Monsal Trail... AGAIN!!!!

[Oldfloss]

Hey people !

I have been a very long time reporting, as there have been so many fantastic reports of the Monsal Trail Race.

I think they have said it all absolutely perfectly, capturing the essence of the day better than I could ever do.

I have tried to write a report a few times since Sunday, but I end up getting, just very teary.

The day was joyous; with friendship, new meetings, old friends, love, laughter... and some great running too. !!

We all had our goals... Mine?

Just to hug my dear, dear friend @bluebirdrunner and to finish the 10K in one piece. Both goals, wonderfully achieved.

For me also, to feel part of such an inspirational group of runners was almost overwhelming.

I am, (in my mind), an old snail, but not one single person there makes me feel like that.

I felt strong, confident, included and, unbelievably happy; just one of the group, just a runner.

After my setbacks since before Christmas, I was perhaps a little ? unprepared, but once running with BBR the doubts fell away, and we simply ran.

As Dexy5 says so eloquently in her post..

“If anyone has any doubts of the power of the Health Unlocked Forums, today they can be put to rest.”

No more from me... I am getting upset again...

So what else can I do but ramble a rhyme... and I warn you... this one is dreadful! ( Sorry) !

To the tune of Widdecombe Fair

*******

Nice Work Nice Work have you got a race.

All along, down along, out along lee

One I may run, in a really nice place

With Bluebirdrunner , TailChaser UpTheStanley

Young Kitten, Dexy5 linda9389 Katnap

OldFloss the slow, grey snail and all.

Oldfloss the slow, grey snail and all.

*******

And where shall we be as we start on that line

All along, down along, out along lee

We'll be at Bakewell all out in the sunshine

With Bluebirdrunner, Tailchaser, UptheStanley

Young Kitten, Dexy5, Linda9389, Katnap

Oldfloss the slow grey snail and all.

Oldfloss the slow grey snail and all.

*******

The day it did come and the racing began,

All along, down along, out along lee

We all determined to smile as we ran

With Bluebirdrunner, Tailchaser, UptheStanley

Young Kitten, Dexy5, Linda9389, Katnap

Oldfloss the slow grey snail and all.

Oldfloss the slow grey snail and all.

*******

Medals were won and each one did their best

All along, down along, out along lee

Time for group hugs, trophies, photos and rest

With Bluebirdrunner, Tailchaser, UptheStanley

Young Kitten, Dexy5, Linda9389, Katnap

Oldfloss the slow grey snail and all.

Oldfloss the slow grey snail and all.

*******

Run snacks all eaten with laughter and fun

All along, down along out along lee

The day it was over, though hardly begun.

With Bluebirdrunner, Tailchaser, UptheStanley

Young Kitten, Dexy5, Linda9389, Katnap

Oldfloss the slow grey snail and all.

Oldfloss the slow grey snail and all.

*******

Goodbyes all said, final hugs and a tear

All along, down along out along lee.

But all were agreed that we do it next year !

With Bluebirdrunner, Tailchaser, UptheStanley

Young Kitten, Dexy5, Linda9389, Katnap

Oldfloss the slow grey snail and all.

Oldfloss the slow grey snail and all.

*******

If you get the chance to run, a race or not, with forum friends... do it. It will renew your faith in humanity .

Love

Oldfloss x

PS

Sorry S, as Younger Kitten, I could not tag you,.. you are superstar x

[linda9389 Graduate10]

Well done, I don't know where to even begin with my own version of a race report. I am still choc-a-bloc with emotions from the whole weekend.

I do have to take issue with part of your report though ... there is simply no 'just' about you!!! I doubt you'll find one VRB who disagrees with me. You OF, are a legend - a very special member of the HU group, a very special runner and a very special VRB.

Congratulations on a super 10k, made all the more super by the couple of years that have preceded it 🥰

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

here here

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to linda9389]

I am glad it is not just me... how weird these sensations are?

It was just super to finally meet you, in person... and have a real hug! You ran brilliantly... what a time! I was delighted to get to 10K and in such a relaxed and happy way., with so many friends to add to that joy.

You words are so kind... thank you x

[TailChaser Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Abso flippin’ lutely!!!

[Instructor57 Graduate10]

Another great report of what sounds and looks like a great event !Really wish I could have been there but so glad to hear you all had such a great time .

And well done on completing that 10k , I know it hasn't been the easiest preparation but not surprised you made it ... Well done you ! X 😁👍🎉🎉🎉

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Instructor57]

Ohm, don't worry, you will be there next time... I have your name down

Thanks you...your support and faith in my ability, has made such a difference over these past, less than easy, weeks. Friendhio makes our hearts and our running feet, lighter .xxx

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

I like that poem Oldfloss, congratulations on reporting your wonderful Monsal Trail in prose, four really nice photos too, "keep running, keep smiling", I am sure the late great Tim would have been so proud of you, you and the other aforementioned runners from this forum did so well on Sunday running The Monsal Trail 10K and HM, 👍👍✅✅

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to AlMorr]

He was most definitely with us, Al... he was chuntering to me a few times, in my head....reminding me to run at that, conversational pace, and Bluebirdrunner and I certainly were. We ran and we chatted, we walked and we chatted... it was a glorious day and so much fun...and my first 10K this year too. Thank you, Al x

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Now you have made me teary....I will remember our run forever, I was anxious I wouldn't make the distance, an unknown course, having only been back running regulary since the end of January (for reasons you have supported me through). Only having run for a little under 6k so far in training for this, so I was hoping I would be able to wing it.

I found out the other HU runners were going to be there too a couple of days beforehand, which added to the excitement, and was really looking forward to meeting them all.

Once running, any struggles I had were eased by you Floss, calm and reassuring as the kms crept up. We chatted all the way, and the running just happened. You met my family and little grandson too as we paused for a few moments at Hassop to say hello.

We did it, and finished in style with a flourish thanks to you egging me into a sprint finish... holding hands across the line.

So proud of us both.

A most memorable day. Yes lets do it again next year!

Your poem is wonderful...just like you!

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

xxx

My report will follow in a few days.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

ohhhhh…this has made me teary thinking about you all together…& you and Oldfloss…my hero’s xx

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

My dear friend.... goodness; it was a moment.

We had such a run. It probably , for both of us could not have been better. Each supporting the other, each drawing strength from each running section, and chatting and giggling like two young girls. The weather was amazing, the countryside was just so, so, beautiful, and because we were running this in our own time at our own pace, the race almost became unimportant? As you say, it just happened which certainly for me is how it should be.

Gosh we did have a flying finish... we did it in style.... I think Laura would have been very proud of us.

There will be other runs... I am determined. Thank you for being there xxx

[ForbiddenPlanet Graduate10]

Wonderful! Perhaps the best thing about running is how inclusive it is? As an older person I see how I can slip through daily life unnoticed - but not as a runner - especially not in the company of other runners. 👏👍

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to ForbiddenPlanet]

So true... the running and the HU Forums are about so much more than just running.

Thank you... we had a terrific time x

[nowster Graduate10 in reply to ForbiddenPlanet]

Unnoticed? Not in brightly coloured lycra! 😆

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to nowster]

... and you should know?

[nowster Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

I'm definitely a MAMIL.

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to nowster]

Oh my goodness...!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

I absolutely love this. Feeling quite emotional after reading your post. What a wonderful day for you all ❤️❤️❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

It was my friend a joy and... I am really, really hoping that next year we shall have a few more friends there too... ? Yes ? xxx

[grumpyoldgirl]

Hang on a minute there, I've just got something in my eye...

The t-shirt...

....and I've got a jolly tune in my head too, thank you Floss, what a lovely post, that was some event. Off to read the rest of the monsal crew posts.

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Oh gosh.. xxx Yes.. Bluebirdrunner had given me that as an early gift for my birthday and I had kept it tucked away to wear on that day.

It gives you a real lift knowing you have that thought in your head... and by gosh, we did all run.. some folk amazingly quickly!! Smile? Oh yes.... my face still aches xxx

[grumpyoldgirl in reply to Oldfloss]

💞

[Dendev75 Graduate10]

Brilliant post OF, I can feel in your words how much this race meant to you, it sounds wonderful and uplifting with so many lovely memories to look back on. Well done to you all 👏🏻 love the t-shirt too 🥺🥰 x

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Dendev75]

I had no idea of how much it really did mean... it has knocked me for six but in a good way. Whether because after Covid before Christmas and ensuing bad weather and colds had left ne so low, I am not sure...but I felt elated.

The run was slow, but so , so enjoyable... I felt strong and relaxed and the fact I completed the 10K was a massive boost! x

[Kirst13 Graduate10]

Congratulations. It sounds like a lovely race, with good friends. Happy birthday too!

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Kirst13]

Thank you. In our famioy we have a Birthday week... so, this was a most excellent beginning to that. Friendship is priceless, but a gift very well worth giving...and there wasa lot of that on Sunday ... the run was beautiful too... with all the signs of Spring in the sunshine.

[Week7 Graduate10]

Brilliant post as usual -What a great daynand that special t-shirt too! That's what this running is all about.

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Week7]

It really is. Running yes, but about so much more too. We find we learn a lot about ourselves and others. and that can be taken on into so many other facets of our lives. We had a super time, with a lot of laughter, and that just ahs to be good for you ! x

[Week7 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Couldn't agree more!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Just perfect Floss, what a great time you had xx

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

We certainly did, and it was just, one of those special times...the glorious weather certainly added to the mix too. It was so welcome after so many cold and wet days

[Elfe5 60minGraduate]

Ooooh! Just wonderful! 🤗🤗🤗

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Elfe5]

It was... truly xxx

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

That’s it Oldfloss , all other posts completely topped. 🎼🎶🎵🎶🎵

And I completely agree with everything Linda has said. You are what has made the forums so special.

I hope you have now recovered from all the hugs 🤗 and are wearing your T-shirt with pride (especially as it doesn’t feature a Bakewell Tart) 😂

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Dexy5]

Ha ha... I have had my T shirt on for most of the time since Sunday! Yes, I feel I may be coming back down slowly... what a time we had...

This was one of those memories that has gone into the memory jar, tucked away on the shelf, to be lifted down on a dark and cold day, and relived. Thanks you for being part of it xxx

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

My pleasure 🏃‍♀️🤸🏼‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Runnin-g Graduate10]

Well done Oldfloss, it sounds like you had a wonderful day, no wonder it’s making you emotional. 👏🏽😊

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Runnin-g]

I'm still a tad emotional when I think about it... I think the whole build up made it so special. I am delighted to have run my first10K of 2023, with such good friends to make it even more meaningful !

[Runnin-g Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

🥰🥰🥰

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

fabulous  Oldfloss …what a team!!!

That 10k was always going to be yours, you flippin smashed it…

You’ve made me tear up thinking about you & Bluebirdrunner …my running wish is to run with you both xx

inspirational legends xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Mummycav]

Ha ha. I was not feeling that confident.... !

The weeks since Covid Christmas made the race seem like an unreachable goal at times.

Thank goodness for S and F and Yoga with Adriene!

But... we did it.... and by gosh, we had so much fun ... I got to meet the every people who inspire and encourage not just ne, but so, so many of our forum friends, and best of all, I ran side by side with BBR. Perfect ! x

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

you have come a long way since Covid Christmas, I’m so proud of you!! I know it really knocked you for six, but just like I would expect, you worked really hard to reach your goal & your determination paid off…you have the most amazing spirit Floss…

I’m filled with envy at you running with BBR!!! And her with you!! I feel like I need to make the journey down next year xxx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

I am still astounded that we did it Floss. Neither of us was ready.This run is one I think we both have yearned for for a long time. Our forum family were all with us in mind and spirit and filled us with strength and confidence, it was meant to be.

Just 10k...but our 10k.

🏃‍♀️💜🏃‍♀️xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

We did it..we certainly did!!So looked forward to, and such a happy, happy run... yes. .OUR 10K.

Xxx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

I would love that too MC...

We ran on Sunday with all of our forum family with us in spirit, cheering us on simply by being a huge part of our running journeys.This run has been one we have wanted for a long time, and was more meaningful than we could ever explain.

🏃‍♀️💜🏃‍♀️xxx

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

ohhhhh I bet it was emotional xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Mummycav]

You have no idea...so, so special xxx

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

🥺🥺🥺

[Sandie1961 Graduate10]

Fantastic. An epic day for an epic lady. Emotional, but for all the right reasons. Count me in for next time xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Sandie1961]

I thought about you and the HM...we shall need to make sure you're there next time! Thank you x

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

and meeeee x

[Sandie1961 Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

That would be fab 😃

[johnt46 Graduate10]

Another wonderful account of the Monsal Trail. I remember your first Monsal HM . I believe it was 2019? You gave a detailed account of the run, and knowing the area , and being of a similar age, you inspired me to want to do this run. You gave me advice in a “Chat” for which I am grateful for. I still haven’t managed it , 10miles is my best to date. On the IC again at the moment, but will make every effort to get to the Monsal Trail next year, and hopefully see you there🤗

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to johnt46]

Now there IS a target for you... It would be super if we could make that happen!It's a beautiful trail, to walk cycle and run...the views and the feeling of the place.

Heal well and please keep us posted!! Thanks for replying! X

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

how wonderful if we could make this a hu event???? X

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Aw, what a fab, heartfelt post Floss 😍 It must have been such a magical day and your post shows all the emotions that must have been flowing there that day.

A whopping well done and congratulations to you for your 10K. I know how much work it has taken to get to the start line never mind the finish line!

The image of you and Bluebirdrunner running and chatting together warms the coldest heart 😍

All in all, a wonderful, wonderful day xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you, Maj!

As Coach Bennett says.. it is the battles we with that get us to the starting line... it certainly has felt like a bit of a battle at times, although nowhere near as difficult as the times and upsets that some of our forum friends have faced and are facing x

It was a very special day.. xxx

[backintime Graduate10]

Great post and I sang your poem in my head!

I've never met any of you but your post had me teary eyed too, must have had onions in it!

It sounds like a wonderful time was had by all and as has already been said, there is no "just" about you! You're a running legend on HU as far as I'm concerned.

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to backintime]

Good to get folk singing ! yes.. a day full of a rollercoaster of emotion and so much fun too. Getting that 10K tucked away, albeit slowly... was really super! Thanks you x

[Birdlady64 Graduate10]

Wonderful! And, as you say, definitely on for the memory jar, for all sorts of reasons. Very well done! 🤗

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Birdlady64]

It was a good day! The 10K was absolute bonus too ! Thank you x

[misswobble Graduate10]

ha ha. Brilliant OF! Well done 😀💪👍🏅🏃‍♀️

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to misswobble]

Thanks you...I have you to thank for helping me, so many times, to gain confidence and to realise that we can achieve most things if we stay strong and believe we can. Not the HM this time, but the 10K was sweet enough. X

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

I0k on the Monsal Trail sounds like heaven 😀💪🏅

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to misswobble]

It was...I wish you could have been there too.. a glorious dayx

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

me too! No bad backs or pneumonic husband next year 😁💪

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to misswobble]

Everything will be crossed ! x

[Cowladyrunning Graduate10]

I love this report OF! Your song really made me smile. How lovely your race was. Congratulations. 💞

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Thank you...! It was a lovely race and a perfect day...I was tired later though! X

[RunBrianRun Graduate10]

I’m tearful just reading this. Fabulous stuff and well done to all the HU runners out there. It sounded like you all had a very memorable experience. A reminder of how I do miss this camaraderie very much.

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to RunBrianRun]

Oh gosh... xxx We did have a fabulous time... it is a running family to be sure xxx

[Katnap Graduate10]

Younger kitten is enjoying downtime during the Easter holidays with TailChaser and we will make sure your messages get to him!

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Katnap]

Thanks you xxx

[aliboo70 Graduate10]

So glad you had such a brilliant day,what a fantastic HU forum meet up,yay! Super proud of you my running friend, taking on that 10k and having a wonderful time! ❤ 💪😁🏃‍♀️xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to aliboo70]

It was a bit of a challenge leading up to it Ali, but so, so worth it...! Thanks you xxx

[LottieMW Ambassador]

Oh OF…that sounded absolutely wonderful! Sounded like it was great fun 😊🏃🏻‍♀️🐌👏🏼

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to LottieMW]

Enormous fun... Cannot wait until next year! xxx

[Irish-John Graduate10]

What a great post, and a great group of Runners ! Well done Floss, well done indeed 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Irish-John]

There you are!!!! Thanks you !

[TailChaser Graduate10]

Brilliant Floss, it was up there with the best races that I have done and I’m still coming down from it. Both for meeting friends and helping running confidence, it’s just totally up there!😀

I hope this isn’t the only time we see you this year. We’ll do it somehow 🤞

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to TailChaser]

Hello!! Are you fully recovered??? London good???Yes..I think a few of us were still floating from the day...it was just brilliant..I'm looking forward to seeing you again at some point!!

Where there's a will ...?

Thanks for making it so special!!

[TailChaser Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Hello 😀 As fully recovered as I’m going to let myself 😂 Running has become easier than walking, I think I’m evolving 😄 It was definitely a very special day, we wouldn’t even known about it without you 😍

London was fab thanks, we made the most of our travelcards travelling up and down the tube network and getting bounced around on the DLR. FOMO for the London Marathon as I saw lots of reminders of 6 months ago. Interesting journey home due to delays and closures, but testament to youngest kitten’s knowledge of the rail network.

We’ll sort something out even if it’s just a picnic visit to The Roaches 👍