HUHM Done and Dusted ✅

[cheekychipmunks]

I’m a person who suffers from running FOMO. There’s an event to be run or a meet-up in the offing, and I’m all over it. Sometimes though I need to be sensible, like NOT running a half marathon after no proper training, with my longest run of 2023 being 11k, and the one prior to that being the 10 mile GSR last October.

So how come I found myself on Weston prom at 7am this morning? How come I’d brought squash (out of Tailwind and SIS)? How come I had jelly babies? I don’t bother with such items on runs below 10k, so what was I doing?I was ignoring my own sensible advice and running the HUHM of course, that’s what. 😈

I was a bit sensible. I decided to Jeff. 😇 I don’t like Jeffing, but I had a stern word and decided on my ratio of 5:1 minutes just as I was arriving in WSM! I’ve been toying with all sorts, but being clueless I thought that ratio seemed doable. Popped it into my watch and began trotting. Weston Prom is nice and flat and I was early enough for heat not to be an issue, although there was a welcome cool breeze (cheeky headwind actually). Swigged my squash during the walk breaks, and munched my jelly babies. Felt fresh as a daisy until the usual 10 mile excitement was over, (quicker than GSR, so woohoo) then my legs fancied stopping. I had words and they carried me to the end in a pedestrian but acceptable time of 3hrs 08. Way off my PB, but not my slowest, so I was happy. 😀

My only bitter disappointment was me losing my headphones. I had them on my dog walk yesterday afternoon, but they were nowhere to be seen this morning so I ran in silence. I was looking forward to listening to the rest of the awesome playlist that I’d started during my 10k race last week. 😩 Bet I’ll find them now!

Thanks again for organising everything linda9389 , Cmoi and TailChaser , you’re superstars. 🤩

[ChannelRunner2]

Congratulations, cheekychipmunks , on completing the HUHM and on talking yourself into doing it sensibly with walking breaks 🥳 I hope you get to celebrate! 🎂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to ChannelRunner2]

Thanks ChannelRunner. I wouldn’t normally choose to run/walk, but didn’t want to risk injury after not training properly. I enjoyed it. 😃

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Whoop whoop!!! Well done Munks 👍👏🥳 that’s pretty awesome considering you did little training.

Now you can claim that gorgeous bling 😍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

I’m chuffed to bits IP! Jeff definitely made it possible. Now to find how to submit my evidence to Virtual Runner. I have my proof of entry etc, but I can’t see how or where to send it. I’ve emailed to ask - because I want my bling! 😅

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Hiya, I've done a few with them now, got some lovely medals!! So usually I've logged into my account with them, found my races and then it usually says ' submit results' and it then gives you the choice of connecting your Strava account, so it gets the results from there. Hope that helps?

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hedgehogs123]

When I tried logging into my account it only gave me the option of entering new races Hedgehogs. I began to panic in case the deadline had passed (imagine - no bling 😳), but I checked my email confirmation and I still have a few days. Luckily I downloaded the app and found my details there where I was able to upload my Strava evidence. Oh the relief! 😅

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Congratulations 👏👏👏 you might have not been sure you were running all that way but your unconscious got you ready anyway. My first 10k was a bit like that, although the other way round as my legs kept running and my head knew I had nothing with me, no water and not even a dusty peppermints not in the bottom of my pocket

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

It’s my stubborn streak Sola. Once I set my mind to something, it’s as good as done. I’m happy it went as well as it did in the circumstances. I did remember my squash and jelly babies. Without those I’d have struggled. You were smart to acknowledge that during your first 10k. 😀

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I don't take much on a run but water and something sugary if I'm planning to be out more than an hour

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Me neither. Over 12k I always do, but not for anything below that, unless it’s extremely hot. I like to run light. 😀

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

Congratulations to you CC on completing the Healthunlocked Spring half marathon, you were very sensible to Jeff for some of it, you deserve to be very proud of yourself 😊 🏃🏾

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks so much Al. Yes, I definitely did the right thing by Jeffing. I didn’t want to risk injury. 😀

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Yahoo Cheeky!! Congratulations!! I have to say that I couldn’t be more pleased…or less surprised. Despite all of the bugs which have dared to set up home in your lungs over the last 12 months or so, I knew that you were always going to complete this run. I would definitely want to have you on my side in a fight 😂😂😂.

A day of feasting and wine is now called for …..before you crash out…or maybe the latter is just for we older models! Just fantastic 👏👏👏👏👏🥇

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thanks BC! Stubborn chipmunk yet again. This one doesn’t give in, and when its mind is set on something, it’s as good as done! Feasting has been happening, wine will follow and crashing out is a given! Thanks for being so awesome with your HUHM; it gave me a massive boost! 👏👏

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Encouragement worked both ways Cheeky 🙂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

🥰

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon]

Well done, CC, and thanks for the nice report. Sorry to hear about the headphones.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Stephen_UK]

Thanks Stephen! I can’t keep my reports short; I wish I could! 😅

Yes it’s annoying about the headphones. I use them almost daily for running and walking, and I don’t know where I put them. How will I listen to Coach Bennett? 😳😅

[Cmoi Marathon]

Thanks for the thanks cheekychipmunks , and congratulations on your HM, not that I ever doubted you!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

I love taking part in forum events and there was no way I was going to miss this Cmoi! So much fun knowing so many others are doing/have done it too. It’s the best forum bar none! ❤️

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Great job Cheeky! What a gorgeous morning for a seafront run too. I'd say you planned everything just right congratulations on getting it done after such a rotten winter. The munk is officially back 😍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Yes I lucked out Linda! I didn’t fancy 40+ loops of the common, nor did I want to run where I ran last week in the Bristol 10k. The seafront was perfect. 😍

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon]

what are you like! Well done Cheeky, great bit of running xx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Shake-and-run]

I’m slightly loopy, that’s what I’m like Shakes, but I’m sure that’s no surprise to you! The benefits of steady trotting allows me do daft stuff like this! 🥰

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Well done Cheeky - I love your ‘can do’ attitude (and sensible approach to this HM without the training.) I need to take a leaf out of your book! Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

I don’t like to be defeated Sandra, and I knew that with my steady pace I’d be fine. I was willing to up the walking intervals if I found myself struggling, but it didn’t come to that thankfully! I’m happy I’ve inspired you, but you’re an awesome runner as it is! ❤️

[TailChaser Marathon]

I’m so impressed you did the HM with no training Cheeky! You were right to do the Jeffing, but it’s tough to be out there for 3 hours 💪💪💪. Very well done, the playlist will be there for you next time 😍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

As I mentioned to a few people who replied before TC, I’m sure it’s my slow trotting style that makes runs like this possible. It was fun! 😀

[Katnap Marathon]

How did it feel to run naked? 🤣

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Katnap]

Now that would have been a sight Katnap 😳

[Katnap Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

🤣healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Mudita11 Half Marathon]

Woohoo! Excellent work cheekychipmunks . Perfect weather too. Hope your feet are ok after that run. Mine would have fallen off 🤣. I’m not quite up to a half yet but am inspired now.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Mudita11]

Thanks Mudita, yes I think us UK runners lucked out today. It was perfect, especially as I was out nice and early.

My feet are fine I’m happy to say. My quads are a bit fatigued, but that’s it.

I have every confidence you’ll get to HM. It’s only a PR further than the GSR and look how fab you did there! 👏👏👏

[Mudita11 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Aww thanks Cheeky. I’ve actually entered a half in November so will be gradually building up to that over the next few months 😬🫣. See you at this year’s GSR?

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Mudita11]

Oh that’s great news! I’m doing the Cardiff HM in October, just before the GSR, so yes I’ll definitely be there. 😀.

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

Woohoo, congratulations on your HUHM 🥳🥳 Not that I ever doubted you would do it. Running by the sea (well, by water generally) always gives me a lift and with such beautiful weather, the conditions looked perfect for you. Now it’s past 5.00pm, so gin o’clock 🥂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

Thanks Sandie! 🥰 It’s the main reason I picked that route. I didn’t fancy hills today, it’s a nice wide prom and I was hoping for a nice sea breeze. Got all those, so I was a happy bunny. 😃

Gin? Don’t mind if I do! Cheers 🥂

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Great Post and congratulations on a great run cheekychipmunks xxx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Thanks so much aliboo. ❤️

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

whoop whoop. I know this isn’t how you wanted to do the HM but you chose the best way to do it without injuring yourself. But I know you will be straight onto that HM plan again so that you can run it all again. Well done  cheekychipmunks ! You are a star ⭐️

I hope you find your headphones- that’s a long time without music.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy. I’m happy with how it went, but yes I’d far rather have run the lot. In the circumstances though, this was my only option, and I really enjoyed it! 😀

A couple of weeks of relaxing runs, then I’ll be hopping right back on the NRC HM Plan in readiness for Cardiff. Now to find those darned headphones. 🙄

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon]

Many congratulations! Super chipmunk! Brilliant! You decided and you did it! 🎉🏃‍♀️

I do hope the head phones have turned up or if not that they turn up soon. 😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Thanks over61! Stubborn chipmunk I think! 😅 No headphones yet. I’m still looking. 🥺

[JonathanP 10 Miles]

Well done Cheeky - nothing ventured, nothing gained! Mind you, 3 hours without music - I would have driven myself mad!😠

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to JonathanP]

Thanks Jonathan! I wondered how I’d manage too, but luckily there was lots to look at as the prom got busier, so I was kept occupied whilst trundling along! 🙏🏻

[skysue16 Half Marathon]

Yay, well done CC - congratulations on a great run 👍😀 I am glad the Jeffing worked out ok.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to skysue16]

Thank you SS. Yes it worked well. Totally winged it with the ratio, but it felt good. 😀

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon]

huge respect and well done to you for your run and for being so sensible because sometimes, that's really hard! Ive answered your question below re claiming your medal from Virtual Runner, as Ive had a couple of really nice ones from them now 🏅

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hedgehogs123]

Oh thank you HH! I discovered the app and was able to upload my evidence there as it turned out, but it’s good to hear you’ve had success with Virtual Run. I needed the promise of that medal - HM distance warrants something shiny in my opinion! 😅🏅

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

The medals I've had are really good quality and quite heavy. Sorry the pic is sideways! 🤣. That's the one for the virtual London marathon, ( you could do the 26 miles over 5 days luckily!! )

Medal from virtual runners

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hedgehogs123]

Ooo lovely. Can’t wait to get mine. At least they’ve accepted my evidence - not that I’m impatient! 🤥😅

Confirmation of run evidence email

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I got mine within 2 days of it being approved!!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hedgehogs123]

Ooooo 👏👏👏👏👏

[Kevin41 Half Marathon]

Well done, what a lovely setting and what a great run

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Kevin41]

Thanks Kevin. It’s lovely running by the sea, and refreshing too. ☀️🙏🏻😍

[Week7 Half Marathon]

Well done on completing the HU double! A brilliant idea to run HM on flat at Weston on the prom . To run HM is a feat in itself , but solo with no music/podcast is superimpressive. How many times did you have to run along theprom or did you have to leave the prom and run in land?

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Week7]

Thanks W7. 😀 I fancied dead flat to give me a fighting chance of completing it in one piece so I remained on the Prom. The main part is about 4k out and back, so just over 5 times! I had plenty to look at so I was happy! 😍

[Week7 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Flat is good! I didn't realise that the prom was quite that long -perfect!!!!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Week7]

Yes, it goes from Royal Sands to quite a way beyond the pier where the lifeboats etc launch. I can see myself using it for lots of my long training runs. 😀

[Week7 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

🌊 🏃‍♀️ 🏅

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon]

Super well done for completing this cheeky! Another HM under your belt. 👍👏👏👏

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

Thanks Brian. Nice to know I can still pull one out the bag when needed! 😅

[ForbiddenPlanet Half Marathon]

Well done! Especially after PR the day before?

Glad you didn't have to run on the sand - that must be tough!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to ForbiddenPlanet]

Yes indeed FP. Luckily I seem to be able to run consecutive days with no problem, but then I’m not quick so very little wear and tear! 😅

No way could I run a HM on sand. Now that would definitely do me in. 🥵

[Beatlesforever]

Yay well done! 🎉🥳👏👏👏 Run / walk is great when you haven't been able to train properly, isn't it 👍 shame about the headphones. I thought I'd lost mine in the house move but luckily I found them just as I was about to head out for my 10k yesterday. Phew 😅

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beatlesforever]

Thanks Beatles. I did start on the NRC HM plan but was struck down with a covid-like bug after W1R1 for 7 weeks so I was happy I still had a HM in me at all! 🙏🏻

I’m sure the headphones will turn up as I wore them when walking Flossie after PR on Saturday. I just put them down somewhere! I’ll keep searching before buying a new pair. 😀

[LottieMW]

Well done Cheeky! 👏🏼🙌🏼💐🥇

I hope you find those headphones soon!🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to LottieMW]

Thanks Lottie. They haven’t turned up yet, but I’m still looking. 🥺😃