Weekly chat 7-13 Jan; what a difference a day makes ... ☕🍪🫖🌞

[linda9389]

Hey there lovely VRBs. How's it going?

I had quite the weekend. Saturday was grey and miserable again. Without going into too much detail (let's keep the miserable half short) I was exhausted after a dreadful sleep, knocked over an almost full mug of tea which smashed, slicing the palm of my hand and frying my laptop to a sudden, dark death! After such an auspicious start it was no real surprise that the start of the decorating job I'm doing while Mr9389 is away, was just overwhelming and structureless and I achieved very, very little! The highlight of my day was probably an hour's walk to get some fresh air. The rest was miserable and frustrating

I decided Sunday should be a day off!

My plan told me the day would start with a half marathon run (my first since May last year). And what a day it was! 😎The sun shone beautifully - a sunglasses day, it was crisp and cold and bright and fresh. After so much rain, I had reluctantly chosen a road route to avoid the mud and puddles; our road was no longer a running river, so I had high hopes of dry feet!

Well, that didn't quite work out 🙃. Twice I had to turn around on myself because the lanes were totally blocked (and I didn't want to run any part of 21k with water squelching between my toes - these were BIG puddles)). At one point I ran past a farmer trying to fix his pump. By the time I turned back yet again (yeah, I should have believed the 'ROAD CLOSED FLOOD' sign) he had fixed his pump and the road I had just run along had turned into a raging torrent. I skipped through that, knees to chest, comic book style! The hose he was using had lots of holes in it, so there was a new fountain display along the roadside too. I stopped and congratulated him on clearing his pump, he looked very pleased with himself 😅

I made my way back to the rest of my route - having to skip a chunk - and found myself running past home with 3k to go. I was having such a ball though, it was no problem to run right on by and find that other 3k. Road it may have been, but it was such a gorgeous day and such a 'glad to be alive run', it really didn't matter.

On getting home I had (yet) another go at powering up my apparently dead laptop, and joy of joys ... it worked!!!!

A good soak in an epsom salt bath, followed by a visit from (and walk with) my daughter and the day was done. All followed by a lovely leisurely evening on the couch and plenty of time to reflect on a great day.

Bad days do really make you appreciate the good ones.

Just like runs, I guess.

So how's your running going? Plenty of mud and puddles ... with a bit of sunshine perhaps? Or is running off your agenda right now? However it's going - and do let us know in the chat below - I hope the sun shines on you this week and you get a chance to appreciate at least one 'really great day'. Me? I'm off to do some decorating 😵

With love from The Team xxx

~~~~~~~

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[MutleyShuffle Half Marathon]

Loved your run report Linda, a joyful run to make up for the tea disaster! 😂I am out of action at the moment (again 😬), achilles tendonitis this time...

I had an online physio assessment with treatmyachilles.com, I found them on YouTube. I am diligently performing my heel raise exercises and hope to be run/walking in about a month...🤞🤞

I have been volunteering at Parkrun to keep my spirits up, I've done barcode scanning and timekeeping, it's quite good fun! Although cold - lots of thermal layers needed 🥶 I'm hoping to get a few in the bank and then I can enjoy Parkrun the rest of the year guilt-free! 😂

Happy New Year VRBs, hope this year brings joyful runs your way! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to MutleyShuffle]

Oh no! How annoying is that. It all seemed to be going so well ... 😒 Hopefully that month will fly by - and conditions will maybe have improved too! Stick with the exercises and come back stronger than ever.

I enjoyed volunteering at Parkrun during injury periods; I agree it keeps you in touch, keeps you in better spirits and definitely buys you some future credits.

[MutleyShuffle Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Yes it's very frustrating...I sometimes wonder if I'm meant to be a runner 😒 Not giving up yet though!! C25K here I come again, in a few weeks hopefully 🤞

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to MutleyShuffle]

I ask myself the same question .... for the same reason!

[GTFC Marathon in reply to MutleyShuffle]

Awesome that you're helping others whilst you're out of action. Recover and heal well and best of luck getting back out there 🙏😊

[MutleyShuffle Half Marathon in reply to GTFC]

Thank you @GTFC 😊

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to MutleyShuffle]

Happy New Year Mutley! The heel raises really do help, hope you’re back at it again very soon x

[MutleyShuffle Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Thank you @TailChaser 😊 Happy new year to you too! Did you have a similar problem? Did you get it fixed?!

[RunWillie Marathon]

Hi linda9389 & other VRB’s,

Wow! What a day linda9389 🤩

Not much to report here. It is still stinking hot & still have 5 boys home on Summer break so no long runs for me. I did manage 30 miles last week & hoping for the same this week.

Happy week everyone! ❤️🏃‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️

Today’s run 😎

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

That's amazing mileage for a busy week RW. You must have such a great base fitness level. It's just started snowing here, it's far from stinking hot 😍

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks linda9389 😍 I’m not sure about my base fitness. I’m keeping up with hubby on a weekly run if he slows down for me so that’s progress. I suppose I will see if my base miles have paid off when the marathon training commences. 🫣

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Maybe time for some 'cross training' RW - plan in some time to work on your confidence, it may be your weakness 😍 We all keep telling you how great you are; start there and work with it 🥰

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I’m working on mental strength as you’re right it’s a weakness. I need some good race mantras that will make me smile when it gets tough. I can’t take it that seriously although I’m pretty serious about finishing……so that’s a good start. x

[GTFC Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

RunWillie rocks 🔥😀🔥

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to GTFC]

You’re always very kind & encouraging GTFC 👍🏻

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

💪💪💪💪

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

I can’t quite believe that I’ve managed to build to 30miles weekly & I’ve finally signed up to that marathon. This forum is a huge part of that. Thank you TailChaser for all your encouragement. x

[Joster Half Marathon]

Great report Linda, I feel like I was there with you every step/breakage of the way! Well done for the long run and big cheer for the laptop!

I did my longest run since my last (and only) half marathon nearly four years ago. 15km in the bag and the legs with 8 weeks to go, so feeling quite chuffed about that, and did it at roughly the pace I want to do the main event. Think I'll repeat that distance again next Sunday just to reinforce it.

Also doing Dry January - what a difference that makes to the spring in my step on a Sunday!

Happy running everyone, and keep warm.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Joster]

Ah, 15km is a great distance to hit, especially with all that time to go. You are very patient though - I think I'd be repeating but would be so tempted to add another kilometre to get 10 miles 🙈

I admire anyone who completes dry January. I always feel better if I try, but I hardly ever make it through the whole month, for one reaon or another. I reckon all my determination goes into running, leaving me weak in other areas (including food and alcohol resistance!!!). OK. Not such a plausible excuse really. I'm just weak!!!

It's just started to snow and I'm hugging the radiator - stay warm I will, but it's a bit of a challenge today! So glad I ran yesterday in the sunshine 🌞

[Joster Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Well, as it happens, I had a small mid Dry January blip. My son left for New Zealand on Monday so I felt obligated to buy him a pint in our local before he went (!) and in a moment of weakness/emotion/whatever I ordered a glass of wine! I also had a couple of glasses by the fire at home, after I knew he was in the air... But back to it now, hope to make the rest of the month.

I totally get the point re getting to 16km - I had kind of forgotten that if I'd done another bit I'd have passed the 10 mile mental barrier... but that's for this weekend, so I'll be really pleased to get that one under my belt!

[GTFC Marathon in reply to Joster]

Great going Joster Well done you! Keep that confidence going 👏👏👏

[Joster Half Marathon in reply to GTFC]

Thank you! Still feeling good and pressing on!

[misswobble Marathon]

I commiserate with your having to decorate. Poor you 🙁. Organise your food first is my tip for getting through your labours 💪👍😀

That comedic knees to chest, tentative hopping gait, is produced as we try and mitigate the sudden chill of icy cold water on our tootsies. It’s tiring though isn’t it 😁

I’m not running today, or yesterday. Dentist later 😏😬. I’m dreading it as my young dentist “retired”. Hmm 🤔

Have a lovely run folks, or enjoy your rest if not 🙂👍

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to misswobble]

I quite like decorating ... once the prep is done (but sadly there's a lot of prep in this room).

Tiring hopping, yes ... and I do hope no one was watching 😍

Good luck with the dentist - so often the thought of it is worse than the reality (again, a bit like some runs!!!)

[misswobble Marathon in reply to linda9389]

yes, we build things up in our minds, fearing the worst. A bit like marathons 😀

I did a decorating course at tech some years ago as I had a big project to do and wanted to get it right. Best thing I ever did. I did a plumbing, carpentry, decorating and brickwork taster course. I’ve decorated my current house. It desperately needs doing again but I keep putting it off. ☺️

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Wow, that's impressive! Google is my friend on this one. Dealing with cracked plaster and mould for starters!

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon]

only you Linda could make a HM with loads of rerouting and water sound like bliss!! Well done. I’m still recovering from the lurgy but did manage to ride my bike yesterday. 22 miles, some gentle undulations in great company with coffee and cheese scones to end. Then later I joined Katnap and TailChaser for a pint of Guinness and a catch up. No running yet, but it is good to be back in the land of the living.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Shake-and-run]

Haha. When you put it like that .... 😅 ... but Saturday was a truly awful day!

I can only admire you getting out to ride at this time of year. It was chilly yesterday but I bet it was a lovely head clearer after being ill! I saw lots of runners and several cyclists while I ran At one point a group of six guys rode past ... as I was facing oncoming traffic, with no pavement, they all had to move out slightly to accomodate me. It felt like a personal fly past (OK, my mind wanders a bit on a long run, poetic license and all that 🙈). Cheese scones sound yummy though, perfect post ride. And cheese scones, Guinness and great company sound positively heavenly! A great day indeed 😊

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Nothing like a pint of Guinness medicine for recuperating 😋

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Absolutely!!!

[misswobble Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

I’m tee total these days but I made myself a hot toddy in desperation cos of my sore throat and constant coughing. It was absolutely gorgeous and of course knocked me out 😁. Scary amount of whisky 😳 💤

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Whosky huh? I made it with rum when I was in Canada .... 😍

[misswobble Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I think whisky is traditional. Rum sounds good to me too 💪🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to misswobble]

I can vouch for it! I may have had a couple ... just to be sure 🙃 And I don't have a cold now, so I think it must've worked !

[misswobble Marathon in reply to linda9389]

My dad preferred rum toddies 🙂

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Oh misswobble, get well soon! 😢 When I was a student I got bronchitis due to my dodgy dwellings and the best way to temper my cough/wheezy chest was whisky hot toddies as it was much cheaper than cough medicine and also helped me sleep. Probably not the best long term solution though.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

😍😍😍

[misswobble Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

apparently absinthe is the right stuff for upper respiratory tract ailments We hadn’t got any handy though 🙂.

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Absinthe makes the heart grow stronger…

[misswobble Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Ha ha 😁😁😁😁😁😁👍

[misswobble Marathon in reply to linda9389]

cheese scones 🤤 with Guinness medicine 💪👍🙂

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Hi Linda; that sounds like a really satisfying run. Sometimes that means it felt good only after it finished, but your “glad to be alive” suggests otherwise. Epic run.🙂

I expected it to be clear skies with frost this morning, but it clouded over a bit, which maybe kept the temperature a little higher than would otherwise have been the case. There was mud a plenty, but no ice and hardly a breath of wind. I went for a CB 1 hour run with a target of about 8k in mind. There were lots of puddles / muddy patches to dodge, but I forgot about pace and just got a bit lost in thinking about the words of CB floating around in my head. I was awakened from my reverie by a young and friendly boxer dog who had decided to join in and jump up at me as I ran along! I walked back to its owner (whom I know) he thought I just wanted to chat 🙄….I asked him, very politely, if he would mind putting the dog on his lead until I was out of range as I was afraid we might trip over each other. Dog put on lead, smiles all round, run resumed. So I finished off 8.2 k at the end of CB’s hour and headed for coffee. This is the third run since Christmas where I have felt really good after finishing, for no particular reason. Nothing to do with pace or distance….just a bit of feel good. CB’s magic maybe 🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Needless.to say the run had it's difficult.payches, it's negative stretches, butnoberall I was really happy to be doing it and genuinely just enjoying being out there chatting to myself 😅Running magic. Wonderful stuff. To experience that on three runs i n such a short.time must be a great boost, confirmation that you're 'getting t right'. Celebrate it 😊 I've been using NRC more than I used to; maybe I'm gradually building up a tolerance for CB 😍

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Steady on there Linda; next step could be really enjoying CB! I think that I just absorb it now; like background music. I am running more relaxed maybe. At this rate I could be back to HM by May….I really want that PB this year!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Haha. Enjoy CB? That'll be the day 😅 carry on like this and that PB will definitely be yours. Go get it 💪

[GTFC Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

BC magic ✨ is in the air 👏👏👏 That's a really good run.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to GTFC]

Thanks GTFC; I must have wasted over a minute dealing with the dog. All resolved in a good spirit. 🙂

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Brownie with the coffee BC?

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

No; the cafe has gone cash only and I only had enough for my coffee! I ordered cappuccino, so got my chocolate fix on the cheap 👍

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

I hope you layered on the chocolate powder thick then 😋

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Oh yes!! They look after me very well.

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Good thing too 👍

[Week7 Half Marathon]

Sounds like a lovely run!!! A half marathon before the middle of January sounds like a great start to the year! Congratulations!!!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Week7]

Thank you 😊 It was the perfect antidote to the previous day 😀

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Oh Linda, what a lovely run, and I'm so glad your laptop is ok, mugs can more easily be replaced. After Saturdays parkrun and Sundays long walk over the Downs, today was a nothing day, I ate and read and ate and read some more.

I'm getting a bit twitchy about Wednesday but it's an early appointment so I'll be home by lunch time, a few non running weeks and a good plan in place and spring will be here before we know it!

Today it snowed, we got a good covering, the most we've seen for a few years 😁 we are all happy Apples now.

Have a great running week all

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Yes, the mug was inconsequential (apart from cutting my hand 🤬).It will be so good to have both eyes done; you will be healed before you know it and not look back. But you're certainly packing in the exercise before hand 💪

You must have had a good deal more snow than us. Enjoy!!!

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

Hope your hand heals quickly. It's a lot for us

Snow

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Pretty ... and probably not enough to make life too difficult. Perfect!

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

It's the most we've seen for years

[GTFC Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

You deserved a breather 😊

[GTFC Marathon]

That's brilliant running linda9389 and I always think we earn our runs like that...and you certainly do!! A motto I use is 'The Comeback is bigger than the setback' and you did just that 🎯✅

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to GTFC]

I really do like that motto! Life is full of setbacks; running is no exception, but so long as we celebrate the comebacks we will always be winners 😊

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Hello linda9389 , what a day you had on Saturday! I bet you felt like going back to bed and starting all over again. But look at you knocking off an HM without even thinking about it in that glorious sunshine.

A new year of running has begun. I for one am quite pleased that 2 parkruns a week is now over after the Festive break. Because we are both involved in the Core Team, getting up time is earlier than just going to run, and we have had some very early mornings. But one bonus is seeing this lovely sky on Saturday .

Like many others, UpTheStanley has had a streaming cold over Christmas, followed by the usual chesty cough, so we have just had a couple of short gentle runs together in addition to the parkruns for me. A bit parky today at -3 in the NE wind, but better than gales and rain.

I had my annual hypertension review recently and was really pleased to find that my blood pressure is normal and blood tests clear. To think I was on medication for 10 years before I started running. I bless the day I started Couch to 5k. That is better than any medals or T-shirts I’ve collected.

Sunrise over Eastney beach

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

What a beautiful sky Dexy, reward indeed for an early start. Hope UTS is back to full fitness very soon.Being off meds is real validation of your running isn't it? What a difference the decision to start c25k has made for you. T-shirts and bling are the icing on a very good cake 🎂

[GTFC Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

That's brilliant Dexy5 and a real testament to you. That's really made my day 😊👏👏👏👏

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

And many of us have cause to bless the day you started C25k too Dexy5; you have been a big help to many of us- and then there is all of the Park Run activity you have shared with UTS too. Hope 2024 is a regular blingfest for you .🙂

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Beachcomber66]

Shucks 😞

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I remember your joy when you came off your meds Dexy 😍

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to TailChaser]

Yes my doctor was close to tears too !

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

So kind GTFC .

[TailChaser Marathon]

How did you do that Linda? You just went out and did a HM, no build up really, just went out and done it?!! You’re going to smash that marathon target no problem 💪 Maybe it was all the distractions???! There have been a lot recently haven’t they?

My running is going ok really. I’m on Day 8 of RED 5k/day and so far so good. Bit stiff but complementing the running with Adriene’s 30 Days of Yoga is helping, and I have a massage to look forward to on Friday.

Nothing as dramatic as your adventures Linda but we have been touristing due to our parkrun’s recent cancellations. We have more planned due to a busy January of trips. We reckon we can do parkruns starting B, C, D and E before we have to go back to our home run to RD.

With this more regular running and more regular running clothing washing, I have found that I need some new socks. RED always seems to highlight what clothing is starting to see better days. My Hilly ones have done many, many, many miles now. The outside of them is fine but they are fraying inside, which is odd and annoying as they catch. So I have been enjoying the cosiness of my two pairs of merino wool trail socks (one pair normal, one pair 5 toed) that I don’t wear often. So the E parkrun will probably be Birmingham based and coincide with a trip to the Running Show at the NEC and a bit of shopping. Anyone else going?

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Happy shopping TailChaser 😍 It’s a good job that I’m not being released on the Running show. I’ve just bought my marathon shoe as it’s the first time it has ever gone on sale in Australia. What a tempting day you will have. Enjoy! x

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Ooh, what shoes have you bought RW? Sounds like destiny is calling you there, I have to say. Shake-and-run and I will both be aiming for the Brooks stand to try on the Ghost Max and I’ll also be ordering a new bra as they send them post free from the show (they never have my size). Then it will be socks… annoying thing is that payday isn’t until the following week (but maybe just as well)! I’ve just got these ahead of time though, they feel lovely and comfy.

Yellow and blue 5 toed socks

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

I’m very envious of your shopping trip with Shake-and-run What a fun day you will have. 😍 I love your new socks. I only run in injinji. I managed to buy the superblast on a 26% discount on Boxing Day. It has never been discounted in Australia & normally sells out at full price so I’m ridiculously excited. I love my nimbus 25 so think it will be a good pairing for marathon training.

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Have you run in them yet? I’ve heard really good things about them. I’ve got my merino Injinjis on atm, post parkrun, they’re lovely and cosy. Maybe one more pair if they’re on offer next week.

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Not yet. I’ll get the boys to give them to me for Mother’s Day. I’ve still got to do my mileage in my Boston 12’s before I start running in a new pair. I will get to try them in May. It’s hard to wait 😊

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Oh I can imagine. Just get them out and have a good sniff every so often 😁 Not much beats the smell of new shoes 😍

I have a new pair of Saucony Pro 3s that I’m saving for Berlin but at least I’ve worn a pair of them before. Jury is still out on the Boston 12s for me. They’re ok, especially after wearing in, but I think the new Hyperion Max’s coming out later in the year sound really good (they’ll have a nylon plate like the Speed 2s & 3s).

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

I feel the same about the Boston 12’s. I’ve done 83 miles so far & the best thing for me is the grip. That continental rubber does not allow for any slip on our beach path. Did you swap out the laces on your Boston 12’s?. I haven’t & they always come loose. I have to make them super tight to keep them tied 🙄

Your saucony pro 3’s would have been on my list but I didn’t want a carbon shoe for my first marathon. The plan is to take it super chill. I know I can use my nimbus if the superblast doesn’t work out for me at my easy pace. Think the perfect marathon shoe is a never ending quest😍

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

You’re right. The Pro 3s were good because they delayed the achey legs - the bounce really helps to stop your legs having to take such a bashing. The only thing they did do was turn a big toenail half black, it’s still half black now 🤷🏻‍♀️

I’ve kept with the Boston 12 laces. It’s more then thinness of the tongue and the flappy sides, they make it really difficult to get my feet in as I’ve got high arches. The laces being so thin feel like they’re digging in to begin with but that seems to go thankfully. They haven’t come loose on me…yet.

Good luck with it all 🤞

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

I’ve got high arches too. Maybe, that’s why we’re not loving the Boston 12’s. I haven’t got a black toe nail yet. I feel like when that happens you’re a proper long distance runner 🤣

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Yes, it’s my badge of honour 😂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

No, no,no! I've been following the NRC marathon plan for several weeks (months) already. With my injury history there's no 'just go out and run' 😅 Apologies if I was misleading 🙈I get caught out on laundry with just 2 and sometimes 3 runs per week ... 7 would seriousl challenge my domestic skills, or, morelikely, send me running to the shops 🙈🤷‍♀️

I'm loving the parkrun /run show planning. You've got this 😅😅😅

Good luck with the RED runs, I really admire (and envy) folk who can run every day 💪

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Ah, that makes more sense, but you still knocked it out of the park!

I have had to loosen my strict laundry schedule otherwise it would be hopeless. Thankfully it’s freezing so nothing is getting too smelly (but maybe tmi 🤢😆) 9 days now, only 22 days to go 🥳. Thanks Linda xx

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Hello Linda and hello everyone!

Firstly Linda, I’m sorry to hear of the many challenges you faced in this one. But you persevered and pushed through which is what it’s all about, so well done to you. Also happy your laptop is functional. That is the stuff of my nightmares.

I’m sorry it’s been such a long while away from the forum for me. I am back just as a participant this time around. My short break away turned into a longer and longer one until work and life kind of took over. I did maintain the weekly runs and trained through two marathons last year (Toronto and Berlin which was amazing!). That kept me sane and focused this last year. Also learned a lot about nutrition! Still trying to work out this year’s races. I think Ottawa might look good for the spring. Apparently it’s a very nice race along the water. Not sure about a fall race yet. I’ve just got back from vacation in Cuba feeling a bit slow and sluggish along with cold. Apparently we are getting some more snow tomorrow🥶 . Bit of a departure from the 28 degree beach runs last week (see pic). 🌴 ☀️ . Sigh…🙂

Beach run

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to Decker]

Welcome back Decker

You’ve been missed. Well done on two marathons last year. That’s awesome. 👍🏻

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to RunWillie]

Thanks RW. It’s good to be back. I missed you all as well.

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Decker]

Welcome back Decker . 👋🏻

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy5 👋

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Decker]

Hey there 👋 So good to hear from you. Sounds like 2023 was a great running year for you. I've watched your runs - and admired your amazing photos - on Strava, but somehow missed you were in Cuba! It looks and sounds amazing, but what a change from running in 28C to running in snow - one extreme to another! I loved Vancouver half and would bet the marathon is lovely too ... about as far from you as Berlin though 😍 Happy hunting 😀

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda, yes 2023 was a great running year. I only got two short runs in Cuba before our fam went down with a bug. 🤢. Vancouver does sound amazing too, though we are on a tighter travel budget this year after New York, Berlin and Cuba, so it will likely be closer to home 😀 Maybe 2026?

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Decker]

Now there's a plan 😀

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Your gorgeous photos have been missed Decker. And this is such a great one 😎

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks IP I will try to post some photos here and there in the months to come 🙂

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

I was thinking about you only the other day; just wondering how you were getting along. Answer; you are doing famously! Fantastic running year. 🙂

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Hiya BC, Thank you kindly. I was a bit hesitant to jump back in as it’s been such a long time, but I’m already glad I did!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Decker]

We're glad you did too .... esp if we get pics and news of your adventures 😊

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Always a warm welcome here.👍

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Decker]

Hey Decker! Lovely to see you on here again 😀

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to TailChaser]

Thanks TC, I’m happy to be back!

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Good to see you again, welcome back and well done on two marathons as well!! Shaking my head in astonishment. Work and like taking over but still training to complete marathons in Toronto and Berlin! Yikes!😊👏🎉🏃🏻‍♂️

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Haha thanks 61 🙂. Well the mara training is what kept me sane through the rest of it. Also Toronto was included just to test my training and make any tweaks over the summer for Berlin.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

What a wonderful feeling when things fall into place. You ran a HM in the first week of January and your laptop recovered! Brilliant 😍

I absolutely get how you felt on that run and you described it wonderfully. That “nothing can stop me, I’m invincible and could run forever” kind of run. Truly magical when they happen 🤗

My running is going splendidly and for once I have zero niggles, mysteriously my cadence has increased with no effort from me and I can now forget about the new orthotics as they seem to be doing their job! So, onwards and upwards 🙂

I’m sticking to the bike for cross training and am actually enjoying it even though I have to “book” my time on it with Mr IP as he is on it every day 😂 I was quite chuffed with my level 3 on the first day but then he went and spoiled it by saying he does level 21!! 😳🙀

Show-off 🥰

Have a great week Linda and everyone x

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

It's so good to hear you say you're niggle free; I know exactly how you feel 🥰Long may that continue.

Level 3 to level 21 huh? Well, there's enough of a challenge there to keep you motivated on the bike for a while yet. Go get him 😍

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

The holy grail of running- to be niggle free 🤗

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Great news IP, you have had a really tough time with injury. 2024 should be a great year for you. Come spring you will be running along leafy lanes and chatting to film directors again!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Apparently it was “Bridgerton” so they still film there!

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Maybe a role for you!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

🍿🍿

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

😂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Is that an in joke??? would I understand if I watched it? 😍

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Haha no Linda. A few years ago I posted about a man who stopped by on one of my runs and chatted to me. He told me that they were filming at a local country estate but he didn't know what.

The next year I found out it was Bridgerton and that they still use the estate for filming.

BC is always teasing me about film producers….. hence my reply with the popcorn.

This is the second time I nearly ended up in a movie. When I lived near Virginia Water I came across a film crew and afterwards I found out they were filming a scene from “ The Huntsman:Winter’s War” with Chris Hemsworth. Sadly I didn’t see Chris but I made a point to run by the crew and thought perhaps I might be cast as an extra….😂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Ooh popcorn! My glasses are covered in dust and paint splashes - I thought they were cupcakes 🙈

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

😂😂😂

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Great to hear IP! Long may it continue 🤞 Katnap cross trains on his bike as well, it does seem to help him x

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Thanks TC, I’m feeling good……. oooh that’s a song 🎶

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

der dum der dum der dum dum 🎶😁

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

🎶Birds flying high, you know how I feel 🎶

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Zero niggles! Whoopee! 😊

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

I know!!! How are you?

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Pleased to say I may be a member of the Zero Niggles club too. I do hope that I can stay a member😊

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Wonderful!!! I hope so too 🙏

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Great news! Let us go forth with might and glory……🙂

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Pleased to hear this >61; looking forward to reading happy extra long race reports from you this year. You have had more than your share of issues; payback time 🙂