What an experience! After several weeks of PR tourism, this weekend was dedicated solely to running 10 miles at the iconic Great South Run. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. 😍
There was hospitality in vast abundance. Dexy5 and UpTheStanley very kindly put Sandie1961 and I up, and we were wined and dined yesterday evening. Most agreeable, and I probably shouldn’t have partaken of a luscious G&T and a glass of wine on the evening before running such a distance - well I did, so there! 😅 We were also introduced to the charming @Oldgirlruns (who maybe doesn’t follow this particular forum as I can’t tag her?) She was such a wonderful supporter and she was there to cheer us on at various points on the course. Thank you Kathy! 😀
Much excited faffage this morning of course. Which Tailwind to mix, shorts or capris, all the regular faffing malarkey - but we left at 9:30 and made our way to Mr and Mrs Coddfish ’s to check in with them and to save using the portaloos! Thank you guys, much appreciated! 👏👍
The run itself was awesome. UTS and Sandie were in the white wave, Dexy, Mr and Mrs C and I were in green. I ran up to about 13k with Dexy who then began to Jeff a little but she’s still quicker than me even though I didn’t!! I must admit my legs needed some stern talking to at 12k, and 13k was my slowest split. Thankfully I achieved negative splits for 14, 15 and 16k so I was pleased with that. 😀 I finished in 2:21 in the end. 👍
The weather couldn’t have been better - oh and I’m so glad I picked shorts to run in. ☀️ The wind was light but chilly. Perfect for cooling down a hot chipmunk!
Bling number 4 achieved. 🎉🏅Loved every moment. ❤️
Written by
cheekychipmunks
Half Marathon
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I didn't like the tops at all last year - a mucky looking grey and yellow - gave mine to my son in the end cos it's certainly a nice quality, just very unfeminine 🤣. The weather was too hot too - I clearly picked the wrong year 😍
Oh gosh, I can’t imagine running it in the heat Linda. 🥵 I was borderline too hot myself today, but the wind was lovely and cool. And the tee shirts are a lovely purple - definitely a keeper! 😀
A question for you - was there a Myprotein protein bar in your goody bag? They're out of stock of the Dark chocolate and sea salt flavour and I wondered if they'd sent them all to the GSR (which is where I discovered them last year 😍)
🎉👏🏼🎉 Hurray. A great result. And super pictures. I see Brunhilda made an appearance. She does get around. 🤣 Sounds like truly excellent fun - don’t we find our fun in funny places? I thought of you all when I saw the lovely weather this morning - so glad.
What a fantastic run for you today Cheeky, I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed your run today, I was watching it on Channel 5, well done, did you see that police car being towed by four policemen?, there were also firemen running along with heavy equipment and some guy from the Navy with a 40 Kilogram? something over his shoulder, once again congratulations on a wonderful run.
Thanks Al! It was such fun. Yes we saw the policemen pulling the car just before we started - I didn’t envy them one bit! Also fun to watch were the fully kitted out riot police running with a bunch of convicts! Some very ambitious fancy dress today. 😅
That’s a cheeky picture of me trying to fly home with my silver foil cape! I was so cold at that point. It was so lovely to share this weekend with you and Sandie1961 , and of course the Coddfish pair today.
Running together most of the way helped both of us , I think. So glad you enjoyed it.
Beachcomber66 knew we wouldn’t survive the evening without a drinky poo. But hey we had fun, even if we might have been faster without it . I think the decaffinated coffee that turned out not to be decaf did us more harm.
Ahh, Beachcomber66 was right! 👍 I’m willing to sacrifice a few minutes of time for an evening of fun Dexy! I actually slept surprisingly well, caf or decaf coffee. I just woke up at 6 on the dot and was far too excited to go back to sleep! 😅
Congratulations also to you Dexy on completing the Great South Run today, I am sure you enjoyed it, I have seen the photos, you all look so happy, like the photo of you and UTS in the street after you completed the run with your silver foiled cape, sorry you felt so cold.
Mr C blurted it out when he collected me at the finish. So much for turning the RWC app’s notifications off! Really looking forward to both semis, look out for us in the crowd!
Brilliant run CC. Anybody would have opened up the booze with the lovely pre run get together you all shared. Great run, great run timing and a great time too. Awesome weekend 👏👏👏👏🥇
Thank you so much BC. You should really consider coming down for it one year (next? 😀) It’s a wonderful event and the hospitality we were given was second to none! 😀
Let’s see what sort of shape I am in next year. I have been to Portsmouth once, in 1973. Main memory is of HMS Victory and the fact that I was with my then girlfriend, now wife, when I was at college in the Deep South. Happy days 😊
A massive well done to you all! 10 miles is not to be sniffed at! And how lovely you got to run it together. This forum is magic, bringing lovely running folk together. ❤️ Great report, Cheeky. Well done on a great run. 👏👏👏 xxx
It was amazingly good fun BIT. An incredible atmosphere and sharing it with friends makes it even more special. 👍😀
What a brilliant experience all round and a fab run. Great time too. Avoiding the portaloos would have given you a head start - you need counselling to get over that experience! Loved your report xx
Thanks Tasha. 😀 Yes it was my longest race to date. I’m taking a break from long runs until after Christmas when I’ll reset in time to get ready for my first HM race in March, the Bath Half! Still can’t imagine doing a marathon like you though! 😅
It certainly was excellent Bath Half training IP! I know I need to work on properly strengthening my legs over the winter as my mind and breathing are more than willing, but my little pins wilt every time I reach 12-13k! I can boss them through to the end without walking, but by golly they make the last few miles harder than they need to be! 😅
But yes it was fantastic and I loved it so much! ❤️
A big event like that is both a blessing and also a logistical nightmare at times. It was great to have so many at the event. But I would have quite happily not have had them when I was trying to get to and from the run😅 Can't have it all ways though. And I will know in future to give myself more time!
Oh, if I lived nearby I would definitely do it again next year. We are along the coast in Eastbourne, so its a fair old jaunt. Worth it though forthe experience!
It never ceases to amaze me how wonderful the people on this forum are Floss. In real life as well as on here! They made the event even more special and I absolutely loved it. ❤️
Yes I hit a little wall at 13k, but had a stern word with my pins and they robotically took me home slightly less slowly! I was chuffed to pieces with my breathing all the way round! 😀
Super star chipmunk! And negative splits after all that running! Yikes! Wow wee! Astounding! It has been lovely to read how you all had such a super time! I'm still mouth opened in amazement! I wonder whether the after glow is still continuing. I'm sure you can glow for a whole week.
Awww thanks over61, yes I’m definitely still glowing, it was the best day. 😀
I am pretty surprised at my negative splits over the last 3k too. I did hit a bit of a wall (well my legs did - everything else felt fine!) at 13k, but I fed them Jelly Babies and Tailwind and they perked back up! I was pleased I could manage that. 👍
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London Vitality 10000
My first real race (GSR)
HM training week10 day5: 7.92km 1hour 20mins