Despicable Theft of Poppypug's Medal - Couch to 5K

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Despicable Theft of Poppypug's Medal

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate
77 Replies

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

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Runon
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77 Replies
Val52 profile image
Val52Graduate

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

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate 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 profile image
runlikeagirlGraduate

Congratulations to all who ran today but especially in Manchester x

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate in reply to runlikeagirl

Thank you :)

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate

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 profile image
RunonGraduate 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 profile image
poppypugGraduate 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 ??? :-D

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

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate 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 profile image
poppypugGraduate in reply to Runon

Ha ha ! :-D

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

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate 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 profile image
poppypugGraduate in reply to Runon

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

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate in reply to poppypug

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

nhs2015 profile image
nhs2015Graduate in reply to poppypug

Congratulations Poppy xxxxx

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate in reply to nhs2015

Sorry nhs2015 ( Monique ) I have just seen this :-)

Thankyou so much :-) xxx

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate in reply to poppypug

Well done poppypug

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate in reply to Maddee_6333

Thanks Maddee , it really was a very special day xxx

ancientrunner profile image
ancientrunnerGraduate in reply to poppypug

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

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate 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 :-D xxx

ancientrunner profile image
ancientrunnerGraduate in reply to poppypug

Never!!

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate in reply to poppypug

Were horses racing too? Erm....

aliboo70 profile image
aliboo70 in reply to poppypug

Congratulations poppy! 😊

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate in reply to aliboo70

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

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Graduate

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 profile image
RunonGraduate in reply to Madge50

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

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate

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 profile image
RunonGraduate in reply to Sandraj39

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

Rignold profile image
Rignold

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

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate 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 profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

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 profile image
RunonGraduate 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 profile image
poppypugGraduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Thank you so much Jan xxx

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate

Well done!

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate in reply to Maddee_6333

Thanks Maddee. I think chatting to Poppy calmed my nerves :)

Sillybilly1 profile image
Sillybilly1Graduate

Well done

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate in reply to Sillybilly1

Many thanks for that.

PippiRuns profile image
PippiRuns

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

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate in reply to PippiRuns

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

aliboo70 profile image
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 profile image
RunonGraduate 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 profile image
poppypugGraduate in reply to Runon

Oh no we're not ! Oh yes we are ! :-)

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

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate in reply to poppypug

She's behind you 😃

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

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 profile image
aliboo70 in reply to Oldfloss

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

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate 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 profile image
poppypugGraduate 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 profile image
GillmaGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Agreed - lovely bit of poem

ancientrunner profile image
ancientrunnerGraduate

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

Great picture.

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate

Thanks Ancient Mum - Yes Poppers takes a good photo :)

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate

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

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate

Thank you kindly - it was an amazing day 😀X

stevy profile image
stevy in reply to Runon

Huge CONGRATULATIONS😃 Well done,Stevy.

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate in reply to stevy

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

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate

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 profile image
poppypugGraduate in reply to Irishprincess

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

stevy profile image
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 profile image
poppypugGraduate in reply to stevy

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

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate 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 profile image
IrishprincessGraduate in reply to Runon

Haha! I can imagine 😂😂😂

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate in reply to Runon

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

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate in reply to poppypug

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

runningnearbeirut profile image
runningnearbeirutGraduate

Fantastic post!

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

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate 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 profile image
Lorna9339

Congratulations on your great time! Enjoyed your post also 😊

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate in reply to Lorna9339

Many thanks Lorna 😃

McFitty profile image
McFittyGraduate

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 profile image
RunonGraduate 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 profile image
poppypugGraduate 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 profile image
poppypugGraduate

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 :-D xxx

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate in reply to poppypug

Is that a Cheshire Cat perchance?xxx

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate 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 ! " :-D xxx

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate 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 profile image
AnniemurphGraduate

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 profile image
RunonGraduate 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 profile image
mcgurranhouseGraduate

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 profile image
RunonGraduate 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 profile image
mcgurranhouseGraduate 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 profile image
RunonGraduate in reply to mcgurranhouse

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

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