Lethargy hopefully on the way out, lets keep on praying that the sun will finally shine on through these rain clouds.
As we got into the rec I looked at my Garmin, 4.11 miles! Well, I am pleased with that!
Geeky stats for you.
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