Stratford-upon-Avon (VRB) Meet Up and a Ward... - Bridge to 10K

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Stratford-upon-Avon (VRB) Meet Up and a Wardrobe Malfunction

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10
90 Replies

I think this is the biggest HU meet up we’ve been to. We met our hosts Katnap , TailChaser and the 2 kittens, cheekychipmunks and Flossie the lab, Sandie1961 and her friends Nikki, Clive and Julie, Windoze , Oldgirlruns and me and UpTheStanley . TailChaser gave us badges with the Bard on as momentoes of our visit. We are getting quite a collection now.

I hasten to add, UTS and I did not drive up from Southsea this morning, but are making a weekend of it. We strolled around the beautiful parkrun area Friday afternoon and were worried that the Avon had overflowed onto some of the paths and if it kept rising that parkrun might be cancelled. Luckily the water level dropped a little overnight , and we woke up to a frosty morning.

Warm layers and gloves required for the first time since Last winter. After hugs and introductions We gathered for the obligatory pre run photos and then listened to the new event briefing and Directors briefing. Us 3 southsea runners finally managed to make ourselves heard when asked about tourists by shouting Southsea in unison.

It was a bit of a slow start due to the narrow paths but I started the run fairly well and I completed 2 of the 3 laps ready to increase the speed as overtaking became a bit easier. Then disaster struck. My zip up bra became unzipped and I had to stop, turn my back and try and resurrect the situation. Zip jammed and I thought I had sorted it and started running but then it unzipped from the bottom, and I couldn’t unjam it. Decision taken I would just have to walk the rest of the last lap. I explained to a fellow runner and she said it was the only thing that had made her laugh on this morning’s run. Every now and then I would jog a little while supporting my assets, luckily I had a running top and my Poppy T-shirt on so it wasn’t too obvious. I ran past some finishers going home and one lady was very concerned as I was holding my chest and thought I was having a heart attack. She looked relieved that she didn’t have to rush for the defibrillator . Walked again until I ran the finish and got cheered on by my lovely friends.

Negative splits for first 3k, 6:37, 6:16, 6:11 but total garmin time 35:50 and 36:56 parkrun time. The great thing is that cheeky ran a PB time and was faster than me for the first time so is very happy. Sandie PB’d too.

We marched off to the Pantry for coffee and cake and had a good chin wag with those we hadn’t met before, and those who have become friends as a result of this wonderful forum. Windoze also handed out homemade chocolate brownies- yum yum . Thank you Windoze’s girlfriend.

Just love this parkrun and will return to get a proper time one day. The swans were swimming, the fishermen fishing and the autumn leaves falling. I am envious of the Kat family living in such a beautiful spot.

Another bonus is UTS and I were extremely lucky to acquire 2 returned tickets for the premiere of the Boy in the Dress last evening and had prime seats for the musical , attended by David Walliams. It’s at Stratford for 3 months before moving to the west end and we can thoroughly recommend it.

Now where and when will the next meet up be?

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Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5
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90 Replies
JaoJao profile image
JaoJaoGraduate10

Beautiful guys! Sounds like you had a great morning, if you ever come to Upton Court parkrun (Berkshire, by Windsor Castle) make sure you look me up! I often do the first timers briefing for them! Xx

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toJaoJao

We certainly will JaoJao, although isn’t that a hilly parkrun?

Katnap profile image
KatnapGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

Anything is possible after Lyme Park! 😁

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toKatnap

🤣🤣 for you Katnap

JaoJao profile image
JaoJaoGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

No it’s not. Couple of playing fields with stunning views of the castle.

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10

Congratulations Dexy5 on that time of 36.56 despite the rather awkward situation you got into during your run today, that was rather unkind of that "fellow runner" saying that was the only thing that made her laugh today, she could as a woman have helped you.

Lovely photo of all of you, this morning I ran my 10th parkrun, not a PB, time was 31.42, nevertheless I was quite pleased with that, also, for the first ever I met a VRB, namely Buddy34, very nice person to meet, I was looking for her among the runners but she introduced herself to me when I was talking to other runners before we set off, a good parkrun for all of us. 😊 🏃🏾

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toAlMorr

It wasn’t really unkind as I was laughing too Al. How great that you and Buddy34 managed a meet up at your parkrun in Scotland.

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

👍 🏃🏾

Equi-geek profile image
Equi-geekGraduate10

Becoming quite the parkrun tourists!! 👏👏👏 Glad you all had a great meet up and what a scenic one too!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10

When I passed you Dexy (after you’d passed me!), I assumed you were shedding a layer and that you’d soon trot merrily past again. But no, your “ladies” were free! 😩😂

It was a lovely morning. I enjoyed it immensely, and yes my PB (33:03 Garmin, 33:31 PR) was surprising and welcome. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️ Flossie enjoyed running that course too. 🐕🐕

Home now, and waiting with baited breath for the next VRB call. I’m there. Anywhere. And of course you know you’re all welcome to run at Eastville or Ashton Court any time! 👍

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66Graduate10

Oh dear Dexy5, unfortunate wardrobe malfunction! Never mind, great meet up in impeccable company. Pbs can wait 👏👏👏👏

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toBeachcomber66

We think you should join a VRB meetup one day BC - interested? 🏃‍♀️🏃🏃‍♀️🏃🏃‍♀️🐕

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66Graduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

I would love to join a meet-up CC 😊. It is only a question of the right opportunity and me getting my ass in gear! Life interfering with running..outrageous!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toBeachcomber66

We’ll keep cajoling you, never fear! 😅

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66Graduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Good 👏👏👏👏🤗

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toBeachcomber66

A problem you need never worry about Beachcomber66 🤣🤣

It does mean there’s more chance of a PB next time. It was so lovely to meet everyone again and the rain didn’t start until 1130. Perfect.

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate10

What a fantastic trip you are having and great to meet up with so many. I'm sorry I really did giggle at your unfortunate mishap, poor poor you. Hope you do indeed get to revisit the area. Happy running

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toGrannyhugs

Methinks a change of sports bra is necessary now granny to be .

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

Methinks grannytobe might just agree with you on that one happy shopping 😀

Katnap profile image
KatnapGraduate10

Extra cold weather added layers to the rescue!

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate10

Great photo of you all Dexy5. Hope you really enjoyed it apart from parts of you trying to break free 😂😂

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toBuddy34

It was fun despite the mishap!

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10

Oh Dexy, that really made me laugh! I’m so glad I haven’t got a zip up (is that tmi?) 😂

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toTailChaser

The next bra won’t be TC!

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10

How brilliant is that? What a great photo of you all, this is getting bigger and bigger!

Dexy, I feel for you about the bra thing. I’ve read before that this happens with front loaders so I’m not going to visit that road, EVER 😂🙀 But I did giggle about the lady thinking you were having a heart attack 😂

Hope it wasn’t too uncomfortable. Well done everyone, you all look absolutely fabulous!

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toIrishprincess

How lovely that that lady was concerned for me - parkrunners are lovely people.

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate10

Brilliant all round and very amusing! 🤣🤣🤣 sorry! Sounds like a fab weekend 👍🏻😁

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toGoGo_JoJo

Yes and still continuing to be so 🍻

Knittingrunner profile image
KnittingrunnerGraduate10

Well I’m glad it’s not just me who has had that sort of wardrobe malfunction at Parkrun. I had to hide behind the marshals! But it demonstrates just how important those bras are. 😂

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toKnittingrunner

Oh yes. Running without restraint could be quite damaging.

Knittingrunner profile image
KnittingrunnerGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

🥴it’s the weirdest feeling too!

theoldfellow profile image
theoldfellow

I don't feel competent to comment of your wonderful post Dexy. But has always you and UTS, and the whole gang have my prayers. I just laughed for 10 minutes before I could type....

❤🙏👏👣👣👣👣👣👣👣👣

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply totheoldfellow

Thank you dear TOF, you’d have laughed even more if I’d posted the photo TailChaser has sent me. 🤣🤣. I’m not safe to be let out .

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

🤣🤣🤣

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate10

Up north - pleeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaase

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toTasha99

Anything above Watford is north to me Tasha99. If ever we are in Yorkshire, we’ll let you know for sure. Have you tried a shout out for runners on the forum? 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate10 in reply toDexy5

I haven’t got time to organise anything tbh. Anything south of Leeds is south to me 🤣 I know Elfe5 and Beachcomber66 are nearby.

Coddfish profile image
CoddfishGraduate10

Only 1 thing to do Dexy, switch to a ShockAbsorber. I wouldn’t run in anything else.

Well done on the meet up. Southsea was cold but sunny and still this morning, marshalled by the RNLI dressed in yellow kit with red reindeer antlers, advertising an RNLI reindeer race on December 8th.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toCoddfish

I had intended to do that Coddfish but haven’t quite got round to it yet. It’s now become more vital. I did manage to sort it out in the ladies eventually, so was ok for coffee and cake.

Yes I saw the RNLI were volunteering today. That race will clash with lakeside one I think. Is it at Stanstead house again?

Coddfish profile image
CoddfishGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

I don’t know where it is.

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate10

Another fantastic VRB meet-up Dexy and a great weekend for you and UTS! Glad you all had an enjoyable time.😀

Sadly all is not well here - I was out for my 10k on Thursday and 3k in, swerved to avoid a lady and dog who seemed undecided which way to go. Bit of a twinge to my right thigh - what's that, hopefully it'll clear if I carry on....

Big mistake - 25m later, big twinge, forced stop and lengthy limp home! Diagnosis: hamstring pull/tear - blast! Hoping to get physio advice soon.🤕

So....marshalling today at Lakeside. For info, revised course due to work on tarmac path - now 2 laps of an out and back alongside the lake which had its challenges due to faster runners overlapping but all went ok in the end😀

Coddfish profile image
CoddfishGraduate10 in reply toJonathanP

Sorry to hear of your injury

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate10 in reply toCoddfish

Thanks - me too

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66Graduate10 in reply toJonathanP

No justice JP. Probably we have got to the point where we don’t expect to pick up injuries and then an unusual movement tweaks something. All of my encounters with physios have been positive (sometimes painful as well). Give me treatment, recovery plan and estimated return to running date and my equanimity is restored..because I have something to work on. Hope it is not too bad🤞

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate10 in reply toBeachcomber66

Thanks BC - yes it was unexpected. Hope my experience is like yours

BaddieThePirate profile image
BaddieThePirateGraduate10 in reply toJonathanP

Hope you're better soon.

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate10 in reply toBaddieThePirate

Thanks Baddie

Sandie1961 profile image
Sandie1961Graduate10 in reply toJonathanP

Oh no Jonathan! Very bad luck and it can happen so easily. Hope you aren’t out for too long

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate10 in reply toSandie1961

Thanks Sandie - yes I was surprised at how easily!

Cantstopmenow profile image
CantstopmenowGraduate10

😂😂🙈 sounds you're having a fun and memorable weekend. These meet ups are a great idea 😊

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toCantstopmenow

They are so much fun. Cantstopmenow.

Cantstopmenow profile image
CantstopmenowGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

I'd love to join in, but I'm a Lancashire lass (southsea is a bit far) and also work Saturdays. Roll on retirement! 😂

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toCantstopmenow

We did do Hyndburn once when we saw Accy play at home. So we want your retirement and a home game and you to be close enough to join us

Cantstopmenow profile image
CantstopmenowGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

👍👍

Windoze profile image
WindozeGraduate10

Fantastic to meet you Dexy and UTS....(and his famous hat 😎😎) wonderfully morning all round 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🕺🎉🎉😎

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toWindoze

And you too Windoze. Loved the brownies 😋

BaddieThePirate profile image
BaddieThePirateGraduate10

Fabulous! Well done everybody. Great turn out, and chocolate brownies too. Yum!

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toBaddieThePirate

Sorry you couldn’t be there this time Baddy. You stay safe on the water. 🏃‍♀️🏴‍☠️

Runningroni profile image
RunningroniGraduate10

You all look fantastic, that is quite some crowd.

I recall it is not the first time that the girls have escaped the zippy bra. Time for a change of design I think.

It is truly amazing how strangers who meet here then in person to run together do feel like old and dear friends.

Well done all of you.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toRunningroni

Yes this is the first time it’s happened on a timed run and I probably jammed the zipped in my rush to get it sorted and get a good time. Yes they are a good bunch.

Sparkey5000 profile image
Sparkey500060minGraduate

Fantastic....just down the road from me. Love that your time is about mine without walking and lit malfunction!! Love my little corner of the world....glad you did too.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toSparkey5000

I’m sure TailChaser would love to catch up with you if you do parkrun there.

Slinkymalinki profile image
SlinkymalinkiGraduate10

Lovely to read this. What luck to get those tickets to the Boy in the Dress too - hope it was amazing! Commiserations on the zip incident - luckily there are not too many people on my balcony (as the French would say) so I can get away with a pull on job. Happy shopping! 🤗

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toSlinkymalinki

Never heard that phrase - love it.

Slinkymalinki profile image
SlinkymalinkiGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

It's very colloquial & really not 'PC' I guess! You can also just have 'du monde au balcon' in case you need to comment quietly to anyone! 😆

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toSlinkymalinki

There didn’t used to be a lot of people on my balcony, a result of reaching over 50 . 🤣

Slinkymalinki profile image
SlinkymalinkiGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

😆🤣 There's hope for me yet then - a couple of years to go!

Run46 profile image
Run46Graduate10

Oh Dexy, I'm sorry to laugh at your misfortune but that is so funny 🤣😂, I didn't even know they did zip up sports bras...though it would stop the almost shoulder dislocation when putting them on!

I hope you managed to see the funny side and it didn't spoil your fun coz I'm sure it was actually really annoying!

Glad you enjoyed your weekend, I love a good musical 🎶🎤🎵

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toRun46

That’s why I bought it- I couldn’t buy a bra if I needed someone else to get me into it. 🤣🤣

Run46 profile image
Run46Graduate10 in reply toDexy5

😂🤣

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate

Lovely photo of you all, oh dear zip up bra? and don’t our assets move a long way when not contained during a run?

Glad you enjoyed it

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

As the zip jammed the bra was containing things a little and a supporting arm helped, but not the best situation for parkrun.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toDexy5

No not the best and would have slowed you down, willow took some photos of me running on the beach and i was surprised at how far parts of me travelled from where i expected them to be so now i wear a really good sports bra for running

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

🤣🤣

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate10

That really made me laugh as I could just imagine your predicament. I was also glad you didn’t have heart problems 🤣🤣. So envious of your get togethers.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toSybilw

He he - a word of warning - make sure zip is locked before running. Cheeky and I usually remind each other to check zip but forgot today.

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

You won’t again!! 🤣🤣

over61andstilltrying profile image
over61andstilltryingGraduate10

Just lovely to be meeting up with this happy running troop! 😊🏃🏻‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃🏻🏃🏻‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃🏻🐕

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toover61andstilltrying

It was lovely to join the Kat family as they have travelled to many other parkruns to meet others. We always think you’re there in spirit with us over61.

over61andstilltrying profile image
over61andstilltryingGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

Aw! That's very kind of you. One day in body perhaps! I am up to 7km now. Still in awe of your 10miles! And cheekychipmunks 's HM! One day at a time, hoping for 7.5km tomorrow, ideally avoiding the rain. 😊🏃🏻‍♀️

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toover61andstilltrying

You are doing brilliantly over61 after taking time out on the IC and then for your garden.

over61andstilltrying profile image
over61andstilltryingGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

Thank you! Brilliantly seems far too strong! I find that I am seeing running as an investment in my health and fitness. I know at my 'peak' that my stamina was up and I seemed able to garden without it occurring to me to take a rest. I am also mostly enjoying it, although not always when I set off, then I just go with, "this is what I do", no discussion allowed! 😊🏃‍♀️🌸

alisonx profile image
alisonxGraduate10

Fantastic Dexy!

So sorry about the wardrobe malfunction messing up your time but it does sound 😂 - and the incidents that followed. Well done for finishing in that condition!

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10

Thanks Alison, at least I can be fairly confident of getting a PB next time I go there. It was so funny, and once I’d decided that I couldn’t change the situation I just flowed with it.

RunaroundSue profile image
RunaroundSueGraduate10

Well done everyone, especially Dexy⁵ for finishing despite the problem.

Sorry we couldn't make it, although I would like to do Stratford parkrun (and so many others) some say.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toRunaroundSue

Thanks RunaroundSue, I did manage a run without problems today, so put it down to user error. I’d definitely recommend this parkrun

RunaroundSue profile image
RunaroundSueGraduate10

So many parkruns, not enough Saturdays:)

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toRunaroundSue

So true 😃

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10

A fabulous, fabulous run and a great time had be each and every one of you and what a super run you had despite letting it all go!!! :)

Very speedy...!

I was so sad not to have been there.. I ran alone in freezing fog, but the thought of all you lovely happy people was so warming!

You had a terrific time and what a super meet up location too!

Next time, my friend..next time!

Huge well done you and everyone there:) xxxx

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toOldfloss

Thank you dear Floss. Your snail badge was pinned on shirts to join the Bard and others and you were very much in our minds. You would certainly have had a good laugh at me trying to fix my underwear 🤣🤣. I’m glad you got out- I thought you might have snow.

Your Isabel trail parkrun is on our list of places to go, so we will run together .

Love and hugs

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