What would you do VRBs? πŸ€” : This weekend I... - Bridge to 10K

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What would you do VRBs? πŸ€”

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10
β€’87 Replies

This weekend I ran my 47th PR. I need your help - given the time of year, when should I schedule my 50th? I don’t know why I’m finding it so hard to decide .... πŸ€¦β€β™€οΈ

Next weekend, no 48 will be run with a friend at Ashton Court. She’s a PR junkie and wants an A for her alphabet. I can’t run on the 14th (waaaaa 😩), so 49 will be on the 21st.

Sooooo, the big 5-0 could be on the 28th, or I could volunteer that day and make it New Year’s Day instead. We have a double going on round these parts, although we’re going to a 20’s NYE party (flapper dress all good to go), so how I’ll feel that morning might be dubious. What do I do??? I was thinking of making it coincide with my birthday in mid-Jan (double 🍰), but that’s too long away to string it out. Why is this so complicated?

Help me VRBs! πŸ˜…

*Edited (thanks to Dexy5 ’s suggestion) to add that I could do a Christmas morning PR too - not my local, but one I do regularly. Plus I’ve discovered that my local is the 10:30 one on NYD. So basically too many possibilities for an already confused chipmunk. 😩

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cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks
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87 Replies
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Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate10

I would do it on the 28th what a lovely way to end the year with a milestone 50th parkrun. 😊😊

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Buddy34

Probably the best idea isn’t it Buddy? πŸ‘

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

Do you get a t-shirt for 50?😊

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Buddy34

Yes! A red one, almost as good as a new badge! πŸ˜€

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

That's like wearing a body shaped medal🀩

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply to Buddy34

And a purple one for 25 parkrun volunteers- that’s something to be proud of.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Dexy5

How many are you up to now Dexy5 ? I think I’ve volunteered 13 times so far. Love it. ❀️

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

16 so far and 2 to come this month. Getting closer.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Buddy34

A definite badge of honour! πŸ‘

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10

I’d say, don’t string it out till mid January cheeky - you know you want that red shirt. You didn’t mention Christmas Day, are you not running it? No I guess you could be a tad busy with grandchild’s 1st Christmas etc.

We are volunteering on 28th and running on the 1st because it’s such a good atmosphere, we have bagpipes an’ all.

If you want to get a volunteer in over the Christmas period, I’d say volunteer on 28th wearing a silly Christmas hat and run on NYD. Then If you don’t feel up to going on the morning, you can just stay in bed, and do #50 the following week.

Sadly, we won’t be able to join you for your 50th, but we will be there in spirit. We hope to be there for your 100th instead. Are you dressing up, or wearing a 50 on your shirt like Jonathan did?

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Dexy5

We don’t have a Christmas Day PR here which is a shame Dexy. That would have been a fun way to celebrate 50! You’re right though, no way could I string it out until mid January! πŸ˜…

I wasn’t planning on making it a VRB meetup, don’t worry- the weather is so unpredictable. I’m sure the spring will see the resurgence of us all trawling the UK’s motorways again! πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™‚οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™‚οΈ We need to revisit Lyme Park and you guys need to join us!

I’ll just stick a 50 somewhere on my person (and Flossie, although she hasn’t run every PR with me) and take along cake. Cake is always welcome! πŸ°πŸ‘

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

Cake is definitely welcome at any parkrun. Flossie will love doing your 50th too, and as she hasn’t got her own bark code, yours covers her.

Still not convinced by Lyme park . 😱

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Dexy5

Yes you are! It’s amazing! I think you need to run Ashton Court next year too. 😈

Elfe5 profile image
Elfe560minGraduate in reply to Dexy5

I love Flossie’s bark code!! πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Elfe5

She was awarded Bark Code Scanner Assistant of the year a couple of weeks ago! She even got her own certificate! β€οΈπŸ•

Elfe5 profile image
Elfe560minGraduate in reply to cheekychipmunks

Brilliant! πŸ˜„πŸ˜‚

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Dexy5

Ok so now there’s a spanner in the works as I could do Severn Bridge on Christmas morning! I need a spreadsheet of possibilities. 😩

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Dexy5

I’m blaming you Dexy! πŸ˜©πŸ˜…

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5

What a brilliant Christmas pressie that would be - 50th run! The family can do Christmas dinner!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Dexy5

That’s an idea - I’ll pop out for the morning and come back to Christmas dinner all prepared and ready!

Franglaise profile image
FranglaiseGraduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

Christmas day gets my vote....im going home to uk for Christmas and Christmas day could be my maiden park run if I can fit it in.....so .many people to see in a few days. Enjoy whatever decision you reach and congratulations.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Franglaise

Thanks Franglaise, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas in the UK and enjoy your PR! πŸ˜€

I’ve decided for the 28th most likely, or Christmas Day if the weather is perfect - I’d be doing Severn Bridge which is fantastic, but pretty dismal when it’s raining or windy! πŸ™„

Sandie1961 profile image
Sandie1961Graduate10

Sounds like a perfect way to celebrate NYD to me πŸ‘

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Sandie1961

I love the idea of that but it might be pretty darned slow ...... πŸ˜…πŸ˜…

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate10

Go on new years day still in your flapper dress - you'll look fab and make everyone smile πŸ˜‰

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs

Make everyone else guffaw you mean GTB! πŸ˜…πŸ˜…πŸ˜…

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

You only live once, and only run your 50th once , might as well make it fun πŸŽ‰

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs

πŸ˜…πŸ˜…πŸ˜…πŸ˜…πŸ˜³

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate10

I’d do the 28th to round off the year on a high πŸ‘

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Maddee_6333

Distinct possibility Maddee ..... πŸ˜€

ArthurJG profile image
ArthurJGGraduate10

Honestly I’d say run when you want to run and let the 50th land wherever it falls naturally. Remember this time of year is also when you get most weather cancellations. I’ve just done my 50th and it was absolutely perfect as I’ve posted elsewhere but that wasn’t planned like that and it nearly didn’t happen as it was 5 below freezing and there was a course inspection in the morning.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to ArthurJG

Ahh yes Arthur, very good point. We don’t *touch wood* tend to get cancellations at my local PR due to weather as we have a good (hideous) B course to fall back on, although last year there was one cancelled due to ice. We don’t tend to get really icy conditions here in the SW until Jan/Feb, but you never know do you? 🧊 πŸ₯Ά

ArthurJG profile image
ArthurJGGraduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

It’s one thing if you plan a run and it’s cancelled, that can’t be helped, but if you’d skipped other runs previously just to make that one your 50th then you’d kick yourself.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to ArthurJG

Yes, too right. πŸ‘

BaddieThePirate profile image
BaddieThePirateGraduate10 in reply to ArthurJG

I'm with Arthur, good call.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to BaddieThePirate

I am too Baddie. πŸ‘πŸ˜€

linda9389 profile image
linda9389Graduate10

I like volunteering on New Year's day - all the amosphere and less worry over food and drink the night before, so (for what it's worth) if it was me I'd run on 28th :)

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to linda9389

That was my thought too Linda. I just know what kind of NYE party it’s going to be ..... 😳 Yes, maybe I’ll volunteer at 10:30. πŸ€”

Deals1 profile image
Deals1Graduate10 in reply to linda9389

ohhh .. that's a good idea for NYD.

linda9389 profile image
linda9389Graduate10 in reply to Deals1

I did it last year πŸ‘

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to linda9389

Right, sorted. I’ve signed up to volunteer on NYD so I can enjoy the festivities at the party! Best of both worlds. πŸ‘πŸ₯‚

linda9389 profile image
linda9389Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

So I just sent an email to volunteer at ours on NYD (bigger, brighter halo for me as ours starts at 9am πŸ‘Ό). I got a reply saying 'Thank you Linda, that would be great, you're the only volunteer so far!' Eeek, I might be busy!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to linda9389

Oops!! πŸ˜…πŸ˜…

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66Graduate10

I won’t be any help CC. I would just see how I felt on the day rather than plan it. I did my first 10k on Boxing Day last year, but no planning involved 😊

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66

You’re a wise one BC. I’m definitely overthinking this, but I do love a plan, although as ArthurJG so rightly mentioned, if I have a date decided upon, then can’t run for any reason, how disappointing would that be? Your method is far more sensible. Can I be sensible? πŸ€”πŸ˜‡

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66Graduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66

Oh I love a plan for lots of things cheeky, but this is different. It is a celebration, about how you will feel after completing it; who can you share it with? where is the best triple chocolate brownieπŸ˜‹; I would ignore milestone dates like NYD unless there is something else special about the day and the event. Definitely a β€œfeel” decision which is why only you can pick it. 😊

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66

More wise words which make total sense. Thanks BC. One thing is certain, there will be cake a’plenty! πŸ˜‹ 🍰

Jell6 profile image
Jell6Graduate10

Having STILL not done a parkrun, I don't feel qualified to advise but...... the 28th sounds good.🀩

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply to Jell6

You mean we haven’t persuaded you yet Jell?

Jell6 profile image
Jell6Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5

I have got a barcode!🀩

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply to Jell6

No excuse then....

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Jell6

Ooooo exciting Jell! So ...... Saturday maybe? 🀞🀞🀞

Jell6 profile image
Jell6Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

I've had it about 4 months πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚, I need to ease into these decisions.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Jell6

Oohhh I see! πŸ˜…πŸ˜… Well I think it needs an outing, don’t you? πŸ‘

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Jell6

Thanks Jell, it seems like the logical one doesn’t it? πŸ˜€

Any chance that 2020 might be the year Jell6 tries a PR? 🀞 πŸ˜€

Jell6 profile image
Jell6Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

I don't know Cheeky, I'm not sure why I haven't done it yet, but yes 2020 may be the time I bite the bullet πŸ€—

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply to Jell6

Yes go for it Jell. You’ve seen how much fun we have.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Jell6

You won’t regret it Jell, everyone is so friendly. πŸ˜€

BaddieThePirate profile image
BaddieThePirateGraduate10 in reply to Jell6

Come on Jell6, get yourself to a Parkrun. Especially a festive one. Or a VRB meetup o e next year. You'll have a good time.

Jell6 profile image
Jell6Graduate10 in reply to BaddieThePirate

You are all so persuasive, I am the queen of procrastination πŸ‘Έ, I might have to make it a resolution. X

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Jell6

Yesss - don’t worry, we’ll help you keep it! πŸ˜…πŸ‘πŸ‘

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to BaddieThePirate

I second that Baddie! πŸ˜…πŸ˜…

Granspeed profile image
GranspeedGraduate10

For my 2 cents’ worth: I would let Fate (and perhaps weather) decide. Get 48 & 49 out of the way, then see how things look & how you feel. You’ll be ready for Christmas Day but if it doesn’t feel right nearer the time, you can do the 28th. And if there’s catastrophic weather or whatever, you can do NYD. I’m sure it will be fun, whatever happens. And don’t forget to warm us the evening before!!! πŸ‘πŸ˜„

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Granspeed

More wise words thanks GS. I think I need to be more loosey goosey and see how it pans out. At least I have plenty of options. πŸ˜€

Of course I’ll let you know when I decide! πŸ‘

Elfe5 profile image
Elfe560minGraduate

If the 50PR t shirt is red, then Christmas seems delightfully colour coordinated! πŸ˜‚

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Elfe5

It does doesn’t it? Very seasonal! πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ πŸŽ„

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate

I’m so impressed that you have run so many you must be so fit and healthy.

You do have a lot of choices, 28th would be my choice as it’s the end of the year then you can run new year’s day or have a lay in instead if you want one

Enjoy deciding Cheekychipmonks

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun

Aww thanks WaS! Well I’m pretty fit for me, but when you consider there was a lady at Eastville a few weeks ago who was celebrating her 350th PR (yes, really!), my little 50 seems quite small. πŸ™‚

I think I’m leaning towards the 28th actually. It gives me leeway, plus it will mean starting 2020 with a clean sheet. But it depends on weather etc too, so we’ll see! πŸ˜„

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply to cheekychipmunks

Yes there is always weather, i don’t mind a bit of rain Willow doesn’t like rain and we both hate howling gales

28th is a good option and gives you a bit of leeway

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun

There’s a hill at our PR which can be horrific if there’s a headwind, so wind is my least favourite weather to run in, apart from ice obviously. I also hate heat! πŸ₯΅

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate10

Decisions decisions Cheeky! You could just flip a coin? Or given the number of options you now seem to have, a 12-sided dice!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to JonathanP

Hahaha I know Jonathan, there are tooo many options! I like your 12 sided dice idea! Or I could let Flossie choose! πŸ•πŸ˜…

Coddfish profile image
CoddfishGraduate10

Probably best not to over think it and just let it fall naturally. At this time of year, parkruns can get cancelled though bad weather and the date you plan might not work out. Unless you are organising VRBs from afar, of course. Whatever you do, enjoy it.

Mr C hasn’t given a moments thought to his 150th, which is coming up soon. With a volunteer week booked in between now and the new year, I think if he runs on each opportunity he will complete the 150th on my birthday in early January. That sounds a good plan for me to get him to unknowingly do!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Coddfish

I’m trying to do just that Coddfish. In which case it’ll be the 28th - or Christmas Day if I decide to go. I’ll only do that if the weather is good though, as it would be Severn Bridge. Who knows? But I realise I’m overthinking it! That’s just me and running - got to have a plan!

Exciting about Mr C’s impending 150th. That’s a biggie for sure. πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈπŸ‘

Coddfish profile image
CoddfishGraduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

It’s odd, he was very aware in the run up to his 100th, he ran it with a large helium 100 balloon.

Thank you for this post cheekychipmunks you've reminded me about the Christmas day and new years day parkruns. I've checked my local parkrun and they're doing both. This means I'll be park running for the first time in over 2 years as I've had a sat morning commitment elsewhere all that time. Happy days πŸƒπŸƒ

Oh and enjoy your 50th PR 😊

What's a VRB by the way?

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to

Oh good, I’m so glad you’ve rediscovered PR RCR! Two years is a long time to be away, not sure how I’d manage that. 😩

I’m thinking my 50th will be on the 28th, although I’m still not totally sure. πŸ˜… I’ll enjoy it whenever/wherever it is! πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈ

Oh, and a VRB is a virtual running buddy. Nowadays more and more of mine are changing into running buddies (no more virtual), as we meet up at PRs regularly throughout the year, all over the country. All welcome! πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™‚οΈπŸ‘πŸ˜€

Ginter profile image
GinterGraduate10

Why not Christmas day at Pompey Hill.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Ginter

Yes Ginter, that’s another option I hadn’t even considered ...... it’s also the one I’d do on NYD with Eastville for the double, even though I’ve never done it before. Hmm, choices, choices ....... πŸ€”

Runsome profile image
RunsomeGraduate10

Hi cheeky I recon do it on the 28th and start the new year afresh.πŸ˜€πŸ‘

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Runsome

It’s my most likely option I think Runsome. Can’t wait for my 50 shirt! πŸ˜πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ

Runsome profile image
RunsomeGraduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

Me too I’ve got another seven to do I think. 😊

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Runsome

πŸ‘πŸ‘

Deals1 profile image
Deals1Graduate10

Mmmmmm.... I'd just see how the next few weeks TBH.

maybe you could volunteer a few and combine the 50th with your birthday??

I've just worked I could time mine so my 50th is on my birthday too :-) (weather and life permitting! )

let us know what you decide.................

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply to Deals1

I’m a bit too impatient for my red 50 shirt to wait until mid January Deals! πŸ™„πŸ˜… It looks very much like it’ll be on the 28th. The only other option is Christmas Day, but it’s unlikely I’ll run that day as our 2 most local PRs aren’t holding them. If the weather is gorgeous I might go over to do Severn Bridge though ..... I’ll definitely let you guys know! πŸ˜€πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ

Deals1 profile image
Deals1Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks

I think the tshirts take a while to come too. πŸ˜ͺ

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