50th Parkrun in the bag and a 2019 recap 🎉🏃‍♀️🐕

[cheekychipmunks]

Flossie and I had been looking forward to this one, despite the faffage deciding which date to run it (Christmas Day, NYD, my birthday in 3 weeks), but today it was. It was coolish, slightly sunny and there was no wind. Can’t get much better than that. 👍

We got our mention and a lovely round of applause (apaws) and felt very loved. It’s why PR is so wonderful, it gives you a warm and very fuzzy feeling. ❤️

I’m not going to lie, I’ve eaten more than my body weight in festive goodies, including 2 separate full-on roast turkey dinners. I also haven’t held back on alcoholic beverages - but I make sure I stick to fizz or gin (oh wait, also Baileys and a glass of port ... 🤭). Never mind, no harm done and I trotted happily around Eastville, even earning a 2nd best time ever up our long hill. How that happened I have no idea! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

So that was my last PR of 2019. I’m volunteering (very sensibly I think!) on NYD, then it’ll be back to proper HM training. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

So, in a nutshell, 2019 has seen me run the Bristol 10k, Bristol Race for Life 10k, Severn Bridge 10k and the Great South Run. I also ran my first ever HM distance. 😀 I’ve turned into a PR junkie, having run 10 different courses (more to come!) and Flossie and I even earned volunteer of the year certificates. ❤️

What’s been really special is meeting so many new and wonderful (no longer virtual) running buddies, including: Dexy5 , UpTheStanley , TailChaser , Katnap , their incredible kittens, Sandie1961 , damienair and Oisin, Oldgirlruns , Sharuns , RunaroundSue , Jay66UK , Pianism , UnfitNoMore and Little Miss UNM, Coddfish , Mr Coddfish, Shake-and-run , SkiMonday , Wimborne and Windoze (couldn’t tag you guys as apparently I’ve reached the maximum number of mentions! 😅) Please tell me if I’ve missed anyone out - and I do apologise if I have ..... 😩

So bring on 2020 so I can do it all again. Running is simply the best (nooo, now I have a Tina Turner earworm 😅)

❤️

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Congratulations Cheekychipmunks, you so deserve that red t-shirt. I will tag Wimborne and Windoze , because I can. You also deserve car miles for the most travelled parkrunner. It has been such a pleasure to meet you on several occasions in 2019 and literally run with you in the great South run.

Happy New year to you and Flossie

and may 2020 bring new running adventures and distances for you.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy, it was an absolute pleasure to meet you and UTS this year. I fully intend on more PR tourism in 2020, so our paths will cross again I’m sure - maybe even at the London Vitality 10000 in May if we can find a way of doing so (along with Beachcomber66 ). 😀

Happy New Year to you! Xx

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Oh yes you also met JonathanP at my 50th.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Cringe, I’m sooooooo sorry JonathanP , I knew I’d miss someone. I was going from pure memory. 😩 How could I forget? I met you at your 50th and Dexy5 ’s. Forgive me?? 🤞

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Forgiven already Cheeky - we all get those senior moments!😋

What a fantastic year - here's to the next ! Oh and enjoy that red t-shirt - I wear mine with pride 👍🎉😀

[onemdc Graduate10]

Congratulations 🥳 My daughter and I did ours on Christmas Day 🎄

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to onemdc]

Thanks onemdc, and congratulations to you and your daughter too! It’s a big deal isn’t it? 😀

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Congratulations on your 50th parkrun this morning cheeky, also to your dog Flossie as well, a great day to run, congratulations also to you for earning the volunteer of the year award, onwards and upwards to 2020 with many more parkruns and other events as well 🏃🏾 🏃🏾 👍 👍

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks so much Al. Parkrun, as you know, is fabulous, and I recommend it to everyone whether they run or not! 😅

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I agree with you regarding parkruns, I have just ordered a Vitality 5K Parkrun T shirt, they say it will be delivered on Tuesday 31st December.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Fantastic, it’ll get lots of use I’m sure. 👍😀

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

👍 🏃🏾 👚

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

What a year you have had and 50 park runs most amazing

Looking forward to 2020 and reading about more running tales, lots of great people too you met up with

Wishing you a very happy new year and strong legs

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks WillowandSola! It’s certainly been a great year and I’m hoping 2020 is too. 😀

Happy running to you. 🎉

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank you i’m resting legs today after first 6k yesterday which left us buzzing all day

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Oh wow well done! Isn’t it the best feeling? Fatigued legs after a new running milestone. Good for you guys! 👏👏👏

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Willow made just over 5k and we were back at the car but i carried on a bit and got to 6k Ise retry want to run 10k but it takes so long, 58 minutes for 6k i included warm up and cool down walk so my aim at the moment is 6k excluding the walking parts

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Nothing wrong with slow running, and I speak from experience! Well done on your 5k and 6k respectively. You’ll definitely get to 10k, and remember there’s no hurry. Enjoy. 😀👏👍

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I’m not in any hurry, I’m just happy to run and Willow is too

[Coddfish Graduate10]

Very well done on your 50th Cheeky, and happy running in 2020. Mr C just ran his 149th today so has the option of doing his 150th on NYD or on my birthday.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Coddfish]

Thanks Coddfish. How exciting for Mr C to have reached 150 PRs. I guess it depends on your NYE plans. I decided to volunteer, as we’re off to a 20’s party and it won’t be an early night! Happy running in 2020. 🏃‍♀️🏃🎉

[Coddfish Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

We are also off to a 20s themed NYE party but it’s out in the sticks and one of us will be driving / not drinking. My guess is that will be me, I will get up the next morning for parkrun leaving Mr C snoring at home. Hope you have a good time and that we see you again some time this year. I am still thinking of combining the Ashton Court parkrun with some rugby, but unfortunately the Bristol Bears home match with my team (Quins) is a Sunday rather than Saturday fixture this season.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Coddfish]

Hey maybe make a weekend of it then! Bristol has tons to offer, so you could do PR on Saturday morning and spend the afternoon exploring before heading over to Ashton Gate on Sunday. Just an idea ...... 😀🏃‍♀️🏃 🏉

Happy new year to you both, and enjoy your party! 🎉👍😀

[Coddfish Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Not a bad idea at all!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Coddfish]

Excellent! Let me know if you do decide to come so I can pencil in it the date. 😀

[ForbiddenPlanet Graduate10]

Wow - that's a lot of running! Very impressive. 👍

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to ForbiddenPlanet]

It is isn’t it FP. I either run or volunteer every Saturday, and if I’m away or can’t for any reason I feel like I’m missing out big style! 😅

[Stephen_UK Graduate10]

Congratulations, CC, on the 50th and all your other achievements – not least being such an inspiration to all of us here. This place is so much better for your presence and your posts are always a pleasure to read. Wishing you (and Flossie) another great year of running.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Stephen_UK]

Aww thanks so much Stephen, what a kind thing to say. 😀 I love sharing my love of running, so yes l’ll definitely keep posting!

Happy running in 2020 to you too. 😀🏃🎉

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Great year for you cheeky and massive congratulations on your 50th PR and all those 10k runs. All the best for your half marathon training. Hope 2020 proves to be as wonderful as 2019

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thanks GTB, yes I hope so too. I intend to continue with my PR tourism (new and existing VRBs welcome too of course), and I have several races entered which will be fun. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Happy running in 2020 to you too. 👏👏

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

Congratulations cheekychipmunks to you and Flossie. You've achieved so much .

Hope you are so proud to get your parkrun 50 t-shirt.

😊😊👏👏👏🐕🐕

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Buddy34]

Thanks Buddy, I can’t wait to receive my teeshirt! Next up will be my 25 PR volunteering tee shirt, but not quite yet. 🏃‍♀️

Happy running to you in 2020 too. 🏃🎉👏

[Hidden]

What a fantastic year you’ve had! Happy new year to you 🥳

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much Rhedeg, it’s been a great year. Here’s to more of the same for us all in 2020. 😀🏃‍♀️🏃🎉👍

[Sandie1961 Graduate10]

Woohoo, congratulations Cheeky 🥳🏃‍♀️💥🙌🥂 So you finally made a decision 😂 It has been an absolute pleasure meeting you and all our other running buddies this year (not forgetting BaddieThePirate ) - we’ve achieved a huge amount together and had a lot of laughs haven’t we, with some great friendships made along the way? I just know next year is going to be even better and the circle of VRBs becoming RBs will grow ever wider. Have a brilliant New Year - fizz and gin it is xxx

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

Dohhhh, huge apologies to you too BaddieThePirate . I knew I’d forget people (it’s my age! 🤣)

Yes it was an absolute pleasure to meet you this year Sandie. I’m sure our running paths will cross in 2020 too. 😀🏃‍♀️🎉

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

Well apparently clear alcoholic beverages reduce or even prevent hangovers, so that’s my excuse right there! Enjoy your NYE celebrations and happy speedy running to you in 2020! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Sandie1961 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Well, that’s my excuse too 😃 I know it’s NRR but we need flapper pics!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

I will if you will! 🤣🤣🤣

[Jell6 Graduate10]

Crikey cheeky that is some list of achievements 🍾🎊

Here's hoping that 2020 brings you continued health, happiness and inspiring posts 😘😘😘

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Jell6]

Thank you so much Jell! Looking back it does seem incredible that a confirmed running hater has transformed into a running junkie - I think the majority of us feel the same! This forum has been invaluable of course. Who knows where we’d be without it. Oh I know, on the couch! 🤣

Happy 2020 to you! 👏❤️

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10]

An amazing year CC in which you have not only achieved so much but also bamboozled the best out of the rest of us. Joint VRB of the year with the rest of the squad.😊🤩

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66]

Hahaha thanks BC! I realise I get rather too enthusiastic sometimes, but I want my VRBs to experience it too - and you must admit it’s fun isn’t it? Hope we can meet at the London Vitality 10000 in May. 😀

Happy 2020 to you and your family BC! 😀🎉

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks CC...I am very happy to be bamboozled 🧙‍♀️Happy 2020 to you and yours too. 😊

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66]

Good, so we’ll continue in 2020. Excellent news! 😅

[damienair Administrator]

Huge Congratulations to you Cheeky. Achieving the 50th parkrun milestone is fantastic and signifies commitment. Wear your new 50 Milestone T-Shirt with pride. Happy running in 2020.

Meeting you and some other VRB’s in Eastville was one of my 2019 parkrun highlights.

Damien

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

Thanks so much Damien! It was my absolute pleasure to welcome you and Oisin (Flossie’s pal) to Eastville, along with Dexy5 , UpTheStanley and SkiMonday - and who knew that Tesco Extra did such tasty breakfasts? 😅

[damienair Administrator in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I know, I was very impressed with the Cafe in Tesco Extra. Hoping to do either Northwich or Southport in 2020. Another weekend away with Oisin to get another compass point.

Happy New Year,

Damien

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

Fantastic, it’s lovely that you run with your son. 😀🏃🏃😀

[Granspeed Graduate10]

🎉👏🏼🎉 Congratulations. What a year of achievement and fun. 👍🏃🏼‍♀️🎉 A shining example of Fun with Running. ⭐️🥂🎉

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Granspeed]

Thank you GS, you’re right, it is fun, and we’re all doing so well. Happy running in 2020 to you. 😀🎉🏃‍♀️👍

[Shake-and-run Graduate10]

Congratulations to you and Flossie. Xx

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Shake-and-run]

Thanks S&R. Hope to see you again in 2020. 👍🏃‍♀️

[TailChaser Graduate10]

You’ve just answered the question I just asked you on Strava 😂 ah well... I’m spending a long car journey catching up...

Congratufabulations Cheeky, a supremely well deserved red shirt for you, and was it Flossie’s too??? She’s one amazing pooch 🤗 It’s been brilliant to run with the two of you this year and we are looking forward to running with you at many more in 2020! 👏👍👏👍👏🎉🎉🎉

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to TailChaser]

Ahh yes, I just read your Strava comment - no double for me this NYD, I thought volunteering at 10:30 would be safer!

Happy 2020 to you and the rest of the Kats, TC, and you bet we’ll meet up again! You try and stop me (and Flossie!) xx

[TailChaser Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Happy 2020 to you and Flossie too!xx

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10]

Happy red t-shirt day! 👍😁

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Thanks Baddie, I feel like a seasoned parkrunner now. 😀🏃‍♀️👍

[Jay66UK Graduate10]

Well done. Lovely to meet you too x

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Jay66UK]

Thanks Jay. Happy 2020 to you. 😀🎉🏃

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks! Hoping for a better decade 🥳

[Cantstopmenow Graduate10]

What a successful and happy year, in terms of both running and new friendships. You are a real encouragement. 🏃‍♀️😊

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Cantstopmenow]

Aww thank you CSMN, that’s a kind thing to say. It has been a great year for my running, and judging by lots of the posts on these forums recently, others have had successful years too. We all spur each other on, and that’s why we love HU! 🏃‍♀️🏃🏃‍♀️🏃

Happy 2020 to you! 🎉😀

[Cantstopmenow Graduate10]

Thank you. Happy New Year to you too. Sounds crazy, but I dont really feel comfortable about entering a race yet. I've read so much on the internet about the average age of runners (30s) and the average time to complete a 10k and half a marathon and I'm concerned I wont be up to it! I know this is crazy as I can run 13k!

So I'm going to bite the bullet in 2020!

Enjoy your party 🎉

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Cantstopmenow]

Oh yes, definitely give a race or two a go, they’re such fun. I’m mid 50’s, so miles over the average age if that’s the case, plus I’m not quick at all and was nowhere near the slowest at the events I’ve run in. It simply doesn’t matter, unless of course there’s an unrealistic cut-off time (in which case I wouldn’t enter). 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Have fun and good luck! 😀

[Oldlady57]

Congrats Cheeky, that’s dedication for you!!! I’m still trotting round despite all the Christmas temptations 🤣🤣🤣 Happy New Year to you & your 🍾🥂

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Oldlady57]

Thanks OL, I figure any running around Christmas is a bonus! Good for you! 👍😀👊

Happy New Year to you and your family too. 🥂🎉

[Pianism Graduate10]

Congrats on the 50th Parkrun and all the very best for 2020. Hope it's as great as 2019 sounds from your write-up and I'm sure our paths will cross at some point. X

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to Pianism]

Thank you so much Pianism, yes I’m sure there will be more VRB meetups planned in 2020! Happy running to you too. 😀👏🏃👍

[skysue16 Graduate10]

Happy New Year Cheeky! What a wonderful list of achievements in 2019, and 50 PR you must feel so proud 😊 Well done indeed. All the best in 2020, I look forward to hearing about your adventures 😀👍

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to skysue16]

Thanks SS! I was pleased to receive an email today saying that my 50th PR teeshirt had been dispatched today. Can’t wait to wear it! 👏👏

All the very best to you for 2020 too. Hope you have a great year of running ahead. 👍🏃‍♀️😀

[SkiMonday Graduate10]

Hi CC

Congrats on your 50th PR and on a great running year! Sorry this is a bit late, I haven't been on here for a while.

It was good to meet up back in the autumn, I must look out for more meetings this year (if memory serves me right, I think a number of VRBs are going to be at the Bath HM in a month or so).

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to SkiMonday]

Oh hi SM! 👋 Great to hear from you. Yes, there are several people from HU running the Bath Half. Will you be there? Only 4 weeks to wait ...... getting very real! 😳😀

And yes we’ll definitely be arranging more VRB meet ups this year. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Hope your running is going well this year so far? 😀👍🏃‍♂️

[SkiMonday Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

It's going to take me some time to build up to being able to run an HM but I'm thinking of wandering over to Bath for the meetup. I'll keep an eye on this forum to see what's happening.

I think it will be your first HM event but I can see you've put the training in so have a good run!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to SkiMonday]

Oh yes it would be lovely if you could meet up with us! So far it’s linda9389 , Irishprincess , Redcello41 and I, and of course anyone else from HU is welcome too! 👍

It’ll indeed be my first HM race. I’ve run the distance once before back in September, and I’ve been building back up, I did 10 miles this week, and I’m toying with leaving it at that for the long run. I’m confident I can make the distance, but I want to keep my little legs as fresh as possible! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️