Great South Run 2023 - Race Report ❤️ - Fun Beyond 10K & ...

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Great South Run 2023 - Race Report ❤️

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon
68 Replies

Might be another long one. Apologies to anyone who glazes over!

What a magnificent weekend. Mr Cheeky, Flossie and I headed to Portsmouth yesterday afternoon, driving through some very lively spells of rain which seemed to follow us! Got rather wet walking Flossie when we arrived, but we were treated to the most beautiful rainbow to make up for my resulting disastrous hairstyle! All forgiven.

We then met up with Dexy5 UpTheStanley Sandie1961 Oldgirlruns , linda9389 Mr Linda, Mudita11 Mr Mudita and David_G for a very well behaved carb loading supper (just 2 x G&Ts for me 😇), had a good catchup, then turned in. Appalling night’s sleep in a too warm hotel room - always happens so no drama.

Today dawned chilly but with bright sunshine. ☀️ Knowing how hot I run, I stuck with shorts and was mighty happy I did. A nice cool breeze helped. Mr Cheeky and I watched the jaw dropping elites go off first. Wow. 💥 Failed miserably to meet up with anyone in the pink wave start pen but that didn’t matter unduly. Took part in the jolly warmup, then next thing I knew we were off.

My race was totally uneventful. I haven’t trained properly at all; in fact my Cardiff HM was pretty much it (in which I’d Jeffed from 13.5k) as well as a few 10k races. Still. I felt confident and was chuffed to bits to run the 10 miles in its entirety. Yes my legs tired towards the end, but I managed a sprint finish and apparently was so focused and in the zone I missed UTS cheering me in, as well as Coddfish and Mr Coddfish. Sorry guys! I did spot Mr Cheeky and Flossie at 800m to go though. ❤️ My time was a little over 2hrs 12m, close to 12 minutes off last year when I was suffering with post viral fatigue. In fact today was the 2nd quickest of my four GSRs, so woohoo. 🙏

Met up briefly after for some photos, then we went our separate ways. I’m happy to admit I soaked in the bath for more than an hour when I got home!

I suspect there’ll be more race reports if there haven’t been already! Enjoy. It was so much fun. ❤️

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cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunks
Half Marathon
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68 Replies
SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Miles

Yay 😁 that sounds so much fun and you ran it all? Awesome! 👏👏👏👏

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toSueAppleRun

Thanks SueAppleRun , it’s always fun and the atmosphere really helps get you over the finish line! 😀

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon

Haha! I spent rather too long in the bath too ... after the rugby of course 😍 That was an awesome run Cheeky. I hope you're feeling well chuffed and that the latest bling has taken pride of place (assuming you've taken it off that is) 🥰

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply tolinda9389

That bath was in my mind all the way home linda9389 ! I had the radio on so heard that nail biting result. 🏉

Bling is displayed proudly on the last remaining place on my hanger. It’s a lovely hefty medal isn’t it, and I love the red. 😍

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles

we’ve been too busy watching rugby to write a post cheekychipmunks ! So lovely to see Flossie again, as well as you and Mr C. It was an excellent run for you.

That rainbow brought good luck to us all I think.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toDexy5

I listened to the rugby in the bath Dexy5 . What a result. 💥

Thanks for organising such a fabulous weekend again. Mr C enjoyed having Flossie to mooch around with and she loves being in running photos. 🥰

That rainbow did indeed bring us luck; I think we were all pleasantly surprised with our respective results. 😀

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon

Tremendous run cheeky, and looking around the photograph everyone seems to have made the finishing line despite the spate of injuries. You thought that you were not ready….but then made it with a flying finish too. Chipmunks Rule !!!! So pleased for you.👏👏👏👏👏👏

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles in reply toBeachcomber66

Oldgirlruns and David_G made it too just after this photo BC. Such a lovely day.

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toDexy5

That is brilliant! Congratulations everyone. From walking wounded to champions!🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🍷🥇

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply toBeachcomber66

Everyone's a champion BC!

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply tolinda9389

Absolutely Linda; everyone who ran is definitely a champion. 👏👏👏👏👏🥇

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toBeachcomber66

Thanks Beachcomber66 ! Yes, unfortunately Mr C and I needed to make a move otherwise we could have had  Oldgirlruns and  David_G in the photo too, to complete the set. 😀

It was so much fun, and yet again the weather behaved. 🙏 And I had legs this year, not cooked spaghetti! 😅

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply tocheekychipmunks

I am sure (hope)that there will be more posts and photographs! To get a 100% completion out of all of those pre run injuries/ sub optimal build ups/ recovering long term issues was incredible. It just shows how far determination/ borderline stubbornness and friendship can carry you when required! 🙂

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toBeachcomber66

Oh you’re right there BC! We were all supporting each other, although I regret we couldn’t stick around a little longer to cheer David and OGR in. 🥺 You know what a great event it is. ❤️

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrHalf Marathon

Brilliant report and run for you today at The Great South Run, CC congratulations, lovely photos of you, the other runners from this forum and the medal and rainbow, that was a good time as well, 2hrs 12, ✔️✔️

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toAlMorr

Thank you AlMorr , I was pleased with that time in the circumstances. Quite a way off my PB, but I’d trained properly that year.

It was lovely seeing the HU crew and we all had a blast. 🥰

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrHalf Marathon in reply tocheekychipmunks

I didn't report my only 10 miles run I ran a few weeks ago but my time was only two minutes quicker at 2:10:30, apart from that half marathon I ran last November, I'll tell you a little secret, this Wednesday I am going to attempt to run another Half Marathon, it will be the longest run since that HM I ran last November in memory of the late great Tim.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toAlMorr

Oh wow AlMorr another HM! How wonderful. I do hope you’ll tell us all about it. Do you have your route all mapped out? 😀

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrHalf Marathon in reply tocheekychipmunks

Yes, it's my normal route, running around it more than my normal 5K or 10K runs, combining my short, medium and long runs into one, I certainly won't be running non stop but hope to run/walk or jeffing as they call it now.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toAlMorr

Good luck, and have fun! 🙏👏👏

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Half Marathon

Well done on your run👏👏👏 - what a great event this is! I was there watching my husband and eldest son…getting very emotional to see them cross the finish line. Portsmouth never disappoints and this event is probably my favourite ( having done it 3 times). 🙂👍🏅

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toSandraj39

I can imagine you feeling emotional seeing them Sandraj39 . That long run in to the finish is something else, and the crowds really lift you. I even managed to crank my weary pins into a sprint! It was a great day wasn’t it? 😍

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Half Marathon in reply tocheekychipmunks

Just fab!😍👏👏👏🏅🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃🏾‍♂️

Mudita11 profile image
Mudita11Half Marathon

You didn’t look as if you’d broken a sweat afterwards Cheeky, so you must be pretty fit. You did brilliantly. Was really lovely seeing you again and to meet Flossie who I have fallen in love with ❤️ 🐕 xx

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toMudita11

Haha I’m not a huge sweater Mudita11 , although I’ve bucked that trend this summer on occasion. 🥵 Cardio-wise I never struggle, but my legs tire the longer the race goes on. Still, I was mighty pleased with my result. You did amazingly and always look so stylish! 😍

Let me know when you guys fancy a trip to the Curly Wurly! Oh, and I’m glad you got to meet Flossie! 🥰

over61andstilltrying profile image
over61andstilltryingHalf Marathon

Wow! You super star you! Such relaxed training, if slightly absent even and then you ran the whole way! Fabulous! Wonderful! So pleased to read this.🏃‍♀️😊🎉👏🏅🏁

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toover61andstilltrying

Thanks over61andstilltrying ! I’ll take that; relaxed training! 😅 Non existent is more like it however!

Yes I was pleased to run the whole way. I never once felt the need to walk, so my Cardiff HM must definitely have helped. 🙏

over61andstilltrying profile image
over61andstilltryingHalf Marathon in reply tocheekychipmunks

I continue to shake my head in astonishment, that you can run and run and run without what may be considered the necessary training. Super star! 🌟I seemed to need to grind out an 8.5km run on Saturday (135m elevation), your 16km+ seems way beyond me at the moment. What elevation gain did Mr Garmin give you for the GSR? I trust that you are continuing to enjoy the after glow of another special W/E. 😊

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toover61andstilltrying

Ahh that’s the thing too over61andstilltrying , the beauty of the GSR is that it’s basically flat; just a couple of very minor inclines. 🙏 Cardiff was mostly flat too, but there were a few decent hills which did me in on a run that length. I’m impressed with your 8.5k hilly run. You’re amazing too! ❤️

over61andstilltrying profile image
over61andstilltryingHalf Marathon in reply tocheekychipmunks

🤣 I don't think so! I was surprised when I ran my only 10 miles(2 years ago), I chose to run beside the river, I drove to my starting point. The aim was to have a flatter run. Even beside the river I still had 141m elevation gain. So does the GSR give 0m elevation gain? Or perhaps 10m? How novel! 🤣

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toover61andstilltrying

It was between 20m and 30m (depending on whether you believed Garmin or Strava). And I’m surprised it was that much! 😅

over61andstilltrying profile image
over61andstilltryingHalf Marathon in reply tocheekychipmunks

Thank you, I always wonder about elevation when race times are mentioned. Somehow the data feels incomplete without. I just don't have flat runs of any distance around here. It would be interesting to experience a few. One day perhaps.

Are you fully recovered now?

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toover61andstilltrying

Yes thanks, no aches and pains at all. 🙏 Actually I prefer a few inclines up and down. Nothing too big however! I find my muscles almost tire more over a long flat run as the same ones are being used over and over again. At least that’s how it feels for me. 😀

over61andstilltrying profile image
over61andstilltryingHalf Marathon in reply tocheekychipmunks

That's very interesting! I have not heard anyone say that before. No aches and pains at all! So good to hear. 😊

skysue16 profile image
skysue16Half Marathon

Congratulations Cheeky - wonderful run 😊👍

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toskysue16

Thank you skysue16 ! We had a lovely weekend. 🥰

Sandie1961 profile image
Sandie1961Half Marathon

Wow, I didn’t realise you’d taken so much time off last year’s 👏👏👏 It was such a lovely weekend and we were so lucky with the weather again 😃😃

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toSandie1961

Yes I was a lot slower last year Sandie1961 when it felt like I was running on cooked spaghetti or hollow drainpipes - the weirdest sensation! Yesterday felt so much better despite the lack of training, so I’m really pleased. 🙏

Can’t believe how the weather always seems to smile on us. One of these years ….. 😳

Bluebirdrunner profile image
Bluebirdrunner

What a great run Cheeky!

You smashed that..

Congratulations on your 4th GSR, you are awesome!

🏃‍♀️💪🌟🏅xxx

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toBluebirdrunner

Thank you Bluebirdrunner ! Yes, four GSRs now. It’s a wonderful event. 😍

Oldgirlruns profile image
Oldgirlruns10 Miles

A massive well done cheeky, taking all that time off your last year’s time is brilliant! It was lovely to see you again and to renew acquaintances with Flossie ❤️!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toOldgirlruns

Thanks Oldgirlruns , it was wonderful to have you taking part too, although I did miss your support around the 10k mark where you normally cheer us on! Better to have you running though! ❤️

Happy you got to see Flossie again! She loves meeting my friends. 🐕🥰

lexi6 profile image
lexi610 Miles

Great job Cheeky! and another lovely get together with running friends 🥰

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply tolexi6

Thanks! 🙏 Definitely a great meetup lexi6 , and I hear you’ll have a special visitor soon too! What fun. 👏👏👏

lexi6 profile image
lexi610 Miles in reply tocheekychipmunks

I know! I know 🎶 🎶 I'm so excited 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply tolexi6

I am too and I’m not even part of it! 🥰😍😅

aliboo70 profile image
aliboo70Half Marathon

Excellent report! Sounds like a brilliant weekend! 👏 😊xxx

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toaliboo70

Thank you aliboo70 , the race, weather, meet-up and that beautiful medal made it easy to write a report! ❤️

Week7 profile image
Week7Half Marathon

Congratulations on a great run! Using a half marathon with good bling to train for a ten mile race with more good bling- perfect!! Lovely to see Flossie soaking up the atmosphere too!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toWeek7

Ahh yes, the bling Week7 . No way would I subject myself to those distances without it! Flossie had a lovely weekend too. 🥰

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon

Woo hoo! That bling looks gorgeous Munks, I love it 😍

And why do they have hotel rooms so hot? I hate it and the first thing I do now is try to turn the heating off or open a window.

That little VRB group is getting bigger! Sounds so much fun, well done.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toIrishprincess

I thought of you when I was handed my bling Irishprincess ; it’s so hefty! 😍😍😍 My favourite sort. 😅

I know! Hot hotel rooms with no way of cooling it except opening the window - which worked a little bit, but not enough. 🥵

I see the Bath Half is back to March next year …. Interested? 😈

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply tocheekychipmunks

You know it’s my nemesis Munks so it has to be done, one year!

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles in reply toIrishprincess

cheekychipmunks had a window with a view this year, which also meant facing the lovely sunshine all day. Having said that, I was at home and I saw every hour on the clock overnight. Must have been the excitement in my case.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toDexy5

Yes, we lucked out with our view, although from memory I booked early enough to request a sea view. Note to self: book again soon for next year!

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles in reply tocheekychipmunks

😂

Shake-and-run profile image
Shake-and-runHalf Marathon

well done Cheeky, great run and report. I love a flossie pic so good to see her too. Xx

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toShake-and-run

Ahh thanks Shake-and-run . We missed you of course. Might you be tempted for next year? 😀

Flossie and Mr Cheeky had fun mooching around in the sunshine. 🥰

Shake-and-run profile image
Shake-and-runHalf Marathon in reply tocheekychipmunks

never say never! Looking forward to our Monsil Trail meet up!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toShake-and-run

Well that’s a yes then! 😂

Yes, that’ll be so much fun. 😀😀

Cowladyrunning profile image
CowladyrunningMarathon

Sounds a great weekend! Lovely meet up and a great race! Well done on your time- very impressive on little training but you must be just keeping fit anyway!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toCowladyrunning

Thanks Cowladyrunning ! Yes it just shows you that as long as you just do some running, it keeps a baseline fitness. 🙏

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator

Just fantastic!!! It sounds to have been incredible an incredible and run... and with all the friends there too... Fabulous! Well done to you!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toOldfloss

Thanks so much  Oldfloss . It’s made all the better by having friends there to support, and be supported by. 🥰

Talking of which, might there be another meetup at Monsal Trail on April 7th? 🤞

JonathanP profile image
JonathanP10 Miles

Well done Cheeky! Is that what you call winging it?😜

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toJonathanP

Yes JonathanP throwing caution to the (very little) wind and just going for it! 😅

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon

Amazing cheeky! Your running style is so efficient and relaxed, I’m not too surprised at your great time 👏👏👏

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon

Thanks TC! Loosey Goosey Chipmunk? 🪿 😎 🐿️

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