A shamelessly self-indulgent tribute to My Common ❤️

[cheekychipmunks]

This is rather cringeworthy I know. In fact I wondered whether I should even post it, but heck! Apologies, it’s going to be nauseating! 😅

I drove the short way to the local Common to walk my dog this morning, and immediately bristled at the number of cars parked. I got really protective! Why are people on my Common? 😫 It has been my haven for dog walking and running since lockdown. In fact, since March 15th where I’ve run more or less every other day, only 3 of those runs have not been done here. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

So I began thinking. Would you guys like to see it? I’ve bleated on about it enough, although prior to lockdown it was my quick “go-to” route, only a mile from home. I was running here straight from my house during full lockdown, but it’s no longer safe and I need to drive. 🚙

It’s not big, it overlooks Bristol Airport and the planes fly directly overhead in normal times, but it gives you a chance to show off your running form to the EasyJet passengers as they come in to land! ✈️ It’s hilly, gnarly, flat, short grass, tall ferns, windy, has bluebells in May, mud in winter - and I love it! 🥰 I’ve done JogRunSprint sprint here, hilly runs, flat runs, (Not) PR and runs up to 10k. I thought I’d never want to run beyond that distance here because it would get monotonous as I wouldn’t want incorporate all the hills (no thanks!). But then I felt disingenuous and decided, why not? Heck, I’m going to do 10 miles up here before summer is over. I owe it to my trusty Common. It was there for me during this mighty bizarre time.

So there you have it. My little patch of the planet which I love to pieces, and so does Flossie the 🐕 ❤️

Thank you for indulging me! 😅

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

Such a lovely place for you to walk or run with Flossie your dog, very nice photos you took, I like the bit about you saying you could show off your running form to passengers on planes in the nearby Bristol Airport.

I went a short bike ride this morning on part of my 5K running route, just as well I was on the bike, after all the rain ☔ we have had where I live there was a massive puddle of 50 metres, I 🚴 cycled through it slowly, the down pedal just missing the the water by a inch, if I had been walking or running I would have had to turn back or go straight through it.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Ahh straight through Al! As long as they aren’t too deep, I love running through puddles!

Yes, I’m very lucky to have the common so close to home. 😍

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

A very uncommon common cheeky, I can see the attraction. What psychologists would call a safe zone; a world of your own oozing friendliness and warmth. Best to keep it quiet though.......🙂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

I know BC. It’s why I bristled at seeing all the cars this morning. Granted I was later than running time, but still. Be gone ➡️ 😅

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Thank you for sharing - brings the rather flat strava art to 3d multicoloured life 😀. Absolutely lovely 😍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Haha yes, Linda, Strava doesn’t do it justice does it? 😅

[Deals1 Metric Marathon]

Looks a lovely place to run... Or walk 😁

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Deals1]

It’s fantastic Deals. I never appreciated it before, but now I do. ❤️

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I lived in NWales aged 13 to 18, and visited until mum died. I didn't appreciate what was outside the door one little bit. Every time I go back now to visit my brother my heart breaks a bit more for all the things I missed out on through my own teenage stupidity and and lack of graciousness 🤬 At least now I do have the good grace to totally appreciate it - better late than never 😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Absolutely Linda. ❤️

[grumpyoldgirl]

Looks glorious, cheeky, thank you so much for sharing. Floss looks right at home 😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

You’re welcome GOG! Oh yes, Flossie adores it. Lots of delicious smells and things to roll in too. 😳😅

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Ha ha this is awesome!!!

More like this please, people - I want to see where you run! 😊😊😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Wouldn’t that be fun roseabi? 👏👏👏

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Like you say cheeky, we have heard all about your runs on the common, so it’s lovely to see some pics of it. I can see why Flossie loves it so much. Are there rabbits for her to sniff out too? 10 miles there will not be easy, but if anyone can do it, you can.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Oh yes, there are plenty of rabbits and other wildlife there Dexy. Flossie is in her element and always come to catch me up. ❤️ I’m going up there tomorrow for some hill work. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Well done.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

7k up and down the hills done Dexy5 ✅

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

You are a very strong runner cheekychipmunks. Well done.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Aww thanks Dexy. I just chug along ..... 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Hidden]

Love it, so glad you posted!!

It's your spiritual running home and you are quite rightly proud of it. It's been your constant companion in all seasons. all weathers and for all runs. Loved it 💜

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

It really is GTFC. I’m so lucky to have it so close by because the roads around us aren’t conducive to running - we’re on top of a hill, which only means one thing! 🥵

[Katnap Marathon]

The Common is more common now! 🤣

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Katnap]

It is Katnap, more’s the pity. I should make a sign “Nothing to see here - bye” and put it at the entrance! 😅

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Love this post Cheeky! Not self-indulgent at all imo. You are just sharing something which is important to you - and I totally understand because I feel exactly the same about my favourite running route, too! 🏃🏽‍♀️💕 Great photos (Flossie looks very happy) - long may you both enjoy it! 🙂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Aww thanks Sandra. Yes, it’s so important to me and I’m realising that more and more. Of course it has the added bonus of me being able to let Flossie run off the lead, so I kill two birds with one stone. ❤️🏃‍♀️🐾

[JonathanP 10 Miles]

Looks great Cheeky! I thought the plaque was interesting - I love a bit of history!👍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to JonathanP]

Yes, and luckily people do seem to respect it and don’t clamber over them. 😀

[Fabulous450]

Aah...,The Common!! 🤩 You were so lucky to have that lovely quiet space. Well done to you both Cheeky!! I’m sure they’ll be more happy runs to come too!! Love the photos! 🥰❤️

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Fabulous450]

I had to share it with you all Fab. I realised just how lucky I am while I had the time to walk around it snapping photos this morning. 😍 Off to tackle some of the hills tomorrow morning. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️❤️

[Fabulous450 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

🤩🤩🤩!! Enjoy Cheeky! ❤️

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Fabulous450]

I did, thanks Fab! A lovely hilly 7k this morning, perfect to start the week. ❤️

[lexi6 10 Miles]

Gorgeous photos Cheeky and what a lovely place to run and walk with Flossie, no wonder she’s smiling. 🥰

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to lexi6]

Thanks Lexi, I didn’t plan to write about it, but seeing all the cars parked there made me realise how lucky I was to have it almost to myself over lockdown. 😍 Flossie loves playing there! ❤️

[skysue16 Half Marathon]

It looks a wonderful place to run! Love the photos 😀

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to skysue16]

Thank you SS, it’s beautiful, but I used to take it for granted. Since lockdown I really do appreciate it more. ❤️

[Runsome Marathon]

Hi CC, if it makes you feel good then it’s great to shout it out. It’s part of you running journey, thanks for sharing the photos 👍😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Runsome]

Ahh thanks Runsome. I really do feel good up there - in fact I just came back from a joyous hilly 7k this morning. I’m glad you liked seeing my little corner of the earth. 🥰

[Runsome Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Sorry joyous and hilly in the same sentence wow you do live it 😂👍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Runsome]

Yes that did sound rather bonkers didn’t it? 😅😅

[Slinkymalinki]

Lovely! Great to see what little corners of this earth mean to us as individuals. These spaces are definitely connected to our emotions and thoughts as well as our fitness journeys and are inspiration to others seeking out their own happy running places. Now I have an image of you in full Chariots of Fire mode exuding admiration from the Easy Jet passengers! ♥️🙂.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Slinkymalinki]

Hahahaha, next time one flies over I’m going to have to run in slow motion singing that song aren’t I Slinky?! 😅

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Aw, that looks and sounds beautiful Munks, it’s clearly a special place for you and no wonder.

I love seeing where others run so you did the right thing in posting. Next time I’m flying over Bristol airport I’ll watch out for you!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Ahhhh you’d better warn me when that happens IP, I’ll definitely need to crack out my best running form for you! 😅🏃‍♀️❤️

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

It looks lovely Cheeky. No wonder you want to keep it to yourself. My local routes are really not very interesting but I’ll put up some french photos in the next week. Just leaving the Tunnel in France. So excited 😆

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

Thanks Sandie, it’s a very special place. 🥰

Eeeek, have a wonderful time in France Sandie. Can’t wait to see your photos. 🇫🇷 🏃‍♀️ How long are you spending there this time? ❤️

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Until mid September 😃😃 Keeping fingers crossed that parkrun is back by then and we’ll be ready for a meet up 🤞

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

Oh yes you’d better believe it ....... 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️

Have a wonderful time. ❤️

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Lovely post Cheeky! It’s great to see the place where you cut your running teeth and I am all for photos of people’s runs! I don’t blame you for being protective, its a beautiful spot.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Thank you Decker. I was up there again just now walking the dog - and there were so many people again. It’s why I love to run there early in the morning, then I almost have it to myself. ❤️

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Yes I feel the same protective way about some of the paths here. Even leaving early there are still so many new faces now. But people want to stay active so that is a good thing right ? It is what spurred me onto finding new trails in quieter places.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Definitely, much better that people keep active and healthy. I’ll still stick to my mornings when I don’t need to encounter so many, that’s all! 😅

[Nevvy Marathon]

Looks lovely, and I can totally understand the feeling of ownership! I live 3 minutes jog away from a country park owned by the local council. I think it was Forestry Commission in one part and beyond a fence is wilder heathland area with ponies to graze the vegetation. The main paths can get very busy, but I know all the little secret shortcuts!

I used to go every weekday morning to walk the dog, but not so much these last couple of years. Recently I've rediscovered it in all its glory.........feeling thankful

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Nevvy]

It sounds delightful Nevvy. It sometimes takes time away to realise how lovely places are in that you’d normally take for granted. Enjoy your lovely park! 😍