The wonderful GSR with my RB’s. No “V” required. ❤️

[cheekychipmunks]

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. ❤️

[Runsome Marathon]

What a great run with your vrb’s it seems you all had a perfect day 👍😀

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Runsome]

Absolutely fantastic Runsome. It was so special! 🏃‍♀️❤️🏃‍♂️❤️🏅

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

That sounds fantastic Cheeky - a great weekend all round and a medal to prove it! Congratulations

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda. It’s a cool medal and we got wonderful technical tops too. 👍😀

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

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 😍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

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! 😀

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

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 😍)

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

No, I just rechecked and there wasn’t. How odd!

[Granspeed]

🎉👏🏼🎉 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.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Granspeed]

Hahaha Granspeed, yes Brunhilda is very useful. There’s no one else quite like her! 😅

The weather was indeed perfect. Sunny and not too windy. We were very lucky. 😀

[Hidden]

Congratulations to you all. Sounds and looks like you had a fantastic time. Really well done. It’s so nice to see all the photos as well 🥳👋👋

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Rainbow. We all had the best time. The atmosphere was amazing. 👏👏👏

[Hidden in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Fantastic! I aspire to follow in your footsteps. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Aww what a lovely thing to say! ❤️ AllI can say is if I can, you can! Go for it Rainbow! 👊

[Hidden in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks I really hope so. Reading all these lovely post is so inspiring. Have a nice rest, you deserve it.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Doing nothing on the couch is my plan for the rest of the evening! 😅

This is where the forum comes into its own - I was, and still am, inspired by all the fabulous people on here.

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon]

Great report, CC. Pleased you enjoyed it so much.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Stephen_UK]

Thanks Stephen. It exceeded my expectations and the weather couldn’t have been kinder to us. 😀

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

That’s fortunate. Decent weather makes such a huge difference.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Stephen_UK]

It sure does. My last race was the Severn Bridge 10k which was 27 degrees and no wind. 🥵🥵🥵

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

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.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

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. 😅

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

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.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

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! 😅

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

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.

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you Al, sadly the cape wasn’t keeping me warm at all as the wind kept blowing it up in the air. I’m sure more photos will follow.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

You looked like Superman (woman) Dexy! Just had to take a snap! 😅😅

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

🦸‍♀️

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Fantastic well done all of you, was lovely weather for it this year 😊x

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Thanks aliboo, yes it couldn’t have been any better could it? 😍

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to aliboo70]

How did you do aliboo.

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Just popped a post up Dexy5 foubd it really hard today but glad I went xx

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Well done and so pleased you had such a great day! It's been fab reading all the GSR reports. Rest up now and enjoy your bling!🙂👏👏🏅

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks Sandra. I’ve eaten a massive supper and I’m now curled up on the sofa enjoying Strictly and trying to avoid moving! My bling is beautiful. 😍😍

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Sandraj39]

Sorry you couldn’t make it Sandra. I hope your back is better soon.

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy - disappointed not to make it but on to 'the next one' hopefully! Am looking out for your write up too..!

[Coddfish 10 Miles]

Hope you had a good journey home. I could not imagine driving after that!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Coddfish]

I did thanks Coddfish. I had to stop at Membury Services to stretch my legs though - I could feel them seizing up. 😳

[Coddfish 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Mine barely made it up the road and have barely moved since, with 2 rugby matches to watch

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Coddfish]

I think we all deserve to be stationary on the couch this evening! 😅

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Coddfish]

I had to bite my tongue to stop telling you the Wales result in the queue. I hope you’d watched it before I sent my recent message (forgot)

[Coddfish 10 Miles in reply to Dexy5]

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!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Coddfish]

Have fun you lucky ducks. It should be an amazing experience! 🇯🇵 🏉

[Couchpotato2 Marathon]

Loving reading about it from all of you. Massive congratulations on what seems like a fab weekend

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Couchpotato2]

Thanks so much CP2. We all had an absolute blast. ❤️

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

Yay! Great job cheeky! I love how the VRB have become RB 💕. How special is that? Sounds like a great day (and day before) was had.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Oh yes Sask. these people are definitely RBs now, no question. It was an amazing weekend. ❤️

[JonathanP 10 Miles]

Sounds like you all had a lovely time. Couldn't see you on the t.v. coverage - not surprising given that there were 20,000 runners I guess!😋

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to JonathanP]

Hahaha I looked too Jonathan - my family recorded it for me. We were denied even though we were frantically waving at the helicopter! Hmph!

Next up, your 50th. I’m getting used to the M4/A34/M3/M27! 😅😅

[JonathanP 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Yes, nearly on autopilot I should think! Looking forward to it and the weather forecast looks good. 👍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to JonathanP]

Yes, just get in the car and tell it to drive me to the South Coast! It would know the way! 😅😅

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

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 👏👏👏👏🥇

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

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! 😀

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

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 😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Fabulous memories for you! 😀

[Sadie-runs Half Marathon]

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

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thanks so much Sadie. You’re right about the forum, it’s magic in so many different ways. 😍

[TailChaser Marathon]

I was watching it on telly this morning and it made the ironing go much quicker trying to spot you all. I definitely had a big FOMO moment 😂

Absolutely fantastic Cheeky!! 👏👏👍👏👍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Aww TC! Next year perhaps! 😅

It was such a great event, made even better by my running buddies! ❤️

[skysue16 Half Marathon]

Wow, wonderful achievement! Very well done to you all

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to skysue16]

Thanks SS, we all enjoyed ourselves and it was such a beautiful sunny day for it. 😍

[backintime 10 Miles]

Well done CC, great run and great fun it seems : )

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to backintime]

It was amazingly good fun BIT. An incredible atmosphere and sharing it with friends makes it even more special. 👍😀

[Hidden]

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

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Oh wow yes it really was a brilliant experience Flick. Such a great course, great weather and the company of lovely people.

I’m still reliving it this morning - my aching quads are helping remind me anyway!! 😅

[Tasha99 Marathon]

Congratulations! I think the ten mile is a toughie - in betweeny if you know what I mean! Well done 💪🏽

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

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! 😅

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Nor could I 😜

Well done again 👌🏽

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

❤️

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

What an absolutely lovely experience Munks to meet up with other C25K’ers and run a gorgeous sounding run with them. Magic moments 🙂

Congratulations and well done on the run, it sounds as if you really enjoyed it and it’s great training for Bath! The chipmunk did real good 🤗

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

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! ❤️

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

Well done Cheeky. Glad you had a great time. Quite an iconic event to have for your 4th medal. It was a really nice route.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Whatsapp]

Thanks Whatsapp! Yes it was a not to be missed experience and I loved it. 😀👏👍

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Whatsapp]

Did you enjoy it WhatsApp? It’s a great place for the family too. Couldn’t believe the number of cars parked on the common.

[Whatsapp Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

All-in-all, yes.

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!

We do love Portsmouth too!

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Whatsapp]

I can understand that. We are lucky that this is on the doorstep and we don’t have to think about driving, parking and arranging family too.

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Whatsapp]

We were borrowing neighbours car spaces to accommodate our VRBs in our street as everyone gets turfed off the spaces on the running route .

[Whatsapp Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

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!

[BaddieThePirate]

Woo hoo well done team! Brilliant!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Thanks Baddie! We made a great team that’s for sure! 👍🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️😀

[alisonx]

Congratulations Cheeky!

What a fantastic run, and doing it with friends to - incredible. You all did amazing and had a great time!

enjoy the celebrations 🥇👏🏽🎉

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to alisonx]

Thank you Alison! A truly fabulous day all round. 😀

[uncle_wiggy Half Marathon 10 Miles]

Sounds like a great event and you guys all meeting up quite regularly now! The nice weather really helps to make the day! Well done to you all!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to uncle_wiggy]

Thanks Uncle, yes the weather was perfecto. 👌🏻

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Blimey... I am getting so envious reading all these reports.

What a super time you all had..during the run and afterwards too !!!. Who ever would have thought this running would bring so many friends together!

You had a splendid run.. cracking pace as well...those last Ks are the tricky ones!!!

Absolutely well done you!! What a runner! x

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

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! 😀

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Just super!!!!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Looking forward to meeting YOU too! ❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I am going to do my darnedest.. !

[Hidden]

Well done you cheeky. Fabulous 👍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Thank you paulanoo, I’m still reliving it! 😍

[Hidden in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Lovely photos too

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Aww thanks. If I could multitask there were loads of photo opportunities on the run - but it wouldn’t have ended well I know! 😅

[Mimirossi]

It sounds great fun Cheeky, especially with friends that you met on here! Well done!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Mimirossi]

It certainly was fun Mimirossi. Making fab friends on here was the icing on the cake. 😍

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon]

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.

Congratulations! Well done to you!

🍾🥂🏅🏃‍♀️🤸‍♂️🏃‍♀️🤸‍♂️🏃‍♀️🤸‍♂️👏🏻👍🌟 💥⚡️🎉😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

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. 👍

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

All just wonderful, well legs hitting the wall not so good, but you had a way to sort them out. Well done to you! Just brilliant!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

It’s nice to know that all isn’t lost when the legs decide they’d prefer to slow up. They really do respond to a sugar boost. 😀