Cor blimey it’s Mary Poppins....

[Mummycav]

....or is that Hidden ??? only one thing on my mind this morning (& if you believe that on Christmas Eve you’ll believe owt!!) but really, the first thing on my mind this morning was Jans final run of her 2018 challenge....and that it clashed with my hair appointment....I tossed and turned in bed when I woke up, torn between hair or run with Jan...the latter was def the most important but I knew that if I didn’t get my hair done, I’d be letting a Katy down on the busiest day of the year and being a former hairdresser, I know how frustrating it is....but I’d also feel like I was letting Jan down if I didn’t run with her, I’ve watched and admired her running this year, I couldn’t let her down at the last minute...so it was that...as with her challenge, Jan won...

Luckily, the salon where I go was the one I worked in and the owner and I have been friends for a long time, she knows how inportant running is to me too...and she knows that I will survive without my hairdo...so we rebooked for Friday morning, same time 9.30.

So, excitedly, I changed into my running gear...waited for the clock to strike 10am, set up strava, had deacon blue in my ears and off I went....after 10 mins I thought This first 1km is taking ages, surely I’ve covered that by now?!” Faffed about getting my phone out of my arm sleeve (tricky with a broken flippin zip”)...guess what I’d run 11 mins and covered no distance...so I stopped strava and opted to run for around 40 mins, I would def cover 5k in that time....and I’m sure I did...what an enjoyable experience it was too...no waiting for someone to tell me how far I’d run...no looking at my phone intermittently all the way round..

I pictured Jan running round the streets of London...doing such a wonderful thing, with her Dad at the forefront of her mind...and this time of year is exactly what that’s all about, family, which includes running family....looking after each other, being a good friend, which is exactly what took me out there this morning, I have a million and one things I could’ve done, but I wanted to show Jan that I am her friend and that I said I would join her and so I did.....

Then, this afternoon, we took the kids to see Mary Poppins...well, my day couldn’t have been any more ‘Southern’ if I’d tried! The biggest song in the film is called ‘Under the lovely London sky’....and I could just picture Jan running round the streets in the scenes from the film...doing what she does best...so here and now I want to say a MASSIVE congratulations to Jan...she is a true inspiration...selfless and driven...running for something so close to her heart and finishing the challenge...I’m sure it was emotional, I felt emotional when I was sat in the cinema thinking about Christmas...and family...and those we’ve loved and lost...but, like in the film, our loved don’t leave us, they just go where the lost things go...wow, what an emotional day....

I hope you all have a very, very happy Christmas with family and friends...give them an extra hug, keep them close and treasure every moment xxxxxx

MC xxxx

[jayval70 Graduate10]

Jan is an inspiration - and also very lucky to have a friend like you Mummycav. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to jayval70]

😘🎄🥂 merry Christmas jayval70 x

[Hidden in reply to jayval70]

Hi Jayval - job done, 5k does today, 2018km completed and Mummycav has inspired me many many times, I think we inspire each other on here. I am so lucky to have her and you and so many others who’ve helped me this year in particular. Merry, merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year

[jayval70 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Well done Jan. Hope you enjoy putting your feet up for a few days at least. Happy Christmas 🎄

[Hidden in reply to jayval70]

Thanks Jayval and to you too

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

A very inspiring post from you MummyCav, enjoy your run with Jan, the hair can wait until Friday and have yourself and Jan a very Merry Christmas 🤶 🎄

[Hidden in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks Al - what a brilliant running year, it has been amazing and I hope you and your family have a very Happy Christmas and New Year

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Jan, the highlight for me this year was on the 18th June at 11am when I completed week 9 run 3 of C25K .

I am spending Christmas Day at the home of my daughters husbands parents as I have been doing over the last four years. They live very near to the route off road that I trained when I was doing C25K but I won't be doing any running tomorrow.

[Hidden in reply to AlMorr]

I understand your highlight of the year, very well indeed. I won’t be running tomorrow either, but I do seem to have ‘itchy’ legs..., so my promise to stay out of trainers may be short-lived.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Happy Christmas to you n urs AlMorr xx

[Hidden]

Oh Bev, I had so many people joining me virtually today and what a wonderful thing you did, trading a hairdo for a run with a barmy London living running woman. I had the most wonderful run in St James’s Park - a fellow more barmy C25Ker joined me - she left her husband in charge of the butcher’s run and other Christmas Eve stuff and came to St James’s Park and met me there. It was of course our own dear Razouski , my fellow 80s music, Portugese custard tart eating, lyric changing, mega runner. Please forgive me I ran naked so I could huff and puff alongside the longer-legged, younger, more capable runner - Deacon Blue another day I think! It was an absolute blast, especially when she accosted a policeman to tell him about my challenge...

Unlike you, I had to look at my phone to make sure I did run the 5km to reach the magic 2018km and you know it feels wonderful to have made that year long commitment to running. Running has given me something immeasurably happy and my year long run I hope will help towards Alzheimer’s Research so that other runners and friends and family, one day won’t have to endure seeing the Alzheimer’s devastation - definitely abominable as Irish-John would say.

My dear, dear running friend - have a great Christmas and Happy New Year with your loved ones - please give them a big hug from me.

Much love at Christmas

JCR XXX

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Aww, Thankyou Hidden , I will. I’m glad your final run was all that you hoped it would be...and I’m envious of Razouski being able to run with you but wow, that’s proper friendship right there...

Queen of the new year next time out Jan, coz that’s what you are xx

[Razouski in reply to Mummycav]

Maybe we can all meet up to run sometime, Bev. x

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Razouski]

How fantastic would that be?? X

[Hidden in reply to Mummycav]

Think it has to be done - G B and J - what could possible go wrong? Actually in a post Brexit world, the Uk will be looking for something nice - and I think us C25K Angels fit the bill..., especially with a love of bubbles, music and running. Got to make it happen!

[Hidden in reply to Razouski]

Have to do it - C25K Angels on tour... Bevlar Bridge to one of your favourite places, followed by the Slope of Hope? I’m up for it - not entirely sure on the logistics, but there’s a way it can happen

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

Lovely post, and Hidden is indeed an inspiration, she has done so well this year covering all those miles. That’s so lovely you ran with her virtually 🤗

[Hidden in reply to ju-ju-]

Aha ju-ju- now we are talking inspirational.... You have been beside me right at the outset, given me invaluable advice over time - seriously who knew running with lipstick made such a difference... but it does.

It was so wonderful knowing that when we set off at St James’s Park, that we had people all over the UK running with us virtually. I think now I have a new Christmas Eve tradition - when in London a 5k in St James’ s Park. When in Italy - probably the Slope of Hope to Royston Vasey.

If ever a year could change your life then this has been mine, from a C25K graduate with not many kms under her belt, to someone who loves running and can’t imagine not doing it. I promised Mr JCR I’d take 2 weeks off, but a Boxing Day run sounds tempting 🤗

Best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

[ju-ju- Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou so much..... and yes our Runners Ruby has done us proud, Id feel naked without it. One year I would so love to join you on the London one, it would be such good fun. I hope you have a really relaxing and well deserved Christmas rest. Happy Ruby Christmas gorgeous lady 💄 😘 xx

[Hidden in reply to ju-ju-]

We can definitely plan for that - I’m sure we could manage a Beyonders Advent run one year, and you can crash at mine.... Merry, berry red Christmas to you too... 😘 😘 😘 😘

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to ju-ju-]

Thankyou ju-ju- ...it was my duty xxx happy Christmas my lovely xx

[Hidden]

Lovely post as usual mummycav. I was running with you too. 🏃🏾‍♀️ It turns out that the London contingent had bubbly, 🍾 whereas the Yorkshire girls had to make do with tea 🍵

I am sure your hair will look extra shiny all Christmas 🎄 Have a great one x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Ah Hidden I'm sorry we bubbled without you, but Yorkshire tea has its own charms, in fact I’m drinking that right now. Thanks for being a virtual running buddy, I love the fact that we support each other on here. And if you need me one Christmas Eve, then I’ll be there virtually as a minimum and physically if I can. ...

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

The idea of an annual Christmas Eve run is a brilliant one. We could all donate £10 (or whatever is affordable) to a charity of our choice and head out for a celebratory 5k at 10am. A joyous celebration of our ability to run and to enjoy life.

Have a fabulous Christmas Jan x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

what a fab idea, I love that thought of running 5k at 10am and making the donation, a great way to keep my focus.

I hope you have a brilliant Christmas

JCR XXX

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I love this idea too...I’m in xx

[SuzyKK in reply to Hidden]

Great idea!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Hey Hidden ...Yorkshire tea works wonders and is a thing to be celebrated!! Happy Christmas to you too my lovely friend xxx

[TailChaser Graduate10]

Wow! This must be one of the most inspirational threads of the year, and what a time to do it! Congratulations Hidden , I only caught on to your challenge late but it has been truly amazing. I did a 5k today but it wasn’t until 2pm, can that count? I couldn’t juggle as well as Mummycav 😩 but I’d like to dedicate it to you and your challenge.

Mummycav and Jan, have the best Christmases 🤗

[Hidden in reply to TailChaser]

Every run counts so thank you for doing it today! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to TailChaser]

Happy Christmas TailChaser ..and best wishes for 2019...Thankyou for your kind words...of course your run counts...xxx

[Hidden in reply to TailChaser]

Tailchaser - thanks so much for the donation to the cause - utterly unexpected, but what a kind thing to do. That was what Razouski and I were saying on the Christmas Eve run I- this place is one of the kindest most supportive places we know.

Your ‘official’ blog thank you here:-

jancanrun.com/2018/12/26/26...

[TailChaser Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

It’s a pleasure Jan ❤️ You’re right. In a world of sometimes grinding pessimism, this forum is one of the best pick-me-ups going.

Hope you manage to chill during your 2 weeks off x

[TailChaser Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I’ve just read the blog after my last reply. I’m a bit speechless 😳😳😳🤗🤗🤗❤️❤️❤️

[Hidden in reply to TailChaser]

My absolute pleasure....

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10]

This is lovely post! Well done to you for your solidarity run and to Hidden for her epic mileage for Alzheimer's Research. Merry Xmas to you. X

[Hidden in reply to Slinkymalinki]

Thanks Slinkymalinki Merry Christmas to you and thanks for all the support. I have a thank you post to do to so many friends on here...

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Slinkymalinki]

Thankyou slinky-malinki ...have a lovely lovely Christmas xxx

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

Great job fitting your run in to support Jan today! You’re a great friend. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Awww Thankyou SaskAlliecat ...I hope you and yours have a lovely Christmas too xxx

[mountaindreamer Graduate10]

I’m very late in even knowing about your challenge, but WOW - 2018k is AMAZING Hidden ! And wonderful that Mummycav and so many others were able to join you. xxx❤️❤️❤️

[Hidden in reply to mountaindreamer]

Thanks Mountain Dreamer - this place is so special

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

♥️

[Katnap Graduate10]

Thanks for your post Mummycav. jancanrun made a note of appreciation for TailChaser who ran along with me for my first 10k and I know she was looking out for jancanrun and her landmark run.

Have a great Festive break!

🎅 Xmas Katnap 🎅

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Katnap]

Such a brilliant, supportive forum...full of friends x

Hope you enjoy the festivities too

[Katnap Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

😁😁😁

[Hidden in reply to Katnap]

Kapnap I missed this oh I had no idea you both did 10k together. What stars you are..

[Katnap Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

No worries! There were at least 3x newbie 10kers on Boxing Day posting on the B to 10k and roseabi did a fantastic job dishing out the badges 😸

We reckon it should be renamed 10k day

[Hidden in reply to Katnap]

Oh what a good idea... after this year I quite fancy a Christmas Eve 5k as my new tradition, so a gentle run in and a post Christmas run out...

[SuzyKK]

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas Mummycav - & a WONDERFUL running year ahead! xxx

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to SuzyKK]

Awww, thanks SuzyKK ...I've had a gorgeous, happy Christmas with my brood!! I hope you have too?! I'm going to be tourist running for the next few days, I'm in beautiful Northumberland for the new year, got here yesterday so we're all going for a long walk and i will be checking out some running routes....I think im going to set myself a 'run every day in January' challenge, inspired by the lovely Hidden ....hope you have a happy new year Suzy, whatever you do xxx

[SuzyKK in reply to Mummycav]

Wow... run every day... totally impressed by Hidden & anyone else who can do that... Good luck to you! Me, I need my rest days... & I'm really happy when I get out 2-3 times a week for 30 mins - 1 hr... Happy New Year running to you xxx

[Hidden in reply to SuzyKK]

It was a thing whose time had come. I’ve been generally less tired and more motivated running every day and can see why ju-ju- does it. But I had been running at least 14 months when I began Marcothon. If I were younger I could probably have done it a lot sooner 😊

[Hidden]

What a selfish cow I am! I’ve neglected the forum except to post my own runs this Christmas. Me me me! With knobs on (except you can’t say that nowadays because it means rude blokey bits).

Bevlar, this is a lovely piece of writing, and how lovely you are to miss your hair appointment to support a friend - every Leo needs to keep her mane looking it’s best. And Hidden youve been supporting me and I’ve totally missed this amazing thing you’ve done. My only excuse is that I’ve been spending two hours minimum a day liking and commenting on posts in the Marcothon forum and trying to support and encourage - with the result that I’ve shamefully neglected my wonderful friends on the HU forums.

Well tomorrow is the last day of December, so I shall be back reading and commenting as well as writing. Xxx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

No need for an apology ever, this place has grown so much and so fast it’s hard to keep up. We all do what we can, and in fairness a lot of my posts have been about my challenge, so that’s me, me, me too.

We all help each other and that’s that.

I can’t run every day in January as am in Cornwall without kit. But I may come to the party later.

Happy New Year fellow runners xxxx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

You too xxx