After months of gearing up for running my first ever HM race tomorrow, I’ve decided not to attend. Boo isn’t the word. ☹️
I can’t believe that the Bath Half is still set to go ahead in all honesty (as of 7am on Saturday morning at least), with other sports round here falling victim to coronavirus left, right and centre, but it appears that it is. 😮
I’m (thankfully) not in a high risk category myself, but the thought of being amongst thousands and thousands of other people who may or may not be infected simply doesn’t seem appealing to me. Plus there’s the park and ride bus ..... 😷 I’d hate to bring it home to my family. 👎
It’s such a shame, as our little HU posse had plans to meet up beforehand, plus we even had a table booked for lunch after. ❤️
So instead I’ll be a lonely figure doing a HM distance run tomorrow on one of my local routes. My usual favoured long run route isn’t runnable at the moment (think under water!) - I’ll pick another one so my generous sponsors will know that I’ve worked for their donations! It’s meant to be foul weather - but I’ll still be out there. 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
Off to volunteer at PR this morning. Let’s see how many turn out today.
Stay safe everyone. ❤️❤️
Written by
cheekychipmunks
Half Marathon
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Yes Runsome, definitely a very tough call, but on balance I think it’s the right decision. I live very close to Bath, so I’m not too much out of pocket, although I’d love to be running. I’m planning my own personal route round Bristol instead. 😀
Hi cheeky, oh that’s such a shame. Personally I would do the HM, especially as you’re going to parkrun, don’t see the difference really, being around 50 or 50,000 people......there only needs to be one person who’s infectious.....and one door handle etc., etc.,
At my HM last week, they did have extra hand sanitiser stations etc., etc.,
We have to accept that we are all going to get this virus in one way or another as no one has any immunity, which is troubling, especially when all of us are likely to have people who will be vulnerable in our family......I do, and sadly, it’s a case of when it’s going to hit, not if....
Anyway, a tough decision, it’s that thing isn’t it of trying to carry on as normal and not becoming a hermit........enjoy parkrun, who knows how long that will keep going, (I hope it does)
I’m just a wuss I suppose Madge. I don’t know, I guess I wouldn’t forgive myself if it was me who brought the virus into the household. I understand about PR and now it’s equally as possible to catch it there, but the public outcry about Bath on FB was quite powerful and I now think I’ve definitely made the right decision. Plus - those loos ..... 😱😱😅😅
Oh cheeky, that’s just me, yes at Cambridge there was a bit on FB - but not loads, and for that one, I think it was right to go ahead, a lot has happened in a week, a lot of the news is confusing as well........I’d be scrutinising what the organisers were putting in place if they were going ahead this weekend.....
No wuss about it, you’re still going to do the run you set out to do.....- a lot of people wouldn’t...
I am never a fan of the porta loos! 😱 yuk at the best of times, a necessary evil at events.....I usually have extra tissues and wipes with me anyway.....(like a bag full....😂)
It was interesting to see the numbers at PR this morning, ours was just over 300, it’s usually 4-500.....
If the decision is right for you, then it’s the right one
Take care of yourself, hope your planned run goes well.
On Thursday I was totally up for running Bath tomorrow. But yesterday the whole atmosphere changed when all the football, rugby, golf, F1, tennis etc was cancelled/postponed - and that doesn’t even take into account the London and Manchester marathons! So the decision was sort of made for me I guess - although I’d rather Bath was officially off! Never mind, there’ll be more races. 🏃♀️🏃♀️
Yes our PR was down by over 100, but it was still a healthy turnout. 👍
You have made a very sensible decision, yes you can run your HM locally tomorrow, I am now getting ready to go to Dunfermline Parkrun which at 7 am is still on, that will add 5K to my total of now 20K for the World Cup run.
I have just come back from my 17th parkrun at Dunfermline, managed to keep my 100% sub 35 minute time,(33.58) the atmosphere was very good as usual, however, there were a lot of people thinking it might the last one for a while because of the virus, let's hope not, even the Run Director was a little downbeat saying that we should keep looking at the parkruns Facebook page for the latest news.
Oh cheeky, you have worked so hard for this HM, but I cannot blame you in making this hard decision. There will be other HMs when this awful virus has moved on. The weather is going to be nice during the next week, why not do it then, rather than trudging out in the awful weather?. Make this a joyous occasion, whenever you do it. Your sponsors will be with you all the way.
I will be virtually volunteering with you At parkrun this morning - have fun. I know parkrun are also watching what’s going on. We were to be watching Accrington Stanley at Portsmouth this afternoon, but that’s off now.
These are strange times and we need to keep ourselves and those we love safe. Good luck when you do your virtual HM. 😘
Thanks so much Dexy. 😍 I’ve thought of nothing else these past few days, but developments yesterday, plus the panning people were giving Bath on FB, as well as a big sponsor dropping out, made it a no brainer for me.
It’s ok, I’ll run tomorrow regardless of the weather! 🏃♀️💦🏃♀️ It’ll feel more like the real thing doing it on the day. 😀
PR totals at Eastville were only a little bit down this morning. Not sure about Southsea? I made mighty sure to sanitize my hands asap after barcode scanning. 😷😷😷😅😅😅
I was barcode scanning today at Southsea cheeky - and yes I wore latex gloves! But that wasn’t because of C-v but because those barcodes appear from some very strange places😱! And the finish tokens do get sweaty😳! But our run director did say they were thinking about giving them a wash.... Good luck with your solo Bath Half!
Thank you Katnap. You know me, always upbeat, but this virus has tested me. First my holiday, now my biggest race. Oh well - looking forward to our VRB meetups even more now - whenever they’re safe to go ahead. ❤️
Katnap, that was what a lot of people at the parkrun I was at were talking about, a runner told me just before the Run Directors briefing that the decision to halt parkruns will be given on Monday at a meeting at the Vitality Parkrun headquarters, all parkruns in Ireland and most countries in Europe were not on today.
I also think Parkrun will soon be stopped. It's already cancelled in Canada - where currently at least, they are still making a good job of containment (as all my relatives keep pointing out!)
Our little group will still go at 9.00 Saturday even if parkrun is cancelled. I’ll do timekeeping while the others run.
To be practical, parkrun does not use front line support so there is no need to cancel it in line with today’s announcement. Let’s keep some normality and let individuals decide.
So sorry that your HM has been cancelled. I respect the careful thought and consideration that must have gone into your decision. I too have concerns about not bringing the illness to people like my mother who will be 86 at the end of this month. So, I’m really aware that precautionary measures requires thinking beyond me as an individual.
Enjoy your HM Cheeky!! You have certainly earned the support and donations. 🤩
I wish all my VRBs & family members, safety, health and wellbeing. 💓❤️
I am so disappointed for you, I know from reading your posts how hard you have trained and looked forward to this event. I'm sure though that you will have peace of mind about your decision and I wish you luck in running the distance for your sponsors. If you decide to run alone tomorrow it will help/reach your VRWC target and vaccinations for children. 💖Xxx
Thanks CSMN, yes I do now have peace of mind - just about! Such a shame though, and because of all the training I’ve done, I’m definitely going to run the distance tomorrow. And I’ll find another to enter later in the year if I can find one which fits around my dates - for example my postponed trip to Tenerife! Thanks for messing up my plans coronavirus! 😷👎☹️😅
So sorry Cheeky, what a tough decision to have to make but you and your family’s health is paramount and its not worth taking any risks. If you do decide to run it tomorrow, take us with you. ❤️X
You’re right Lexi. It’s good to hear my VRBs don’t think I’m overreacting. ❤️ Mighty tough call though, but FB is panning Bath plus one of the sponsors has even pulled out. No brainer for me sadly. 👎 Has the vile virus affected NZ yet? 🤞🤞
I see even the local MP asked the organisers to cancel, I’m surprised they haven’t already. We have 6 cases in New Zealand, all in Auckland. It hasn’t had a huge effect yet, but our Prime Minister Jacinda has announced that anyone arriving in New Zealand has to self isolate for 14 days and business packages have been set aside for the inevitable recession, so we’re preparing. Today is also the first anniversary of the horrific Mosque attacks in Christchurch and Remembrance Events across the country have just been cancelled. 🙁
It’s a terrible situation Lexi. They were saying that the Bath Half’s reputation could be irreparably damaged for future years. Such a pity as it’s an iconic race. ☹️
Stay safe yourself Lexi. Gosh yes I remember those horrible mosque killings. What a world. 👎
Such a shame after all your hard work and dedication ☹️. Completely understand your decision. I agree with Dexy5 - maybe choose a better weather day? Look forward to your ‘HM’ report, enjoy.
What a hard decision! And one everyone is going to be making in various forms. I think you’ve found a good way through by doing your HM on the day but without the crowds, bus, communal loos, etc etc which go with a huge event. It won’t be the same for you as the cheering crowds in the fun way either, but you can have that later and safer. I’ll be part of your virtual crowd when you do the distance - be sure to let us know when we can celebrate the achievement. 👍🎉💕
Aww thanks GS, I’ll need lots of virtual support that’s for sure! The more I think about it, the more convinced I am that I made the right call - for me. Horrid virus. 👎👎👎
I think that the information released yesterday has made many people think differently. My perception of the risk has changed, and I would definitely be more cautious if I were a grandparent. Enjoy your run cheeky. I will be heading for the woods myself. We all have to make choices with which we are comfortable. 🐌🐌🐌🐌 stand together.
Thanks so much BC. It certainly wasn’t an easy decision, but life will go on, and (*touch wood*) there’s always next year. 😀
Enjoy your woodland run tomorrow. 👍 🏃 Mine will be more urban as I’m trying to keep it as runnable as possible. HM distance isn’t a time for hills for someone like me! 😅🐌🏃♀️
I know this must have been such a tough call Cheeky after all your preparation. 😞 I'll be honest, I think I would have made the same decision too - the worrier in me would not have had the same experience, so I totally get it. Of course, I hope those that do decide to run tomorrow have a fab day - will be interesting to see how many runners they get?
Good luck with your own HM tomorrow or whenever you run it - still a champ in our eyes!😀🙂x
Thank you so much Sandra! Yes you’re right, even if I’d have decided to run, I wouldn’t have been able to totally enough it, just in the same way as we wouldn’t have enjoyed our postponed trip to Tenerife a couple of weeks ago.
Life will return to normal at some point, and hopefully this will be a dim and distant memory, or we’ll have found a way to live with it, like flu etc. 🤞🤞🤞
I have a rather cavalier attitude to getting the virus myself - HOWEVER, I also have to remember that while I might be ok and recover if I do get it, I could be responsible for passing it on to some innocent who very well might not.
There will be more HMs - and without the worries beyond the usual collywobbles we tend to have entering them
Thanks for understanding IJ - yes I agree with what you’re saying 100%. I couldn’t give much of a hoot if I caught it as I’m 99% sure I’m at low risk of complications (*touch wood*), but I have a family around me, including a little grandson, and I need to think of the ramifications to all their lives if I was the cause of self isolation .....
So another race it’ll have to be. I’m determined to run an official HM! As it stands I’ll run the distance tomorrow anyway. Just not as fun! 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
It is such a tricky decision, but sounds like the right one. Good luck with your personal HM, the Weston super half is at the end of the month and looking highly likely that I’ll be doing the same.
Awww what a potential shame for you too Tkaye. I’ll be on the lookout for another HM race later in the year, but my diary is already pretty full. Crazy times aren’t they? 👎👎
I'm doing mine. It could be the last race for ages and the prevalence of coronavirus is still very limited at the moment. Two races up near me are still on tomorrow. I'll definitely be going. Might he one of the last for a long time.
Good for you Tasha, that’s fab. 👏 😀👍🏃♀️❤️ Bath itself has confirmed cases of coronavirus, plus one of the big sponsors (which happens to be a hospital) has pulled out. I’ll run it next year. 😀
Disappointing but completely understand your decision Cheeky - we have to think about the possible effects on others should we contract the virus. Hope you enjoy your virtual HM tomorrow😀
Exactly that Jonathan. If I did contract it, it would affect my whole family quarantine-wise and I’d never forgive myself. If I catch it by chance that’s different, but putting myself in potential harm’s way with literally thousands of other people isn’t worth the risk.
Just a massive hug to you... I decided to pull out of mine a few days ago... as a carer, I had no choice... it is hard..BUT... the runs, and we will wait Plus, we can all run our solo HMs together in our hearts xxx
Hi CC. Sorry that you're missing the event tomorrow but well done for making a tough decision. Wishing you a great solo HM and I'll be virtually cheering you on.
Oh dear Cheeky. 🙁 I really feel for you and your disappointment, but equally, totally understand your decision. I would have done the same thing to be honest. If we have the choice to socially distance ourselves (I like all our brave frontline healthcare workers), then I think we should, for the sake of others.
I am pleased to hear you are still doing the run though. 😁 Good lass. 👍 You’ve diligently trained, and it will be very rewarding I am sure. I will be cheering you on!
CC you have absolutely made the right choice. We should all be looking at social distancing to help reduce the levels of infection, not just waiting for the government to impose it.
We all have a responsibility to our nearest and dearest especially if they fall into the vulnerable categories. Like you I would devastated if I inadvertently infected my elderly parents, so visiting them is not possible at the moment.
I hope the weather is kind to you today as you do you solo HM. Happy running xxx
Such a tricky decision and I totally understand. I think I would make the same choice. It’s hard to balance the conflicting calls of carrying on to some degree and not taking unnecessary risks. I’m on the same place on the spectrum as you are I think. I’m not stopping absolutely everything and I hope that, despite being older, I am healthy enough not to be at serious risk but I’m avoiding some of my usual discretionary activities. There are more people than just me to think about. Hard to know! I’m also off for a run by myself this morning. Enjoy yours if you can. There will be other half marathons when we eventually get through this!
Exactly my attitude Gwenllian. I consider myself fit and healthy, but Bath is such a huge HM it seemed scary putting myself (and ultimately others) at risk.
I would have done the same Cheeky at this stage 😘, very lucky for me, my race was last Sunday before things suddenly got much more serious.
As you say things have changed in the last couple of days, which is exactly what the WHO wanted to happen when they declared it a pandemic...they were trying to force action and it's working.
It's suddenly making it all much more scary, so I for one am making the most of the fresh air and outside runs (lovely woodland 5K planned this morning) in case they too get curtailed in the near future.
Hi - I bet it was a difficult decision . Well done and wish more people had the same level of responsibility. 👏👊💪 Hope it goes/went well. Maybe get another HM race in your sights to keep you going but wait to enter for a bit til we know how this all pans out.
I am going to rest then do some virtual races perhaps before resuming london running. Means I can’t eat as much but ...the positive is that may be able to run more of it in october rather than run walk.
It was difficult, but for me it was the only decision. I’ve entered the Bristol HM which is at the end of September. Let’s hope we’re back to some kind of normal before then. 🤞🤞
Good luck with your virtual races and here’s to you running London in October! 👍😀
Well, here in Spain we are in home confinement. Ran my last 5k today I think. As you are allowed to go out and buy food, I admit I ran the long way to the supermarket. Got stopped by the police to see why I was out and when they saw my shopping, it was OK. Won't be doing it again though till we get the all clear (2 or 4 weeks!). I have a short corridor in my (closed) language school and am seriously considering running up and down it for half an hour to keep up my training. You don't know what you've got till it's gone....
Oh my word Tjcp, that’s absolutely horrific. I’m so sorry. It makes my decision not to run the Bath HM even more valid now. I ran the distance solo this morning instead.
Thanks, you made the right decision. We've been told to act as if we are actually infected so that we will think about every little thing that we do... touch our faces, a door handle etc. I hear you are a bit behind us in the UK but schools etc should be shut down from now as children are supposed to be the main carriers. Stay safe everybody and self-isolate if you can before it becomes obligatory. Wash your hands frequently, drink water frequently and hot drinks are good too. It's so nice to have a community to keep in touch with. My house will be completely decorated and tidy at the end of this!
So sorry about your HM Cheeky but I totally get where you’re coming from, it’s a really tough one.
I hope your run went well after all your hard work.
This is such a shame for you but you’ve made the right decision. I’m all for running in small groups, we do that in my running club. We are gutted because LLHM is cancelled but 6 of us will run together on 29th March so that our donations can still be sent to the Brain Tumour Charity. We will all have plenty of runs in the future cheeky. Stiff upper lip etc. Good luck in your small groups
Thanks Ageless! My group was very small yesterday - me! 🏃♀️😅 But we have a wonderful FB group so we actually all ran Bath “together” and we’re sending proof to the organisers so hopefully they’ll send us our 🏅🏅🏅
We are going to do it together on March 29th. One of my running buddies has had a brain tumour and now thinks it’s gone to her lung. We initially chose BTC to raise funds because of her, we have to run then as she gets her results early April and may need treatment after that date. We are all keeping our fingers crossed for her.,
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I have a short corridor in my (closed) language school and am seriously considering running up and down it for half an hour to keep up my training. You don't know what you've got till it's gone....
HM training long run!
Best Laid Plans and all that 🤣