(Not) parkrun - more like a searun!

[JonathanP]

This morning I again joined my Southsea running buddies Dexy5 , UpTheStanley , Oldgirlruns , Coddfish and Mr C for their weekly (not) parkrun escapade. For those of you who haven't been paying attention 😜, this involves separate runs near to the Southsea course, meeting up afterwards at a local cafe for whatever you fancy!

So having made my way southwards to the Southsea prom from my stamping ground in the north of Portsmouth, the plan was to start my 'out and back' into the wind (a light north-westerly today) and then to make the most of it helping me back on the second leg. I started my run just before 9.00, heading westwards towards Clarence Pier where I turned around.

I noticed via quick glances at my watch that my pace seemed a bit variable and finished in a relatively swift 27.18, two seconds faster than last week's (not) parkrun. However when I then looked at my route (see screenshot), I realised that my Garmin had decided that a quick dip was the order of the day!

We all retired to the Southsea Beach Cafe for breakfast (or in my case cake as breakfast had been at 6.30!) and an excellent time was had by all!😀

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

You didn’t look at all wet when we met up either JonathanP. In my 2 years of running in Southsea , I haven’t tried that route Into the Solent! But on Southsea parkrun Mr Garmin often thinks I leave the prom to run down the road, even if I’m running next to UpTheStanley and his Garmin shows a straight route. We must have special powers.

It was lovely to see you again today. It turns out that this was my 2nd fastest (not) parkrun (my PB being wind assisted) and I pay some credit to Mr Coddfish , who ran alongside me in some of the last km and pulled me along with him.

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

No, at the speed I run, I dry very quickly!😜

Congratulations on your time, particularly given yesterday's niggle.👍

[UpTheStanley Graduate10]

That was so lucky - we ran right at the top of the tide. An hour later and it would have been ebbing, making your swim round the Castle and up towards the harbour much more difficult .

I ran exactly the same time as last week - felt harder though . Good to see you again!

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to UpTheStanley]

I might bring a kayak next time just in case 😀

Yes I think that time could be subject to a steward's enquiry! You too .

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

I’m impressed with your sea legs JonathanP ! Even more impressed if you run in flippers!

I find Garmin amusing when I cut the grass. Clearly the road needs doing too, also apparently I’m generous some weeks and mow the field across the road! 😅

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

😂😃

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

You should see my merman impression!😋

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to JonathanP]

That’s you covered for our next fancy dress PR then JonathanP ! 🤣

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

Your definitely running on water there 🤣 Well done on your fast 5k and a meet up at the end . Hope you enjoyed your tea and cake 🏃‍♂️👏☕🍰

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Buddy34]

Thanks - better than running on empty I guess! Yes, the cake was white chocolate and chai - very yummy.

[Coddfish Graduate10]

Interestingly Mr Garmin had you in the right place when you ran up and down the ‘mountain’. For non-Southsea folk, that’s the very slight rise in the promenade when it skirts round the castle. This is a very flat city. Lovely to see you JP.

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Coddfish]

And you. It must be that at that height, Mr Garmin has a clear view of the GPS satellite?!

[Oldgirlruns Graduate10]

It was good to see you as well JP! My Garmin’s has me in the sea before now as well, glad it’s waterproof! Frustratingly, what I thought was a PB actually matches a run I did on June - but if I can do it twice I can beat it next time can’t I?! And I don’t mind starting 30 minutes before everyone else, really I don’t! Hope we see you again soon at this end of the island !

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Of course you can - always room for improvement!

You too - I'm sure it won't be too long.😀

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

I love hearing about your group runs, sounds like a great run/swim for you today🤣 I hope you enjoyed your well deserved cake. Happy running 🤗

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thanks GH - it is great to be able to get together in the absence of proper parkruns.😀

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Nice running Jonathan! 🏃🙂

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks IP!👍

[Fionamags Graduate10]

What a great time for a 5k!

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Fionamags]

Thanks Fiona - though I think it might have been Garmin-assisted on this occasion!

[grumpyoldgirl]

Looky there, it's the Man from Atlantis! 😂 (Giving my age away somewhat 😊)

At least the café is on dry land. Sounds like a lovely meet-up too.

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Curses GOG! You've discovered my secret identity!🐠

[grumpyoldgirl in reply to JonathanP]

Mwah ha ha ha ha!!!