WEEKLY CHAT 4TH-10 DECEMBER. WHAT’S ON YOUR SANTA WISH LIST? 🎅🎁🎁

[Irishprincess]

Hello running friends. Another week, another chance to share your news.

Before we start I want to say a big thank you to aliboo70 who hosted last week’s chat and gave us a chance to share our stories about how important our families are to our running and how their support helps us in so many ways. Such a great subject. Thanks Ali 👍🥰

Talking of families and with only a few weeks before Christmas, it’s fair to say that it’s time to start thinking about what running related goodies we’d like to see under the tree. Have you given lots of hints to your nearest and dearest?

I don’t know about you but I tend to treat myself to a few things at this time of year. As I couldn’t wait until Christmas, I’ve just bought myself some fab longer length, padded, merino wool socks (Hilly) as I was fed up with always having a bare-skin gap around my ankles on the coldest of days. I wore them on Saturday when the temperature had plummeted and they were brilliant! My feet remained snuggly warm throughout so thank you Santa!

Although my feet were toasty warm, my face was frozen even though I wore a buff, but it’s not wool so going on my list is a merino wool buff. Also, even with my thermal leggings I still ended up with a frozen bum and thighs, so I think I need some kind of long johns or at the very least a pair of merino wool knickers like misswobble ’s! They sound just the ticket!

What about you? What would you like to find in your stocking on under the tree? Do you treat yourself too? If so, what have you bought recently as an early pressie from Santa?

The only problem with this post is that, once I start reading your lists, I’ll want things I didn’t know I wanted or needed!!! 😂

Whatever you’re up to this week, shopping or not, running or not, we hope you have a stress-free, happy time 🤗

From The Team xxx

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PS I saw this wreath lying on the ground in the arboretum last week. Someone had clearly made it and I thought it looked gorgeous so I had to share.🥰

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[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Hello IP. No run for me today! The thaw is well underway, but there are patches of ice under water out there, so I am not chancing it. Molly and I carried out a pitch inspection and decided that coffee, flap jack and sausage was what all that we needed. Cleaning up Molly when she has muddy legs is vigorous cross training in itself.

Santa? I have barely given him a thought! Our youngest has asked for ideas, so I have suggested a long sleeved running shirt and another pair of injinji socks. I like socks with toes in. With injinji, my toes and feet always seem really relaxed at the end of run rather than being bunched up. I am already well kitted out for winter runs with the right runderwear!

Mrs BC wants a health (not running) watch….but she doesn’t want one which will tell her that she should be doing things without being asked for an opinion! Any ideas welcome!!

My thoughts often turn to a new running watch at this time of year. My faithful forerunner 35 is 6 years old. But then I ask myself what difference a new watch will make.It will look a bit flashier I guess, but I get all the data I need from my existing watch and all the coaching I need from NRC. So I stick to what I have….. 🙄

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Gosh it’s awfully quiet around here at the minute BC, only you and me 😍 Perhaps everyone else is out shopping 😂

I don't blame you for not going out until the ice disappears. It’s just not worth the risk. Hopefully a day or two will do the trick and you can head out for a run.

I totally agree with Mrs BC about not being told what to do. Imagine that, from a watch too 🙀 Sorry, I can’t give you any suggestions but I’m sure someone around here will be able to help.

I’m sticking to my Garmin too. Mine is coming up to 9 years old and I quite like the fact it’s that age because it’s probably considered vintage in Running Watch World which I think is rather sweet 😍

Have a great week 👍

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

I’ve been recuperating 😀. Not bought a single thing yet or started thinking of doing so. I’ll do what I always do and go into a last minute flap ☺️

I’ve been wearing my beloved merino Buff, which Santa bought me a few years ago, but it’s got a hole in it where I must have caught it in my jacket zip Fabulous pice of kit! It was a boon the other day when I wore it to th footy 🥶. Ditto my Alpkit merino boxers! Love those 😍

I received a “Sundried” long sleeve top for my recent birthday. It’s beautiful and has thumb holes too. Good for me as I’m not a gloves fan It’s for no labels or side seams so is good for my psoriasis, which incidentally has gone into overdrive in the past few weeks 😖. It’s really bad 🫣

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Sorry to hear about your psoriasis Missw ☹️ Does the colder weather aggrevate it?

I’ve just ordered a merino wool base layer from Wiggle so that’s another present from me to me 😂

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

I think it’s a combo of long running tights, cold, wet weather, and warm in the house when the heating is on. Running a marathon didn’t help as it was cold, and the friction between skin and clothes over 26 miles was bound to be trouble for me. Roll on summer 😁😎

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

🥰🥰

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to Beachcomber66]

Sounds like you are all sorted then, as to Mrs BC, how about a Garmin Venus? They don't do all the training readiness and performance stuff, at least the 2+ doesn't, but they do the health stats and music so quite fancy. I think the 3 like the newest Vivoactive does the performance stats as well. I love mine but am jealous of the performance stats the forerunner series gives.

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Beachcomber66]

I’m sticking with my Forerunner 35 Beachcomber66 , as I love the fact it is not touch screen, and I can understand how it works. I did treat myself and UpTheStanley to new watch straps this year though which has made them look like new again.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I did the same; it was the second new strap I have fitted. The fact that I know how use my 35 is a factor in my reluctance to replace it. Old dog new tricks stuff!

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

I was getting worried about my F35 as it went a bit mental a few days before my marathon but I needn’t have worried. It was fine. Phew. I like it so will stick with it 🙂

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Hi IP, the wreath is beautiful. Oh! I don't have a Christmas list, I guess I need a Santa hat as planning to run parkrun Christmas day. I recently bought new thermal leggings with a pocket for my phone though, I noticed that last year's one don't stay up so well, a combination of weight loss and numerous washings I guess.

Have a great week

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Or you could don reindeer horns or elves’ ears…. What a hoot! We definitely need photos Sue 🥳

Do your thighs stay warm in the thermal leggings? Perhaps mine have had their day and that is why they don’t seem to keep my thighs warm…….

Have a great week you too 😻

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to Irishprincess]

I haven't worn them yet 😁 they plopped through the door as I was packing for warmer climes, I'll let you know, and if they are falling down they will run to my daughter's and stay there. My others were winter weight and not thermal, I do remember cold thighs from last winter but didn't run much when it was cold. Reindeer ears eh? What fun.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Definitely some jingle bells somewhere too 🔕🔕

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

I got some warm lined Ronhills After Dark leggings They’re lovely 🥰 side slide leg pocket and a back pocket. Wore them for the marathon 🏃‍♀️

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Ronhill were my very first “proper” leggings and I wore them for years until they became a bit baggy and lost their elastane.

I like the sound of your “after Dark” leggings though 😍

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to SueAppleRun]

Perhaps try some elastic or a long lace through the waist of your leggings SueAppleRun . Might be all that’s needed to keep them up.

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to Dexy5]

Good idea Dexy5

[misswobble Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

I only buy waist tie leggings after two disastrous purchases. One was expensive Gore ones 🙁.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

I have a couple of pairs of Ron Hill leggings and one pair of Montagne….and I don’t feel the cold at all. They are not particularly thick either. A pair of shorts with phone pocket on top; job done. Not elegant….but effective 🙂

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Montagne?

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

😂 Montane!!I was being French!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Aha!!! 😂

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

I’ve got a montane zip through which I wear to the match. 😍 love the thing 🙂

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

me too! I’ve got two pairs of his long winter jobs. Both reflective for being seen in 😎

[misswobble Marathon in reply to misswobble]

ee, make that three ☺️ I dug out a looser pair today 🏃‍♀️🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Love the wreath IP. I don't have any runny stuff on my santa list this year. Don't feel too sorry for me though - I succumbed to the Sweaty Betty BF sale and bought some leggings I'd had my eye on for a while. They were half price and my first ever SB purchase. They were so good I bought another pair 🙈.

I have my thicker ones on just now, for an icy Canadian speed run with a full on cold that I cant shift (nothing ill advised there, right?). I don't feel the cold so much when I'm running, but my thighs and behind are often really cold when I get back. The crucial thing is not to jump in a hot shower until they have warmed up some 🙄

Have a great week everyone 🥰

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I love my SB leggings and don’t buy from anywhere else as they fit me so well, wash like a ribbon and you get really good reductions in their sales, as you now know! And they have great patterns!

That thing about jumping in a hot shower, I’ve done that and it hurts! 😫 😖

I hope your cold disappears and you keep on enjoying your time in Canada 🥰

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

I think SB has some 4-way stretch tights on sale. I was Googling for 4-way stretch fabric ones in particular I’ve got some on my Christmas list 🏃‍♀️ I’m hoping that less friction around my knee area will reduce the chafe potential

At the minute I’m wearing Adidas “hip hop” pants. I think we used to call em shell suit bottoms 😁. They’re deafening 🙉

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

I’ve just discovered a new SB Outlet shop in Gunwharf Quays. I’m going to have to stay away, as I really do not need any more. Do I? 🤔

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

You can never be sure til you've taken a look ... 😍

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

😂

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I guess we don’t need more than two pairs of leggings at any one time Dexy but I, for one, have a tiny, titchy bit more than two pairs…… 🤔they are just so tempting sometimes aren’t they?

I once went shopping for a new sofa and came home with a pair of SB leggings! 😂

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Irishprincess]

🤣. I justify it by the fact that I spend so much time in leggings that I need to have a few choices, and while I am wearing those, I am not wearing out my other clothes.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

😂😂

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

like your style! 😁

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Aaah thanks Irishprincess for the shout out, I enjoyed last week's chat! 😀 Run gear wise the one thing I'm really missing is my gloves, which I have mislaid somewhere! I lost a single one after a run last year, think it fell out of car(or possibly off roof!) Funnily enough I bought my friend the same ones when I got mine , and as she has pretty much given up running I might see of she still has hers and I buy her a swapsy pressie(or is that too cheeky!)! My thick running ones are either is the depths of a cupboard or lost too, it's v annoying. So they may be on my list! For my birthday I got a fab reflective running hat and treated myself to a patterned reflective gilet on Vinted so can't think i need much! Maybe new injinji socks too like Beachcomber66 , they've lasted so well, 1 pair has a hole now but I must have had them over 6yrs, they are super sturdy and really stop any blisters! That's about it! 😊

Have a great week everyone!

Ps I got up a nasty big hill yesterday it's a killer but was with a group, so feeling pleased as a while since I did that one !! Xxx

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

You’ve had a few treats recently Ali, so maybe you’ll still get some surprises under the tree!

One glove isn’t really much use is it? I must say that gloves are usually the first thing I wear once winter arrives as my hands get cold very quickly. I don’t think it’s cheeky at all to ask your friend for one glove……. and you’d have a spare 😂

I’ve seen your hill from your post below! Super well done! That looks tough 💪 How was the going down though? Xxx

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

The going down was great! 😁that hill is within the 1st mile of our clubs annual summer 10 mile race, am i selling it to you! ?? !!🤣Managed another big hill in sunny Ventnor today, chuffed with that!

I'd be happy with new injini socks!! 😁

Big hill in Ventnor

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Great views though Ali 😍

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

It really is especially on a sunny day followed by coffee shop afterwards! This is the view from my brothers flat! Xxx

Lovely view!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

That looks gorgeous 😍

[misswobble Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

great job Ali! 💪🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🔥

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Thanks MW 😁xxx

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

My big hill!

Killer hill

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Ooh I love your leaf creation there  Irishprincess . I see a lion’s head 🦁. I feel I had autumn stolen from me this year as it was so stormy we didn’t get chance to enjoy the beauty of the changing colours at the arboretum we love .

I must confess I couldn’t wait until Santa visited to buy a new pair of warm leggings for the festive season. Llama leggings have some beautiful designs this year and I chose Ho Ho Holiday.

llamaleisure.com/collection...

I also bought a new long sleeve zip top as a warmer layer from my favourite brand, Ronhill .

I ran Monday and Wednesday last week and I am going to start running again tomorrow, rain or not, and will be doing the 12 days of Christmas run to get my tree decoration medal.

Stay safe in the ice and snow, everyone else.

Festive Leggings

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I didn't see that it was a head when I took the photo and it was only when I looked at it once home that I saw it! Yes, it does look like a lion.

Those leggings are fabulously festive 🎄 I’m sure you’ll be wearing them at all your parkruns over Christmas and maybe beyond?

You’ve just reminded me that I need a new base layer because the one I have gives me an itchy rash and it’s years old so not very warm at all now. See, I knew reading these lists would give me ideas….🙄

Good luck with your Christmas challenge and enjoy it all 😍

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you ☘️ 👸🏽

[TailChaser Marathon]

Hiya IP! I’ve not joined in on a chat for a while, life is quite full atm but I’m missing you all 😢

So I’ve got Katnap something he’s already running in - shorts. He’s made of strong, northern stock is Katnap! Whatever the weather! I bought myself some shorts at the same time but I’ve only been brave enough to wear them once so far. Wiggle’s administration sale…our shorts RRP around £80 and I got them for about £14 each. I also got a pair of Saucony Endorphin Pro 3s for about £78, usually £210. Would have been rude not too! Saving them for Berlin Katnap doesn’t wear them so they were all mine (laughs, manically). They are going to be saved for Berlin 🇩🇪 in September. Got Katnap something else but I can’t talk about it on here…

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Shorts!!!! OMG! If I wore shorts in winter temperatures my legs would be a lovely shade of purple, not a good look 🙀

Katnap must have thick all-weather skin 😂

Is Wiggle going bust? I bought new shoes from them recently and didn’t see any sign of trouble….. but those are great reductions on the shorts. Might have to take a wee look myself.

No doubt we will post after Christmas asking folks what Santa brought them so we’ll find out what you got Katnap 🙂

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to TailChaser]

Great bargains there TC. I was so sorry to hear about Wiggle. It is a local company and provided a lot of employment here.

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I know, I love Wiggle. I love having a good rummage around on their site. Do some really good cycling kit as well. They are in administration but I believe they have been bought up so they will continue for now. Best to buy from them on a credit card though, just in case.

Katnap was told by one of his ultra running clubmates that he made them feel overdressed. I don’t know how he does it! My legs are very much like yours IP, but hairy purple 😂 They don’t see a shaver until about March - extra insulation under the leggings. I am the antithesis of Katnap (aka Southern Softy 😂).

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

One of the advantages of the menopause is that the hair on my legs stopped growing! It’s years since I had to shave my legs, such a boon!

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Mine did that but now the symptoms are subsiding it seems to be growing back with a flourish! Back to Bilbo Baggins’s toes as well 😂

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

😂😂😂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

OMG is that why mine hardly ever need shaving nowadays either Irishprincess ? How embarrassing not to have known that! 😳😂

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

😂

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

It took me a fair few years to work it out…😂

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Oh no! I hadn’t heard about Wiggle. Perhaps another company will buy them…🤞

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

They may well be consumed by the Sports Direct family if the media is to be believed 🤨

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Oh I do hope not. It’ll be Karrimor and low end Nike and Adidas and that will be it 🥱

[misswobble Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

SD HQ is near me and there is some good stuff available from them. They had a Nike zone which was really top notch. I’m quite a Nike and Karrimor fan. I chose my Karrimor jacket for my marathon as it’s got loads of pockets, plus a hood if needed. It’s night reflective too so just the job. My first running shoes were Karrimor Tempo 🥰 I’m never without a pair of Pegasus Shields 😀

I’m still doing yoga in my original cheapo Karrimor capris and they’re fine

Shame about Wiggle. I got my first cycling bits from them 😕

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

shocking int it 🙁.

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to misswobble]

It’s all getting so homogenised though, I love seeing different things 😢

[misswobble Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

oh I do! I got a lovely Sundried long sleeve for my birthday. Turqoise/yellow/grey combo. It feels lovely. Just off out in it now 💦🏃‍♀️

[RunWillie Marathon]

Hi Irishprincess & other VRB’s,

I love Christmas 😍

Boys are finishing school for 8 weeks this week so there’s lots of excitement in our house.

Hubby & I have both got running shoes for under the tree. I also entered the Gold Coast marathon last week and got in so that’s super exciting & scary.

Happy week everyone ❤️🏃‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️

Today’s run

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Woo hoo!!!! You’ve entered a marathon! How exciting RW! When is it?

With all your mileage you must be in fantastic shape to take this on, I’m so excited for you 🤗

We love Christmas in this house too and I do tend to go a bit overboard with the decorations and festive music, etc playing and the smell of mulled wine…. Ooo I’m getting carried away already!

Enjoy your time with your boys and of course, your running. There can’t be many miles left to do in your challenge….?

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks for the vote of confidence Irishprincess 😍 I hope so. I feel it’s still a stretch as I haven’t got beyond HM yet. I got diagnosed with low iron a couple of weeks ago so I’m keeping my long run under two hours until I’m back in normal range. I’ve finished my distance goal for the year ❤️

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Huge congratulations to you RW 👏👏 on achieving your goal, that’s brilliant! Such a fabulous target. You could consider writing a separate post about it as it’s so encouraging and inspiring for us 😍

Low iron can really affect your energy levels but no doubt you will take the sensible approach and do what you need to do.

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

That’s kind of you IP. I don’t know about inspiring. I haven’t wrote a post as I don’t want to come across as bragging about distance. We’ve all got our own things that keep us getting out there or not sometimes. I’m always keen to encourage others though. I love our weekly chats & I’m very thankful for all you hosts that make it happen each week. Thank you! x

[misswobble Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Go you! 😀💪👍

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Ooooooh RW! You’ve done it, you’ve entered a marathon, I’m so excited for you! You’ll be fine, you have so much mileage in your legs! When????

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Thanks TailChaser 😍

I’m super excited that I’ve finally done it. I was talking myself out of it again but I’m going with a friend & she gave me the push I needed to book it. It’s the Gold Coast marathon on 7th July. It’s a fast marathon but it has a generous cut-off & it’s flat so hopefully I will make it.

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

You will definitely make it, especially if you have a friend to help. And what a gorgeous place to run 😍

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

We will all be with you in spirit RW. Wishing you a cool day for the event 👍

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thanks Beachcomber66 😍 It will be winter so hoping for blue skies without too much heat.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Yasssss!!!

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I will get the badge from you!! 🤣

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

it has been a tough 10 days since I last ran. Snow and Ice to start with, then just ice, then pouring rain and high winds coupled with contractors removing dangerous trees on my favoured route…together with the inevitable mudfest which goes with it! Tomorrow morning looks as though it will be 5 degrees (tropical by recent standards) very little wind and no rain. So….exercises today and a hope that tomorrow will be different. I have no idea how far to run or how fast…but short and slow will probably be the end result…whatever, it has been far too long!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Boo to the weather BC ☹️

The sun is shining here today and hopefully it’s better where you are.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

It was warm and sunny this morning. I had to clear one water jump at the start but otherwise a nice 4K trot at 7:04/k. Back on the trail 🙂.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

👍 Great news!

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

I was wading this morning My shoes performed well I’m pleased to say They drained real quick and my feet felt fine as I ran on 🙂🏃‍♀️💦

[Tasha99 Marathon]

I’d like to find my mojo under the tree 🎄

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

☹️ Fingers crossed Tasha that it’ll be the biggest present there! x

It is harder to get out in this weather. I’ve heard that some people don't run at all during the winter months and focus on rest and strength training……