I drove to Stratford, met loads of RBs, ran ... - Bridge to 10K

Bridge to 10K

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I drove to Stratford, met loads of RBs, ran a PB, ate cake and drove home to Bristol. That’s what I call a wonderful morning. ❤️

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10
85 Replies

Thank you you lovely people. You brightened my week. It’s been a toughie, but you guys really helped. ❤️

I’d been looking forward to this meetup for some time. Dexy5 has gone into detail about the precarious nature of this PR even happening today due to all the monumental 💦💦💦 of late, but all I can say is that we were very lucky. The river stayed put, the rain held off (in fact I drove up - when it got light - in bright sunshine ☀️) and it was a lovely crisp morning for a run. 🏃‍♀️🏃🐕

Stratford is a fantastic 3 lap course, passing the rowing club (my husband would salivate at that 🙄😅), the majestic RSC Theatre and many many swans. Also, as a bonus, it’s basically flat as a pancake. There was a bit of mud, but it was avoidable. Trail shoes weren’t necessary.

I was chuffed as ninepence at my time today. My 34:50 PB had held stubbornly since March or April, so where 33:03 (official PR time 33:31) came from today, I have no clue. I’ll take it and savour it! 😀

So TailChaser , Katnap , kittens, thank you for hosting us! And Dexy5, UpTheStanley , Windoze , Sandie1961 and friends, Shake-and-run and Oldgirlruns - and anyone else - let’s do it again soon. As has been shown, I’ll pretty much drive anywhere! 👍👏👍

As Flossie wasn’t in the group photo, I didn’t want to leave her out - so she’s pictured here enjoying a tasty Dentastick at home! 🐕

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cheekychipmunks
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85 Replies
AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10

Congratulations to you cheeky on achieving a PB at Stratford Parkrun today, great photos of all of you, I can never be sure regarding your own time with the official Parkrun time, that is why when I go to a parkrun I leave my Smartphone at home.

Today was my 10th parkrun, not a PB, my time was 31.42, I am happy it was sub 32 minutes, I met Buddy34 there, she is a very nice person to meet, she got a PB of 30.37, so all of us had a great morning at parkrun today. 😊 🏃🏾

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toAlMorr

Thanks Al! I suppose the discrepancy in Garmin vs PR time for me personally is that I always start near the back with my dog. Never mind, this time it was a PB regardless!

I’m glad you had a mini VRB meetup with Buddy34 today too. Well done on both of your great times. 👍

Katnap profile image
KatnapGraduate10 in reply toAlMorr

Great result Al. You beat me today! 👍😁👍

Windoze profile image
WindozeGraduate10

Was great to see both you and Flossie 😎😎🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🕺🕺🕺

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toWindoze

You too Windoze. Oh, and that brownie was delicious, thank you! (Even though I squashed it in my pocket! 🙄🙄😅)

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66Graduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

You mentioned brownie ?😋

So you have a new PR PB and a new 5k PB, brilliant effort after such a difficult time, and celebrated with RRB’s too. A good Saturday morning’s work 👏👏👏👏

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toBeachcomber66

Yes brownie. 😋 Courtesy of Windoze ’s girlfriend. She wasn’t present today, but she sent gifts! 😀😀😀

It was a fantastic morning all round. So enjoyable after the last few days. 👍😀❤️

Coddfish profile image
CoddfishGraduate10

Sounds like you all had a great time, and well done on your PB.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toCoddfish

We really did Coddfish. And thanks, that PB came out of nowhere 😀

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10

It was a pleasure cheeky, thank you for bringing your dry weather with you! Well done on your PB, I’m not overly surprised as it is a fast course. I hope we can see you again very soon 😻

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toTailChaser

It made up for it on the way home though TC! I’m so glad it didn’t affect our run today. 💦💦💦💦

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Thought it might. Very glad you got home ok x

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toTailChaser

My car knows the drill now. It’s basically on autopilot on the motorways on Saturday mornings nowadays! 😅

Katnap profile image
KatnapGraduate10

And well done Flossie on getting a new PB! 🐕

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toKatnap

Hahaha yes she did Katnap! They really should introduce Bark Codes don’t you think? 🐕😅

Katnap profile image
KatnapGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Did she partake from the barkrun doggie water bowl? I haven't got a piccy but this link is a fair facsimile of the logo on the bowl

images.app.goo.gl/AoQz5ZLGu...

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toKatnap

Haha that’s brilliant! No she didn’t. She’s a funny little dog - she hardly ever drinks when she’s out and about unless it’s really hot. Silly little girl! ❤️🐕

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate10

Congratulations on a new PB on what sounds like a fantastic day.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toGrannyhugs

Thank you GTB, it was a total surprise. 😀

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Even better. 🙆‍♀️

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toGrannyhugs

And better still because it comes off the back of a slowing trend since working up to my HM distance recently. 👍

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Brilliant just what was needed

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toGrannyhugs

👍😀🏃‍♀️

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduate10

Ah that sounds like a brilliant PR Cheeky! 🤩 A nice large group of VRBs too! Fantastic! 😉 Well done for the PB!😍 And well done to you all! ❤️

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toFabulous450

It was fantastic Fab. You know we’d love to have you come along too if you ever fancy it? 😀👍❤️

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Ah thank you! 🤗 I haven’t done many PRs really. Hope to get my form back up to do more of them though. ❤️

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toFabulous450

Well whenever you’re ready, just say the word! You seem to be making a great comeback! 👏👏👏

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate10

As you said Cheeky, a perfect morning after a hard week and sounds like a great time was had by all - well done on your PB!

Sadly no PBs for me for a while.😢 I'm currently on the IC with suspected hamstring injury - see my response to Dexy5 's post for more details. Frustrating but I guess I've been quite lucky in avoiding injury over my first 18 months of running - guess it had to run out sometime.👎

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toJonathanP

Noooo Jonathan, not the IC 😩 I hope your stay there is a short one. 🤞

Yes it was a great morning - I highly recommend Stratford PR if ever you’re up in that neck of the woods. 😀🏃‍♀️🏃🐕👍

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Cheers Cheeky - so do I

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toJonathanP

🤞🤞🤞

over61andstilltrying profile image
over61andstilltryingGraduate10

Fabulous! Delighted to read of your special day! RBs, PB and cake . What was that? Did someone say PB! PBs are always worth celebrating! 🎉🍾🥂👏🏻😊🎉👍🌟 💥⚡️ 🏃🏻🤸‍♂️🏃‍♀️🤸‍♀️🏃🏻🤸‍♂️🏃‍♀️🤸‍♀️🐕🎉 Well done to you!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toover61andstilltrying

Oh thanks over61, it’s been so long since I had one I’d forgotten what it felt like! It was such a surprise today it made it feel even better than I remembered! 😀😀

over61andstilltrying profile image
over61andstilltryingGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Glad to hear it! Nearly 2 minutes slashed from your previous PB! A real wow moment!

I have no clue when I shall next receive a PB for anything! 😢 But, I am now back up to 7km, so that is progress 😊🌸

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toover61andstilltrying

Well 7k is a great distance so be proud of that! And who knows? A PB may sneak up on you too! 👍😀

over61andstilltrying profile image
over61andstilltryingGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

No sneaking up PBs for the time being! 😊 Quite a pleasant idea though!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toover61andstilltrying

One day one will sneak up. 🏃‍♀️😀

over61andstilltrying profile image
over61andstilltryingGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Yes, you are right of course, one day could be one day in a few months time or even a few years!

JaoJao profile image
JaoJaoGraduate10

I really really love this guys you’re all amazing! Keep up the great team effort ❤️❤️❤️❤️

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toJaoJao

Thanks JaoJao, it’s a great ever expanding team we have - and we’d love more VRBs to join us. We get all over the place, so maybe one day you can come along too? 🤞😀🏃‍♀️🏃🐕

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10

You know this is becoming a habit cheeky. I’ve seen more of you than my local parkrunners lately. think the next few months will get a bit busy with non running matters but we will be back together again.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

It’s true Dexy, I’ve only run Eastville a handful of times recently. Back next week for its 2nd birthday (wearing a tutu 😳) which will be fun!

I’m sure our paths will cross again! Enjoy Southsea! 😘

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

The tutu will be better than an elephant onesie 🤣🤣

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

Oh yes, the memory of running in that still haunts me to this day 🥵 🥵 🥵

Sandie1961 profile image
Sandie1961Graduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Definitely an obligatory photo next week Cheeky. Will Flossie be wearing a tutu too?

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toSandie1961

She might if I can find one small enough! 😅

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

We saw a Jack Russell in a natty red cable knit jumper today so I’m sure you can get hold of doggie tutus *searches Ebay*... yup! You definitely can 😁. Sounds like great fun!

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirl

I'm made up for you cheeky, well done. And special mention to your crew of Rb's too!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply togrumpyoldgirl

Thank you GOG! I’d forgotten how much fun a PB was, and the fact it was run at a VRB meet-up (no longer virtual) made it really special. 😀

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10

As 3 lappers go, that sounds perfect, definitely one I have to do. Many congratulations on the new PB, and avoiding the mud!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toUnfitNoMore

Yes do make the trip one day UNM, it’s very picturesque - although TailChaser did tell us how busy it gets during tourist season. I can believe it. 🙄

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toUnfitNoMore

Yes UNM! We would love to have you here. Best times are October to end of March, then it starts getting silly busy. 👍👍👍

BaddieThePirate profile image
BaddieThePirateGraduate10

Brilliant. Well done! That's a huge difference on your time. What a great meet up.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toBaddieThePirate

Thanks Baddie, so sad you couldn’t make this one. I hope you had a fun evening!

I know, who knew I could chop such a big chunk off my time out of the blue? 🤷‍♀️

Slinkymalinki profile image
SlinkymalinkiGraduate10

Congrats on the PB!👏 I'm enjoying reading about the VRB meet up and wishing I was more of a 'morning' person with the energy to do more parkruns during term time! Lovely photos btw. 🙂

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toSlinkymalinki

Thank you Slinky! Maybe if there was one close to you one day - would you be tempted then? 😀

The PB was the unexpected icing on the cake (and you should have seen the doorstep wedges of cake on offer in the cafe!) Such a fun time. ❤️

Slinkymalinki profile image
SlinkymalinkiGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Yes I've got several near me where I am in Gloucestershire - in fact I introduced my husband to running & parkrun & I do volunteer from time to time. Apart from not being a morning person, I just need to be in the right headspace about running with so many people!

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toSlinkymalinki

We could do Gloucestershire! Wasn’t Cirencester mentioned yesterday Cheeky?

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toTailChaser

Yes it was! Not far from me at all either. 😀👍😀

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Ooooooh! 👏👏👏

Slinkymalinki profile image
SlinkymalinkiGraduate10 in reply toTailChaser

Maybe I could be persuaded to meet up at Cirencester parkrun at some stage. I believe Irishprincess and Fabulous450 are not too far away either although I totally get that parkrun is not everyone's cup of tea (including me) but maybe a bunch of reluctant parkrunners together might work?! 😀🏃🏽‍♀️🤞

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10 in reply toSlinkymalinki

Not too far at all. In fact I’m there tomorrow to get my hair done......not in parkrun of course 😂😂

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toIrishprincess

So maybe we can tempt you IP! 😀

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Mmmmnnnnn maybe after Bath. I don’t want to risk getting injured by running supersonically 😂😂

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toIrishprincess

😅😅😅

Slinkymalinki profile image
SlinkymalinkiGraduate10 in reply toTailChaser

I meant to tag cheekychipmunks too! 😀

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toSlinkymalinki

We’ll have to see if we can change your minds 😉 It’s not a very busy one by the looks of things (156 yesterday as opposed to Stratford’s 407!) so that might make it more pleasant for you if you don’t like running with hundreds of people? And then there’s the post-run coffee and cake which is always a good way wrap up any get-together really whether you’ve enjoyed what you’ve just done or not. Let’s see what we can do 😊

Slinkymalinki profile image
SlinkymalinkiGraduate10 in reply toTailChaser

Cirencester is fairly flat and very friendly and the turn out is usually around 200. The Agricultural College allows visitors to have breakfast as well! I've had the odd bacon sarnie when I've been and it's at student prices too!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toSlinkymalinki

I’m sure the lure of breakfast will entice the reluctant ones out! 🤞🤞 we can make it happen. 😀🏃‍♀️🏃🐕

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toSlinkymalinki

Oooh, that is a really, really good incentive, especially for our two hungry kittens 😋

Slinkymalinki profile image
SlinkymalinkiGraduate10 in reply toTailChaser

We'll try and fix a date. I think IP seemed busy in the run up to Christmas so maybe new year? - but I'm open to suggestions!

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toSlinkymalinki

New Year is good with us Slinky, this time of year always gets mega busy 👍

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toTailChaser

I hope this happens TC, don’t you? 😀😀😀

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Yes! It just has to!! 😀

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10

Well what a morning Munks! Congratulations on your PB, thats brilliant. Lovely sounding meetup and photos for the mantelpiece, perfect 🏃‍♀️🙂

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toIrishprincess

It truly was wonderful IP - can we ever entice you on such a meetup? I can highly recommend them. 👍🏃‍♀️

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

*whisper* I don’t actually enjoy parkrun 🙀 but I’m sure I’d love it if I met up with some of my running buddies 🙂 Our social diary can be a bit manic for weekends which is another challenge. We have no weekends free now until after New Year and so I have to juggle things around a lot to get the running in 🙄🏃‍♀️

But never say never Munks 🙂

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toIrishprincess

Well if you ever fancy giving a meet-up a try, I bet you’d love it IP. We’re a very friendly bunch! 😀😀

Run46 profile image
Run46Graduate10

You're a proper gad about CCM, glad the rain didn't stop play for you guys 😊

Great time too...on top of the get together I bet that really put a smile on your face, well done 🏃‍♀️ 🎉

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toRun46

I am a bit aren’t I Run46? There should be a “guess what part of the country cheekychipmunks is driving to today” game on Saturday mornings! 😅🏃‍♀️🐕

It was fantastic. 😀

Run46 profile image
Run46Graduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

😂

Deals1 profile image
Deals1Graduate10

Sounds like a good catch up and run!! Well done u 😊 👏

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toDeals1

Thanks Deals. It certainly was, on both counts. 😀👍

alisonx profile image
alisonxGraduate10

Yay Cheeky! 🎉congrats on the PB!

Looks like you all had a fab day - so wonderful to read about & see pics 🤗

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toalisonx

We had a lovely day thanks Alison. We lucked out with the weather too - not long after we finished it bucketed down 💦💦💦💦

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