I was so excited last night...inappropriately so, for a woman of my years. I was all set to head for a second visit to the Plas Heli Park run...with some slight trepidation, also, as my last visit, was a slow, slow slog across a rapidly disappearing shore!
Today was going to be a challenge, especially, as I am not long back on track after my last injury, but I, knew that I would complete the course...even if I walked the lot, and had the luxury of the knowledge that I would have friends there.
The super, super Feline Family, TailChaser , Katnap and the most excellent Kittens, were heading up for a few days and the lovely, lovely molly1973 was going to do her best to be there also.
So... up with the lark and a fine bright day, already warm at 7 a.m....not the bright blue skies that I tried to produce for the Felines, but the promise of a dry run, ( apart from the incoming tide)! Stretched, massaged, gear on... Little Miss Princess leggings the order of the day and I headed off. That wonderful fluttering feeling in my tummy, that all of my runs produce, as I headed towards Pwllheli and Plas Heli. Reaching the car park, I could already see my friends and naturally there was much hugging , laughter and talking, ( me, mainly.. very overexcited)!
It is so surreal when you meet friends from the forums... but we had met before at my home park run in Stafford, so it was just like old friends meeting. Talking ten to the dozen and a quick loo visit.. and on my return...there was molly1973...She ran this park run last week ( see her post), and I was fortunate enough to enjoy an absolutely delightful run with her along the Coastal path on Tuesday ! She was taking a really well earned rest today, as she was was walking down Snowdon yesterday ! More hugs and more laughter, then it was time to head to the beach for the briefing.
A young girl, ( her first time as director), greeted us and gave out all the information... a sneaky peek at the tide told me it WAS further out but it WAS also coming in at a lick. ! A helpful lady told me it would be almost right in by the time we ran back ( It wasn't) ! Then another surprise , my hero of the hour from the last run, my knight in shining armour, the tail runner, Steve, appeared, Hugs again and lots of laughter
But, time to go, and so many more folk here than last time....the holiday season in full swing. We all set off at our own pace and Eldest Kitten and I set off together. I had promised Mr OF I would be sensible and I would walk some sections. Slow and steady and running on a sort of shingle sand mix... not the deep sand, more shifting sand, with hard parts. It was easier to find my pace...my legs were moving this time and I was moving forward also, always a bonus. The wonderful curve of the bay as it stretches away from you, gives an amazing view of the whole run; you can see the very point in the far distance where you will turn around. A lightening sky and the fresh clean air filling our nostrils as we head out . A superb view across to the Harlech Dome and the runners ahead of us, an undulating and fluid, rainbow mix of coloured tops, almost luminescent against the grey shingle and the dull sand.
It was not easy and the first kilometres felt longer... we ran steadily and had a couple of occasional brisk walks...Eldest kitten had a twingey calf muscle and I was trying very hard to be careful. At around 2 and a half K in, my companion told me to head on, he was going to walk the rest, he was feeling okay and so I headed off...The hard-ish area to run on, was fast diminishing as I made the halfway point, the marshals cheering us on.
I can tell you at this point, when you look back down towards the starting line and the tower of Plas Heli, glistening in the weak sunlight, it seems like a very , very long way to go. I ran, changing my route here and there.. here some hard shingle, here some firmer sand, avoiding the incoming waves which snapped at my heels, with white sharp edged teeth; passing some other runners ( this was a first), getting warmer by the second. There was no one really to pace myself with, so I just tootled along... with the odd walking stretch of about 30 seconds or so...Trying not to look for the finishing line and concentrating on the myriad stones, and shells, the glinting of a strengthening sun on the sea, and the fact that I was breathing easily and my leg did not hurt at all. At 4K, I fished my bar code out of my pocket and took off my t shirt.. I cared little what I looked like, but was keen not to spontaneously combust!
The finish line flag ballooned in the sea breeze... a flag that calls you home... a group of runners beyond the line, and the encouraging cheers from the friends, finished long before you... and yes, you can hear them, and yes, however tired, hot or slow you are, you carry on...and yes, you find that little bit left, that final burst, which carries you over that line
I was hot and I was tired... and it was certainly not easy, but I so enjoyed it. Sea snail wins through
Post-run refreshments, taken on the terrace... a view to die for, and a million things talked about, with like minded folk...and ever-present the laughter and the sheer joy that accompany our running.
I am as many of you know a solitary snail... but with friends like these...well... xxxxx
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I was with you all on that run along the beach floss. I didn’t get to parkrun today so I enjoyed your post all the more and to do it with the lovely Kat family is all the better. And to do a mid week run with molly too, what a lovely time you are having. I love that your knight In shining armour was there too. 🏃♀️🏃♀️😸🦆🐈🐈🏴
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Dexy5
I have had a super week !
The icing on the cake was yesterday... it was blinking tricky though..My coastal run with molly1973 was so evocative too!
I am truly blessed and my leg seems okay as well!! Thank you!
You did brilliantly and what a great time you all got too... I did find it tricky, although I know I was being cautious...but such fun. It was lovely knowing you were all there and the memories it bought for you, as a child too...I am going to try a run on it barefoot soon...( not park run though ) ! xx
I found it harder when we walked it a few years back but I wasn’t as fit then. The worst thing was trying to avoid the divots that people’s feet left; it reminded me of the beginning of Marple in the mud, but they were hidden by grass which was worse.
Ha ha... I love it... final burst ... I was tempted to run into the sea... as did a few folk.. did you see them??? Maybe next time
We had a great time and the two kittens...what super young men they are...I so enjoyed the get together after.. laughter, running, friendship...just perfect! xxx
Yes, it looked a really, really good idea. It was so humid and I’d put the wrong top on as I was thinking it was cooler than it would be (it was probably one of the warmest mornings I’ve ever spent in Pwllheli). Next time 👍
Eldest kitten enjoyed it so much he hasn’t even moaned about it being his 3rd Parkrun on the trot! We’ll let him do timekeeping next week 😉 and youngest kitten is slowly realising it’s ‘use it or lose it’ and he’s running more which is wonderful! Very proud of them 😀
I do so love the post Parkrun VRB meet-up natter! Xxx
Lovely report Floss, not an easy Parkrun that, along the sandy shingle, that must be such hard work!
Well done to you for a brilliant run, and to Tailchaser and Katnap and the excellent kittens! So exciting that Vrb's are getting together to share actual runs. The photos show the camaraderie and are so special. Hi to Molly too, who ran it last week👐😊 and Steve your gallant knight!
Thank you my friend, you were as ever, right there with me, and we did get very, very warm. I was tempted to run into the sea at the end..one or two folk did. Phew!
It was not easy... and although I now I am older, I did realise that younger folk found it tricky too.
The get-together was super... the kittens are excellent company and the love of running shines from everyone's face... I love running alone, but am looking forward to more runs with our forum friends in the Autumn molly1973 being there again too, was a real treat!
Foot and leg...fingers crossed.. physio appointment on Friday!
Aah well done OF!! 🤩🤩🤩!! Love your post. I could see the run so clearly in my imagination. And I did laugh out loud at some points, not at you, but when your description sounded so familiar, I thought...”hey... been there”!
It came to mind that the best great thing about running is that it’s always an adventure. You can never know how it’s going to turn out, it just simply unfolds. Magic!!
Well done to you Katnap, TailChaser, molly1973 and the kitchens!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🤗❤️
Phew... it was blinking hard running, but we had such fun... the youngsters are real stars, lovely young men, and the friendship through running is palpable I had a brilliant time thank you!
Running on sand was definitely an adventure Fab. I felt more trepidation than I have in a while but Floss’s mantra of ‘slow and steady’ was the best way to take it, at least at the start when you’re feeling your way and getting used to it. As you say ‘it just unfolds’. I love the way running just keeps bringing those new adventures! 😘 x
I always turn to Floss’s mantra too!! What’s it all about if it’s just a struggle? And you know I just love an adventure!! 😁👌🏽!! Thank you all for sharing it with us. I continue to feel inspired by the fact that we all experience very similar things, no matter the distance or the time. There’s such a great oneness in running!! 🤗🤗🤗❤️
It’s what makes this forum so great. As we were saying during our post-run chat yesterday, the forum makes up for family and friends who ‘just don’t get it’ 😍🤗
Oh how lovely, Floss, and what a great run from you! So glad you felt okay post injury. Sounds like a very challenging run, but how wonderful to have good forum friends there. 😍 I am a solitary snail too, but this autumn Dexy and UptheStanley have promised to take me to my very first Parkrun! I cannot wait! It will be my first forum meet up too. Such a lovely community.
You are going to love it... I am a lone runner and my son in law, as you know came with me on my first one ( to get me ready for the HM!) It does make a difference having someone there with you and what better friends could you have there Just watch that UpTheStanley , he is a greyhound. although the wonderful Dexy5 keeps him in check ! I wear my snail brooch, she sent me on my running cap !!
it was hard, the surface ever changing... and I am going to do my home park run next week to see what difference there is in my times.
Fingers crossed when i see my Physio on Friday, that all is as it should be Thank you my friend
Ha ha! It will be so much fun to run with them and lovely to have such experienced company on my first Parkrun. 😍 Hope all goes well with the physio on Friday, Floss.🤞 But it sounds like you are well on your way to full recovery. 😘😘
A tad nightmarish in parts.. the sea really does come in quickly and the relentlessness... well I did run a little faster because of it! It was such a fun morning... ! xx
All except... "...inappropriately so, for a woman of my years." Now, now, you can never be too excited for your age! When we are unable to get excited then we may as well give up on life! 👍🏻😁😉😘
True.. I was jogging around like a three year old.. such fun... I think because I do run alone most of the time.. the occasions when forum friends get together, are so special for me. It was a perfectly lovely start to the day ! Thanks you xx
Yes indeed.. just about to head for a very short leg stretch, ( just 1K), down to Criccieth, before heading home... arms waving as I pelt downhill! Wheeeeee!
Don’t forget to stick your arms out and make aeroplane noises when you’re running down that runway at Cosford too (I’ll be with you in spirit there!!!) 😁
That is perfect.., get out there I want to share the feelings with friends here... I am so lucky to have a running location like that...and the bonus of friends from the forum there too... WOW!
Floss, what a lovely post yet again. I was sad not to run with you all yesterday but it was the right thing: I had a short slow jogette in the evening to loosen things up.
It was so lovely to meet my VRB’s this week and to have been able to run Pwllheli parkrun last week (lower tide, thank goodness!) has been an ambition for some months as I approached this trip away. I too am a solitary snail for the most part: I worry about my slowness and being overweight, but the more I meet up with likeminded, caring and non-judgemental people like you and the Kat family the more I love this running lark!
I will miss running in this beautiful location when I head home tomorrow: but I take with me a new focus and heightened enthusiasm xx
I really enjoyed our run on Tuesday...it was one of the best runs i have had, just totally relaxing and taking in the sounds and sights of a route I have not done for ages
Posting on the forum here, really does keep us going and lets us know we never run alone... whatever our age, pace , speed or distance.. Folk never judge and are always supportive. They have got me through so many tricky times, I have lost count and not just running !
Take the lovely memories back with you... they warm the cold winter days, and celebrate YOUR running.. can't wait until we meet up again x
You run yesterday...just perfect! Safe journey home
Maj, you would have loved it... I think... it was warm though..phew... the snail nearly ditched the shell and jumped in! Wish you had been with us... are you all healed now ?
We had a ball... sandy...but a ball... It is going to seem so much easier running at home again But I tell you, missw... , some of these lot are fast runners though..even on sand!! x
Oh well let em go 😁. I have run on sand a few times, once in the snow 🙄, but as I was on holiday I was happy to run slowly and enjoy the experience and do some sight-seeing. Running on the foreshore where the sand was quite firm was easier than on the dry stuff where you twist your ankles 🙂. I’ve got a seaside race coming up 👏😁
Oh yes, most definitely..there were loads of folk doing it on my HM... and I had promised Mr OF I would be careful... and he would have known if I hadn't! It was great fun..but I did find it tricky! x
It was fabulous, and after the last few weeks really cheered me up!! And... I think I may be getting a bonus extra few days in after next Monday too! these are indeed memories to take out on a cold winter's evening! xx
Lovely post and really inspiring. Makes me want to move house to be near you and join in! You all sound such a lovely bunch of runners. I’m very solitary at the moment and am trying to get my husband on the C25K plan so that i have a running buddy and someone to Park Run with (which is my next aim) but he’s not so keen as I to run early morning when he’s already at work. I will work on him and maybe when autumn comes he will be keener (crosses fingers with hope 😉🤞).
Autumn is a beautiful time to run..not too warm, not too cold! We have only recently begun get together to run.., and folk meet up if they are on holiday , and some travelling miles to join in a Park run..It just that a few folk were in the are where I have my holiday home so we arranged to meet! Great fun!
Is there a club in your area that meets maybe...many do C25K and onwards I am sure you will inspire your husband when he sees how awesome you are x
I loved reading this story, it sounds like you had your work cut out with a sweaty hot run, but also sounds great fun with beautiful views and great friends around you. Well done 👍👍
Thanks you.. it was not easy; it is all about trying to find where to run. I think I may get better at it. It was terrific fun and just so lovely, that chance bought a few of us together x
I too, am first and foremost a 'solitary' runner Oldfloss, even at big events! 'Meet ups' are a little scary in this head of mine, so I never commit! This post was lovely though - your Parkrun sounds a tough one but the company fab! Well done!🙂
You are most welcome...I love sharing my runs..and my rambles too..I don't get as much time to post them as I used to..but it is my month off Admin duties so...be prepared!🤣
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Ceide Coast 10k & Half Marathon 2022 - I did the 10k - First in M50 🎉
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