Severn Bridge 10k Never Disappoints!

[cheekychipmunks]

Bit of a late report (for me!)

Awoke to rare perfect running conditions, and excitedly drove to pick up   Dexy5 ,   UpTheStanley ,   TailChaser and   Katnap from their hotel. A momentary panic as the signs were saying the M48 might already be shut, earlier than the advertised time of 7:30am, but we snook through in the nick of time. Otherwise it would have meant a 30 minute detour 😳

Met up with   Week7 ! It’s always fun to meet VRBs 😀 Hope to see her at the SB PR soon! 😀 Then us 10k runners were called up to the start at 8:15 ready for an 8:45 start on the eerily empty motorway! 🦋

I had no expectations for this race whatsoever. As I’ve said, my training has been sorely lacking this year, and I haven’t run 10k for a long while. Dexy and I started off together for about 3k then her she went on ahead! I was more than happy to keep trotting at my comfy pace and whereas I’m definitely slower than I know I can be, I was chuffed to pieces to run with ease today. It’s not flat; the slope of the bridge itself and the slip road at the 5k turnaround made sure of that - but somehow they’re easy. Not so easy is the cruel hill right at the end. But guess what? I even managed to mince up that! Eastville PR, I thank you! 😅

A gorgeous medal awaited us, and it was such fun watching the fast HM runners start to come in. Of course we were looking out for the Kats, and gave them a cheer as they flew by, looking fresh as daisies after running double the distance to us! 👏

My time was 1:21:47. I’m overjoyed with that in the circumstances 🙏

The day was completed with the foursome coming back to Cheeky Towers for a Sunday roast. My way of decompressing - plus running always makes me very hungry! 😅

I suspect there’ll be more reports before long.

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

Great photos, well done to you CC on running The Severn Bridge 10K, glad you enjoyed your run and that Sunday roast. 😊 🏃🏾

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks Al, my fifth time running it and I’ll be back again next year. 😍

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

This Sunday I am running my first 10K event race, it's my local Cumbernauld 10k which much of the route is where I run my midweek 5K or 10Ks, I now have my BIB which has a chip and number, I am 212,

I have just received a email from the organisers wishing me good luck.I have now run 43/10Ks, I usually have my metromone app with me when running but I will NOT have it on Sunday for my first 10K event race, I usually set it at 176 cadence for a run around 70 minutes, 166 cadence for around 75 minutes, I was hoping to follow the 70 minutes pacer but there are only pacers for 45 to 60 minute runners, when I get there I will go to the back and as Oldfloss says run "slow and steady" .

[Katnap Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Good luck Al !

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to Katnap]

Thanks Katnap, the feelings I have just now are the same as before my first parkrun, but this time there won't be a first timers briefing, back then I went to the back of the pack, I'll do the same again this Sunday.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

I’m sure you’ll do brilliantly on Sunday AlMorr . You’re a very very strong runner and you’ll deserve your medal. Can’t wait to see photos and hear how you get on. 😀

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

👍 🏃🏾 Thanks CC

[skysue16 Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Best of luck, enjoy 👍

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to skysue16]

👍 Thanks skysue16✅

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon]

Awww what great photos and sounds like both a really fun day and fantastic race, massive congratulations to you all 🙌🙌. What a treat for you all to be there together, sounds lovely😚

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hedgehogs123]

Thanks Hedgehogs! I’ve bleated on about this race so much, the others wanted to come and see what the fuss was all about! I think I may have converted them: it’s so lovely and the weather was very kind to us 😀

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Dont you all look so happy? The power of running is wonderful. Well done all and that time sounds good to me 😁👏👏👏😁

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

It’s simply a happy race Sue! The atmosphere is always fun, and we were bopping along to the music in the event village before and after the race which was very jolly. We had a blast and we were all pleased with our respective times too! 😍

[Folkylass]

Congratulations to you all on your great achievements! Smashing happy photos too👏👏👏🥳🥳🥳🥳😂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Folkylass]

Thanks Folkylass! I’m not sure we stopped smiling all day. 😅

[Folkylass in reply to cheekychipmunks]

👍👍🥰

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Brilliant Day cheekychipmunks and what perfect conditions. It was everything we hoped for and more. Many thanks for chauffeuring us and hosting us so well over the weekend. See you in October!

My post will be tomorrow- 🥱😴

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

And thank you so much for letting us borrow your shower Dexy! It made us much more pleasant company later 😅

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

We could have had sticky Kats! Flossie would have licked your legs, but I’m sure you were better off with that hotel shower 😅

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to TailChaser]

After running a HM you deserved a long wallow in the bath. I’m sorry we only had a shower. But even that makes you feel better.

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

A shower was perfect Dexy 😍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I’m so happy you could come Dexy! It’s more fun arriving at a race with friends, so it made sense for me to scoop you all up! Plus, my turn to host, so you’re very welcome. 😀

Yes, see you very soon! 👏👏👏

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Ahh fabulous Cheeky! Happy smiley faces all round. Great job 🤩🤩🤩

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda, I recommend this race, it’s ace! 😍😍

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

What a lovely day, very well done on your race,sounds great(and dinner afterwards too!) 😊👌xxx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

It was a fabulous day aliboo! Wonderful company and a wonderful race. Plus I enjoy cooking so it made sense to feed the hungry runners too! 🥰

[lexi6 10 Miles]

Loving your photos and that's a brilliant time Cheeky. Well done everyone, another awesome buddies catch up 👍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to lexi6]

Thanks Lexi, a very successful day all around. We always have fun on our meet-ups. 🥰

[TailChaser Marathon]

It’s been fab cheeky! And thank you sooooo much for that wonderful meal and yours and Mr Cheeky’s hospitality. Really, really appreciated 🤗. As for your 10k - told you! 5.5 years of running, your legs don’t forget! 😀

Not sure I’ve got the energy for a post tonight though…maybe in the morning 😴

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Haha, yes you did tell me TC! 😅 The power of C25K; enabling us to pop out a 10k just like that! As for your HMs, amazing. 👏👏👏👏

You’re very welcome for the roast. Mr Cheeky loves seeing you guys too and I’m glad you could come. 😀

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

It’s been brilliant Cheeky 😍

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon]

"I was chuffed to pieces to run with ease today." How good is that? 10km and run with ease sounds so good. Well done Cheeky! I keep repeating that run with ease phrase, wonderful. I think meeting with friends, running with ease, sharing food all sounds like win, win, win to me. Congratulations to you all! 😊🎉🏃🏻‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃🏻‍♀️🎉😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

It was a fabulous day over61! Yes I was surprised that my legs were happy after their relaxed year to date. They didn’t let me down and I’m now realising that my hilly PR streak this past few weekends paid off. 🙏

Meeting my buddies and making a new one was the icing on the cake! 🥰

[JonathanP 10 Miles]

Sounds like a perfect running experience Cheeky - rare but to be savoured!😀

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to JonathanP]

Thanks Jonathan! Yes indeed, it is rare to have perfect conditions on the bridge, although I think the wind picked up a little for the HM runners and they had a headwind on the way back. Still nothing compared to how it can be. We had such a fun day! ❤️

[Week7 Half Marathon]

It was wonderful to meet you, UpTheStanley and Dexy5 yesterday. It was such a lovely morning once I got over the stress of motorway closing early!Looking forward to meeting again for a SB PR .

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Week7]

So lovely to meet you too W7! 😀

I was reading on FB that loads of people got caught out by the early bridge closure. 😳 That was naughty wasn’t it? I think we were lucky sneaking over, and I’m glad you made it in time! 🙏

Please let me know when you’re up for the PR! I’ll be there in a shot. 😅

[Week7 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Will do!

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Just excellent... Well done each and every one... running and with friends! Perfect!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks OF! It was the best. 🥰

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon]

Brilliant and hosting a post-run dinner as well. I’m super impressed xx

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

It made perfect sense Shakes. I can eat for England after a race and I love cooking. A win-win! (You should come next year!) 😅

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Shake-and-run]

As were we Shake-and-run !

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Aww shucks! 🥰😅

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

Fabulous to see the gang all together and well done to you all on great runs. Sunday roast sounds a perfect way to finish off what sounds like a lovely day 😋

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

We missed you Sandie. Maybe one day you’ll be in the UK at the time of year and can experience it too! 🥰

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Based on current thinking, next year might be a possibility 🤞

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

Ooooooooo! 🤞🤞🤞

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Sandie1961]

It was Sandie! She had more energy than I did at the end!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Believe me, if I’d have got home and sat down after my bath, it’s possible I may have remained on the sofa all evening Dexy5 😅

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I don’t know how you did it Cheeky!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Hunger, TailChaser 😂

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

The joys of running and VRB ship in a nutshell! Well done everyone; if these posts don’t tempt people to pull on their running shoes, nothing will! No runs for me (doggy sitting for son and partner) so gearing up for a trot this morning. Up in the woods with no fear of bears hiding around each tree should be very relaxing 🙂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

You know how much fun it is Beachcomber66 😀

Have a lovely run in the woods. No bears is a bonus. 🐻 How does Molly like having a live-in pal? Does she share her treats? 🐶 🐶

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Molly and Quiz (I know…weird name!) got on really well….opted to eat each other’s food, but no fall outs. Quiz needed to loads of attention…..throwing a ball in the main, but Molly got compensating cuddles, so all good. Wouldn’t like it to happen too often though….Quiz is an early riser and not quiet about it!🙂

[David_G Metric Marathon]

Well done cheekychipmunks and lovely VRBs, that sounds like a great day! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to David_G]

Thanks David_G . It was fun indeed. Hope your journey is going smoothly. 🤞

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Another fab VRB meet-up by the sounds of it 😍

That road closing early would have had me in a right old panic 😱 not good on the organisers but maybe there was a good reason.

Lovely photos Munks and well done you and everyone else. Maybe one of these years I’ll head that way myself to give it a go. You always look so happy 🤗 no doubt the bling had a little to do with that 😂😍🏅

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Oh it would be fantastic if you could come along IP - you’d love it! 🥰 And the bling is lovely with plenty of heft! 😍

Last year we were held before we could go to the start because the motorway closed late - they went to the other extreme this year - but yes there must have been a good reason. It’s quite a big deal closing a whole stretch of motorway! We were possibly one of the last cars to get through. 🙏

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I’m sure lots of people were caught out 🙀

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

According to FB, yes lots of people were, and only just made it in time for the start of the 10k 😳

[Mudita11 Half Marathon]

Sounds like a fantastic day Cheeky! Wish I could have joined you. Love the photos too - all smiley faces 😁 x

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Mudita11]

We were very very smiley Mudita, pretty much all day, except maybe for the evil hill at the end! See you at the GSR though - not too long to wait! 👏👏👏

[Mudita11 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Yay 😁 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️!

[skysue16 Half Marathon]

Congratulations, sounds a great day. You did really well. How lovely to share with pals 😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to skysue16]

Thanks SS, it was a very special day and the fact my run went way better than I deserved is the icing on the cake. I think I can safely say we all enjoyed it. 🥰

[GTFC Marathon]

Lovely run report cheekychipmunks and so glad to read that you felt strong and it went well for you 😊 I love reading the race reports and all about the meet ups. Here's to more running adventures 🙏

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to GTFC]

Thanks GTFC, the stars aligned this year to give us near perfect running conditions, and sharing my favourite race with friends was truly special. 😍

[Cowladyrunning Marathon]

Well done Cheeky - fab time and sounds like a wonderful day all round 😀

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Thanks CLR! I didn’t deserve such a respectable time with my pitiful training this year! We had a blast - you should give it a go one year! 😀

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I have it on my list to do! I should really have done it as marathon training for this year but chickened out of racing before it.... I've enough to get my head around as it is!!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

You have a good excuse! Next year maybe. 😀

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon]

Love those photos, Cheeky! It’s great to see you all together and obviously having a great time. Well done on your run and time. I bet that Sunday roast was awesome too! Not jealous 😂😅

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

Thanks Brian! I love making roasts and I love it even more when I can cook for friends. You’d be more than welcome of course! 😀

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Yummy! 🤤 Thanks Cheeky