Despicable Theft of Poppypug's Medal

[Runon]

So today I ran the Manchester 10K - After the horrific attack last Monday I thought it would be a subdued affair - it wasn't - it was respectful, positive and life affirming - a gesture of solidarity and unity.

I also got to meet the iconic, amazing and incredible Poppypug once again. She is just the most lovely person you could hope to meet. She had just completed her HM before I was due to start the 10K - I thought I could save myself a lot of bother by stealing her medal - claiming it was mine and lazing away the afternoon - it was not to be - charity workers rushed to her aid and I was told to go get my own medal - so I did with a time of 58.30 so I'm pretty chuffed as to be honest I was a bit nervous and thought I would do terribly badly. I nearly had to stop though - I'm not terribly used to running events and tried drinking a bottle of water which had been passed to me - it's difficult to drink when you're bouncing up and down so I tried squirting it - first time I missed and got myself in the eye - second time I kinda squirted too much and it went down the wrong way - I thought I was going to choke and nearly had to stop but all was well after much coughing and spluttering - how undignified! I want to thank Poppy and Aliboo for their messages of support also - they came at just the right time

Now Today - is exactly one year since I snapped my leg in a motorcycle accident I feel very lucky to be here and also very proud to have run in Manchester. They had a minutes silence for the victims of the atrocity during which I asked myself why I was there…

I Run...

To win,

And to learn to live with losing,

I run for my body,

I run for my mind,

I run to be strong,

I run to be calm,

I run for the challenge,

I run to be free,

I run because I can...

and nothing and nobody is going to stop me...

Run On

[Val52 Graduate]

Well said, brilliant post. 👏And we'll done on your 10k, great time too. 😊

[Runon Graduate in reply to Val52]

Thanks Val - it was a great race with a great atmosphere and a strong message of support to the victims and their families.

[runlikeagirl Graduate]

Congratulations to all who ran today but especially in Manchester x

[Runon Graduate in reply to runlikeagirl]

Thank you

[poppypug Graduate]

You did it !!!! You got your sub 60 !!!

Aw I am so pleased for you , Really Well done to you !

It was lovely seeing you again, you have this wonderful way with you where it feels like Ive known you for years xxx

It was a brilliant day wasn't it ? I am so glad I went, I would've regretted it so much if I hadn't have gone I am sure and I couldn't pass up the chance of meeting up with you again could I ?

It was a fantastic day for Manchester , I think it gave everyone there a well needed boost and it was so uplifting to see so many turning up to run and also the route was so well supported .

Lovely post , and Really Well done on your run today xxx

[Runon Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Thank you so much Poppers I think I would have been a little lost if I hadn't met you. It was a brilliant day for all sorts of reasons but particularly because I think it was as you suggest a boost for Manchester to help heal the wounds.

It's strange isn't it - you can know some people for years and never know them - others you click with straight away - this is your special talent Poppers

Well done to you - I've no idea how yo can run an HM and a few minutes later look a cool as a cucumber - but you did xxx

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Runon]

Aww thank you so much ! Its so nice to meet someone and just gel together . Mind you , you ARE as daft as me ( and I mean that in a nice way ) xxx

Oh and thank you for getting me that extra cuppa ! " What did you say ?? Youre going to faint if you don't have another cuppa ???

Its a good job you didn't see me at the end, or just after my HM , you would've ran away shrieking xxx

[Runon Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Well the old cuppa line worked with the lovely charity girls - we both got a cup - I just thought it helped telling them you were about to faint if you didn't get one. Nothing like subtle hints. Xxx

Yes I am as mad as you 😎

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Runon]

Ha ha !

Ah weren't they lovely ? Really nice girls and the tea wasn't bad either xxx

[Runon Graduate in reply to poppypug]

The Girls could not have been kinder - I did promise to run for their charity next time - whoops The tea was very good too - that's the first time I've drunk tea with sugar in years - obviously a good thing

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Runon]

Yes, it was rocket fuel for your very tanned legs , I must say xxx

[Runon Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Tanned? Nah! Just haven't washed in years xxx

[nhs2015 Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Congratulations Poppy xxxxx

[poppypug Graduate in reply to nhs2015]

Sorry nhs2015 ( Monique ) I have just seen this

Thankyou so much xxx

[Maddee_6333 Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Well done poppypug

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Maddee_6333]

Thanks Maddee , it really was a very special day xxx

[ancientrunner Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Goodness Pops- you look amazing for having run a HM. Bloomin' marvellous!

[poppypug Graduate in reply to ancientrunner]

Thank you so much Linda xxx

Its a good job you didn't see me just after I had finished . I would've scared the horses ha ha xxx

[ancientrunner Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Never!!

[Runon Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Were horses racing too? Erm....

[aliboo70 in reply to poppypug]

Congratulations poppy! 😊

[poppypug Graduate in reply to aliboo70]

Thank you so much Ali, I will put my report up tomorrow and pics xxx

[Madge50 Graduate]

Oohhh you had me going there for a minute.......how could anyone try and scarper with poppypug 's medal......😱😉🏃‍♀️

Watched some of the TV coverage, looked a great event, so glad you both did ok......👏

Well done, a good day's work me thinks.....👍💪

Mx

[Runon Graduate in reply to Madge50]

Now how could anyone really steal from Poppypug Thank you Madge X

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Lovely post and photo! Well done on achieving your own bling (!) too, in a very respectable time. I watched the 10k on tv and found the whole thing very inspiring. Massive show of strength from Manchester - brave and proud and united.🙂

[Runon Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

It was very inspiring and very proud to have been there. Thanks Sandra.

[Rignold]

Sub sixty in this weather? that's certainly a great time

[Runon Graduate in reply to Rignold]

Thanks Rignold. I think the run through showers helped! I was tempted towards the end to just stay in it!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Well done to you Runon and also to the lovely Poppy😊

Great picture. Watched the 10k on tv looking out for c25kers.... it looked so well supported and organised and must have been amazing to be part of.

Be proud of your medals😊

*Jamsammich too.😆

[Runon Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks Jan - it really was amazing to be there. I've lived and worked in Manchester in the past and it's a place that is close to my heart.

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you so much Jan xxx

[Maddee_6333 Graduate]

Well done!

[Runon Graduate in reply to Maddee_6333]

Thanks Maddee. I think chatting to Poppy calmed my nerves

[Sillybilly1 Graduate]

Well done

[Runon Graduate in reply to Sillybilly1]

Many thanks for that.

[PippiRuns]

Well done on your sub 60 10k! Glad you survived that drink of water 💦

[Runon Graduate in reply to PippiRuns]

Many thanks - there must be a technique to the water drinking thing that I haven't quite mastered yet!!!!

[aliboo70]

Brilliant post Ru-non! and what a great photo, you two make a great double act! and i too can vouch for the fact that poppypug is a top lady (after meeting last year!)

That was a speedy time, you are a super speedy racing snake as i anticipated! well done on gaining your own bling! HM next for you me thinks!! or did you mention a 10 miler??!!

[Runon Graduate in reply to aliboo70]

Actually we're in the C25K Panto next Christmas! Yes I did accidentally mention a ten miler darn Souf around October 22 - hmmmm!!!!

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Runon]

Oh no we're not ! Oh yes we are !

Look out Ali, coming to a town near you next year ! xxx

[Runon Graduate in reply to poppypug]

She's behind you 😃

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Totally inspirational... wonderful. For me.... the best part, ( apart from you meeting poppypug ) ?

I Run...

To win,

And to learn to live with losing. x

[aliboo70 in reply to Oldfloss]

Runon has a very good way with words, not unlike your good self floss

[poppypug Graduate in reply to aliboo70]

I agree , we are so lucky to have such eloquent posters on here in Runon and Floss . They describe things so perfectly xxx

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I agree Floss , in fact I might have to nick that , do a bit of copying and pasting and stick it on my fridge door .

It's just so inspirational isn't it ? Xxx

[Gillma Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Agreed - lovely bit of poem

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Well done, looked like a great day on the tv- and so many good finish times.

Great picture.

[Runon Graduate]

Thanks Ancient Mum - Yes Poppers takes a good photo

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Great photo and wonderful post well done on your great time Rfcx.

[Runon Graduate]

Thank you kindly - it was an amazing day 😀X

[stevy in reply to Runon]

Huge CONGRATULATIONS😃 Well done,Stevy.

[Runon Graduate in reply to stevy]

Thanks Stevy - I just felt very proud to be there.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Fab photo you two and so well done. I love your double act on here so it must have been hilarious in real life 😂😂😂 Wish I could hear what you said 🙂

That's a fab time Runon, many congrats 👏👏👏 shame the water thing didn't work too well ☹️

poppypug you star, huge well done to you too xxx

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you so much your Maj Yes , we did have a titter or two ! xxx

[stevy in reply to poppypug]

Well done 😊 poppy😏,Great run from both of you,yourself and Runon,cannot thankyou enough for doing this on our behalf,Stevy

[poppypug Graduate in reply to stevy]

Thank you so much stevy , that is so kind of you xxx

[Runon Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

To be honest Princess - i suspect the charity workers in the Dementia UK tent thought we were both totally insane - they had that slightly nervous - "shall we give them a cup of tea or call the men in the white coats" look about them 😁 X

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to Runon]

Haha! I can imagine 😂😂😂

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Runon]

Ha ha ! Yes !!! They did look a bit worried didn't they ? xxx

[Runon Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Yeah well obviously they looked more worried at me - did you tell them you were my minder?

[runningnearbeirut Graduate]

Fantastic post!

And a great time for anyone, let alone someone who couldn't walk a year ago!

[Runon Graduate in reply to runningnearbeirut]

Thanks Runingnearbeirut. It was great - not even a twinge from the leg this morning so I think it is now officially healed. It was a tremendous event with a very positive spirit.

[Lorna9339]

Congratulations on your great time! Enjoyed your post also 😊

[Runon Graduate in reply to Lorna9339]

Many thanks Lorna 😃

[McFitty Graduate]

What a lovely, lovely post. Two lovely people, inspirational words, strength, solidarity, gorgeous pic and a healthy dollop of tittering. It doesn't get much better.😊Congrats both of you xxx

[Runon Graduate in reply to McFitty]

Many thanks McFitty - It's impossible not to titter when Poppers is about - she has an infectious laugh that makes the world smile. Xxx

[poppypug Graduate in reply to McFitty]

This is so lovely, thank you McFitty xxx .

Oh yes, you cant beat a bit of tittering on a Sunday, or any other day for that matter xxx

[poppypug Graduate]

Awww that is so lovely Runon , thank you xxx

Its you !!! You crack me up !!! You make me laugh so much. My Mam had an expression she would say " Oh he would make a cat laugh, him " ( Yes I know ) and I know exactly what she meant !!! Ha ha xxx

[Runon Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Is that a Cheshire Cat perchance?xxx

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Runon]

Ha ha , she used to get mixed up with her words, she used to say " Oh he was grinning like a Cheshire Cheese ! " xxx

[Runon Graduate in reply to poppypug]

I like that and I'm sure a lot of Cheshire Cheeses do grin - I might steal that too xxx

[Anniemurph Graduate]

Fantastic time, fantastic achievement and fantastic words, Runon . Well done indeed. Amazing that you you are back so successfully after breaking your leg, you must have worked so hard at your rehab, well done

Now then, this thing with poppypug and her medal. Good idea! I shall nick that for my next event! Much better than having to run the whole thing Great photo of the two of you - I bet you both had everyone in stitches.

[Runon Graduate in reply to Anniemurph]

Thank you so much Anniemurph - I think we probably did have a small smirk between us I am going to start a new company - Medal Pinchers Ltd. I'm sure we could make a few bob on eBay! 🤣X

[mcgurranhouse Graduate]

Well done - and wise words - I may print that out especially for my daughter - doing the Great Women's Run with her in Glasgow on Sunday - hoping to get her a sub 60 as well. Should be fun.

[Runon Graduate in reply to mcgurranhouse]

Fantastic and thank you for you for the kind words. - very good luck to you both at the Glasgow run. I lived there for three years and can speak Taxi Driver Glaswegian 😁X

[mcgurranhouse Graduate in reply to Runon]

I am good at languages but that one beats me - I need my daughter to translate - she has lived there for three years - loves it. We are starting in the Kelvingrove on Sunday I think - music every kilometre to keep you going - sounds brilliant.

[Runon Graduate in reply to mcgurranhouse]

It does sound brilliant - and kelvingrove is lovely if memory serves me well. Enjoy 😀