Hello Runny Buddies, As you know I wasn’t expecting too much from today’s run having just had Covid. But I was determined to start this morning even if I might not be able to complete it.
Crack sparrow the alarm went off, but as usual I was already awake with anticipation. Overnight oats , a cup of tea and then packed a running bag and a post run bag so we could wander around afterwards.
Queen Victoria Country Park was once the home of The Queen Victoria Military Hospital and patients from the Crimean War, WW1 and WW2 would arrive by boat up Southampton Water from Portsmouth and Southampton. Although the beautiful Hospital buildings were demolished following a fire, the original Chapel still remains, and the park is now owned by Hampshire County Council. Lots of green parkland, woodland areas and it’s right on the water’s edge.
Although it was sunny when we left Southsea, It was cloudy and pretty nippy in Netley, so I pinned my race number onto a T-shirt instead of a vest. I put suntan lotion on my face and arms, just in case. I then discovered that in my bleary state at home I’d packed my retired running shoes instead of my current ones. Doh. Good job I’m not after a PB
We met up with Kenny, aliboo70 ’s partner , who was running with the Isle of Wight Running Club. In fact, most of the runners there were in team colours from running clubs in Hampshire and Dorset.
Banana eaten, 2nd loo visit, warm up routine and then we joined the starting funnel. Off went the hooter and we set off on our 3 and a bit lap journey, it was undulating as promised and my plan was to walk up the slopes, and take advantage of the downhills, keeping an eye on my HR so that I didn’t over exert myself.
The support around the course was amazing. No earphones were allowed because of sharing some roads with cars, and also needing to hear marshals warn about potholes, tree roots and slippy mud. The first runner seemed to lap me incredibly quickly and UpTheStanley overtook during my 2nd lap with a cheer of encouragement. Marshals were ringing cowbells all along the course.
The sun came out during my 3rd lap and I was mopping my face with my buff. It was lovely to get encouragement from other faster runners as they overtook me, even during my walking breaks. Just after the 3rd lap water stop, UTS was sitting on a bench cheering me on. A very cruel uphill from the waterfront, past the chapel to the finish line where Kenny was also cheering me on. I was running alongside another lady and keeping her going and then I managed a sprint finish. 9.98km! So I kept going until I’d done 10k on the watch. Yes it’s a thing!
No bananas or satsumas were left but I did get a bottle of water and yes, a white cowbell on a ribbon marked with Netley 10K. That will come in handy for parkrun volunteering.
Not long after the finish I got a text to say I had a chip time of 1:17:28. Wow, considering my walking sections, I will take that!
So Netley 10K and HU 10K done and dusted for this year. I’d like to do it again when totally fit next year though, and certainly want to do the parkrun here, as our last visit was cancelled.
Sausage bap and cappuccino followed and then back to the car for a change into different shorts, T-shirt and shoes. Now what possessed us to climb up 166 steps to the top of the chapel tower after running 10K? The views were amazing of course.
Written by
Dexy5
10 Miles
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Congratulations to you Dexy5 and UpTheStanley on completing the Netley 10K as part of the Spring HU 10K,lovely photo of you and UTS as well as that chapel, beautiful weather too, good time for you as well, I'll be running my 50th 10K on Wednesday morning as my part in the HU 10K.
Lovely report Dexy, Your retired running shoes served you well. I expect the bacon bap and cappuccino gave you the energy for the 166 steps. Well done to you both 👏👏
The soles of my feet were smarting a bit after 10k, but I think I survived because of the mixed running surfaces. Proves I was right to retire them though.
Really good 10k Dexy5 in any circumstances, but especially so soon after having COVID-19. The class of 2018 is made of tough stuff!Great pic of the dynamic duo too….climbing those steps post run! Not sure CB would approve…..but as ever you have enjoyment written all over your faces( pic taken before the climb I guess!). Great job 👏👏👏👏
Thank you Stephen_UK ,fortunately I was negative within a week and my resting HR is only a little higher than normal. I will still watch it for a few weeks though.
Not well enough to run much sadly, but better than I was and off to pick up keys to new house Friday so knee deep in packing what I'll need up there for few days before I'm back to pack rest of stuff, I had a big clear out last year when I retired but I seem to still have a lot of stuff
So sorry to hear you’ve not been well, and at such a busy time too. It’s amazing how ‘stuff’ accumulates isn’t it. We need to do a good clearing out exercise at our house. Wishing you much happiness in your new home.
Sounds like an excellent morning, great report! Glad you saw Kenny and you all had good results! Congratulations to you all and hope to see you at Appley parkrun over the summer xxx
Yes Kenny found us - just look for 2 people not in a running club group! Camaraderie was great though. I just had to Google Appley - yes definitely see you at your B course sometime this summer.
It was very different to our prom plodding but the upwards were gradual. Yes we weren’t told the number of steps until we’d paid for the pleasure. Well worth it for the views though.
Congratulations on a great run Dexy5 especially so soon after Covid. Glad you are feeling so much better. I remember walking round that park when we did Southampton parkrun. Really lovely ☺️
Not sure about the cow bells (although I am sure I will get to meet them), but well done on the run. It is a nice park to run in; we had some friends who used to live quite close to it, so several happy Sunday afternoons were spent there when our children were young.
Wow, super well done Dexy. A great time, especially so soon post covid. As for climbing all those steps afterwards? Madness!!! Hope you've been able to rest well today 🥰
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5mile jog then 10k race
A 10K in the sunshine ☀️