We can’t start this week’s chat without mentioning the London Marathon. Did you watch it? We didn’t have any VRBs running it this year (as far as we know, but if you did run it then let us know!) but that didn’t stop the excitement and wonderment of seeing such a fantastic spectacle!
I don’t know about you but I always get a bit emotional when I watch this. The music, the stories, the individual battles, the pain and anguish, but also the glory and sheer joy as they cross the finish line. It all touches my heart and I’m off 😢
It’s brilliant television and I love it, but more so as a runner myself 🥰 And they mentioned the C25K app a few times!
LM day also takes me down memory lane. The very first LM was in 1981 and in 1985/86 I was working as a “temp” at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund (now Cancer Research UK) in Lincolns Inn Fields and one of my jobs was to look after all the requests that came in from runners who were running the LM, and indeed other races, and wanted to raise funds for the charity. I had to send out the covering “thank you” letters and packs of fund raising material and a bright yellow tee-shirt to every runner. I remember at the time wondering, with fascination, how anyone could run at all never mind running all those miles in one go!
Years later I now think that every single runner who raised funds at that time has contributed to the continuing research and therefore treatment of our loved ones in all those years since, and we owe them huge gratitude and thanks 🥰🙏
From the 1980’s to 2024 and it’s time for you to tell us all about your week. Share your news, the good, the not so good and maybe the stuff in between.
I’m back in a lovely routine with my running and have stuck with the strength training and can already feel a difference. In other words, the knee is completely fine after Bath 👍
If you’re able to run then run with joy; if you can’t run at the minute then remember with faith and pride that you are still a runner and take heart that you will be back and running very soon with a big smile 🤩
Have a great week everyone.
From your team Beachcomber66 , linda9389 and me xxx
IP I love your suggestion to ‘run with joy’. I will try that this week. Back on the track tonight, the lovely flat, bouncy track! Sure to make me smile (until the coach tells us what torturous plans he has for the training session). Take care IP enjoy your ‘lovely routine’ and keep ‘running with joy’.
UTS and I did a race in Battersea park and it ended with a lap around an athletics track. It was amazing how much easier it felt. As did a race we did at a race course towards the end of the pandemic with cheekychipmunks . I think we were on the training tracks.
I remember that race Dexy5 - it felt so special running at that time - the number of Covid tests we had to take before we were cleared to run! I’d love to have heard the results of that experimental event and finding out whether it ended up with more cases or not. Seems like an eternity ago now!
Always...Run with joy...for me, that is the essence of the run.My first runs after Graduation, were for, pure joy.
The stories told within the London Marathon, epitomise strength, selflessness, sadness and happiness. But, all those elements combine to give a day of joyous celebration of running, life and yes, of love.
I wasn’t feeling particularly joyful about my training last week although I always love to run & never take that for granted. 10 weeks to go until my first 26.2 & lots of work still to be done. The London marathon is so special.
Oooh the countdown is on RW! I’m so excited for you. Your training has been spot-on by the sound of things and I bet you will be raring to go come race day 🏃♀️
Think the training for long distance running is as much mental as well as physical. No butterflies about race day but I certainly had a wobble last week & had to talk myself out of that.
It has been going well but I’m now into longer & longer runs so it’s all new territory which is exciting & scary in equal measure. That’s ok though as I can do hard things 🤯
Good afternoon Your Highness!! I have a confession to make; I didn’t see any of the London Marathon 🫢. It was one of those busy weekends, including a 150 mile round trip. Not used to driving any distance these days…my knee complained, so I was concerned about this morning’s 10 miler. The charitable giving side of all runs is wonderful, although I find it hard giving people the opportunity to donate. Anyway…I hope that London Marathoners had a great time, and the organisers remember that cheekychipmunks needs a place in 2025!
So 10 miles today. It wasn’t a case of brain fade; I know when the HU 10 miles and 10k runs are. I just happened to reach the 10 mile stage on the NRC HM Plan. It was chilly, muddy, rain was falling in a fine mist which reaches the parts other showers don’t….but, I made it. This was only a training run, but I wanted to up the pace a bit from last week’s 15k. Fortunately I found a “happy pace”, helped by CB sticking in a couple of fartleks before the end…and NRC gave me 16.09 in 1:57:01. I was pleased with that. Beating 2 hours is always an objective; PB is still 1:52:40 from September 2022….maybe, just maybe, the HM 10 mile could see me set a PB as a target. It is a tough route though; 137 metres total ascent and the worst hill strikes at 8k and carries on rising to 10k.
Lots of calories to replace! Have a great week everyone.
Whoop whoop!!!! The 10 miles is back and you've done it again BC! I’m so thrilled for you because I know how hard it can be to return to that distance and how much work is involved. But you’ve done it! 👏👍💪🥳
You're in fine fettle for the HU event and you just need to keep ticking over now. Are you sticking to this distance or going further before then?
I know what you mean about your knees and sitting for too long. I get more achey after a day in the car than I do walking about and moving. I’ve read that the knees generally don't like that position because it puts pressure on the kneecap. Makes sense.
I couldn't watch all the LM either as we had friends for lunch, but I saw a lot beforehand and then watched the highlights later in the evening.
It’s just the way the NRC HM app is structured. I am going to wait before progressing further. More strength and stretch exercises before I aim for HM again. I really want to do some running in Scilly this year. Last year was a washout running wise.
Thanks missw. I had a really sore heel/achilles after yesterday’s run, but I just sat down and did a nerve glide exercise my physio gave me ….and the pain vanished. She is definitely a genius!!
Your training is coming on beautifully Beachcomber66 ! 10 miles is ace - and one next month too! Go you. 👊 Are you entering a HM this year, I forget? 😀
Thanks for reminding the LM that I’d like a place next year! It would be a mammoth task indeed to find time to train up for it, but with that huge carrot at the end of my stick, I’d do it! I’ll keep entering the ballot until (hopefully) one day it happens. 🙏
I am planning a personal assault on a HM this year, but not a race. I would like to achieve a PB, which would mean having me in the right condition, the weather being warm and dry but not too hot and my not being away from home because of the associations of which you are aware. All the planets aligning! We will see whether that happens.
Hello Irishprincess and fellow runners. Yes we got out of bed and had a breakfast tray in front of the TV so we wouldn’t miss a moment of the LM. I just love it and like you, never fail to shed a tear. I was very impressed with the 2 GB male runners who kept to their own pace and ended up beating many of the elite Kenyans and Ethiopians who had gone out too fast. There is a lesson there. 😂
I never apply for a place as I would be scared that I might get selected in the draw. I would feel terribly guilty when many (cheekychipmunks ) have applied for years and never got in.
I only managed two runs last week because of appointments and the weather but I’m pleased that Monday’s run was my first 10k since October and included a few PB segments when the wind was behind me. I then ran our home parkrun on Saturday which was great fun as always.
I’m hoping to get 3 in this week having done an intervals session this morning. I wish that cold wind would disappear though.
Fortunately for me, it was dry and on shared paths and the rain didn’t start until afterwards. I shouldn’t moan about the wind should I? It wasn’t strong but unseasonably cold. 🥶
Loved watching the LM too Dexy5 . I’ll be entering the ballot until I can enter no more. 😅
Well done on your 10k. My HM plan is up to 8k this week, and I’m hoping the cold wind will be history by the time Sunday rolls around - it’s been brutal hasn’t it? 🥶
Thanks IP. My current cunning plan is to stick at 10 miles until after the HU 10 miles. Next week has a 12k tempo run and another 10 miler in the plan; plenty to keep me amused. My main aim is to achieve a HM PB this year. Speeding up at 10 miles would probably be a step in the right direction. I just want to do a “proper” HM without the issues which surrounded the previous 3. We will see 🤷🏻♂️
It all sounds sensible BC and every chance for achieving your goal 🍀
I’m debating whether to jump1.5K or 2K for my long runs. When I’m fighting fit I can do 2K no problem but with my previous knee issue…..I guess the only way is to try one and see what happens.
Thanks cheeky. Let’s hope CB can work his magic. I may slow off on the plan this week; a 12 k tempo run and 2x10 milers within 8 days looks a bit much. We will see how the old legs feel.👍
Great post Irishprincess We both love watching the Marathon too! I apply every year in the hope I'll get the opportunity. I've run the virtual London Marathon 4 times now and love that I got the same medals and T shirt as those running London. It's hard doing it alone but it's made me really strong mentally. I like to do a Marathon every year and with 5 down, I'm hoping to do another in October time (either alone or at an event). I'm keeping consistent though and in May I'm running a couple of HM's so feeling excited about these 😊
All eyes were on the London Marathon coverage here too (although I did go out for my own run during some of it!)🏃♀️🏃🏽🏅 📺
So many wonderful stories 🥹 and I love looking out for the celebs too!
For me, a good run at the weekend and I’m now wondering whether I should step up to the HU 10 miler?🤔🤷♀️ I will drop a run later on in the week, so that I am hopefully fresh for my 10k event at the weekend. 😀🤞🏃♀️
Happy running to all this week - and healing wishes to anyone on the ic.🤞
I ran London in memory of my two brothers and other people who sponsored me to run for their loved ones. Met my nieces at mile 14 and 21, we all bawled. My watch says I ran 28.2, a combination of weaving and GPS inaccuracy. Glad to get over the line! Legs still don't work!
Teresa!!! You ran it!! We had no idea you were doing London. If you had let us know we would have given you the biggest of pompom cheers 🥳 But I’ve awarded you your new badge which you have earned a thousand-fold 🏅
Huge congratulations and well done 🥳👏 I hope you're going to do a separate post to let folks know, it’s such a massive achievement and we love reading all about it.
I love your top and it’s such a wonderful idea. I’m sure it was quite a poignant run for all sorts of reasons.
You are a star ⭐️and I hope the legs start to work soon 🥰
I will definitely write a post about it later didn't post pre-run, as I was riddled with doubt and a bag of nerves 😱. Glad to get it done and still be in one piece! Thankful for citymapoer app that gave me "no steps" travel options in London yesterday, and I'm walking like John Wayne.
I volunteer at the LM and speaking to the runners as they wait for me to walk them to the start line is the best bit. Met a guy this year who ran it in 1981 and this year was his second time. Fantastic atmosphere. Well done anyone who ran it.
Never! Half marathon is my limit. But huge huge congratulations to those who did. Many, like Teresa1632 have such a strong reason to run. It's fantastic.
I missed the whole thing as I was away from home visiting relatives I did check out the times of the older ladies, which I always do, and never fail to be amazed at the their turn of speed 😀 It gives me encouragement to keep going 🙂
I do admire London Marathon runners, but I don't envy them. That would be a bridge too far for me in terms of logistics and noise and crowdedness I think. Hat's off to anyone who gets through all that and then also runs a marathon!
Running with joy is the best. i am lucky enough to have had three short runs since posting last week's chat - C25k W1R1, W2R1 and W3R1. Although my leg is still niggling, these runs haven't caused it to flare again which is definite progress. Physio tomorrow too, so I am cautiously optimistic. Oh and the joy? Off the scale!
As some VRBs already know, I completed C25K for the first time with my daughter. I fell in love with running, she fell out of love and barely ever runs. But on Sunday I was going to hers to help with her garden and she said she'd run W2 with me. We were over where she lives now, so a 'new to me' route, but so wonderful to run with her again ... without any of the pressure or lack of confidence that beset me the first time round. It was a run of pure joy.
I may have been on the IC a while, but I still consider myself incredibly lucky. Here's to more joyous runs for us all 😊
What a lovely run with your daughter, Linda, a trip down a special memory lane 🥰 And somewhere new too!
Fingers crossed for a continued good recovery and I hope it goes well with the physio 🤞It all sounds good so far.
I’m with you about the LM. I’d love to be there but I’d hate the faff beforehand. I mean, I’d need to go to the loo again just waiting to go through the start line 🙄 Just beam me up Scotty.
I have no desire to be at the LM. My hairdresser was taking her family just to cheer people on!!! What? I couldn't imagine that. But then, given I don't travel by tube the logistics would be a complete nightmare for me, so it's a bigger deal for me than most. It constantly amazes me that my very first HM was LLHM. How did I do it? (with a pre booked parking spot, a ridiculously early start and a lot of walking, is the answer to that question). Why did I choose to do it? (I honestly have no idea ... marketing and hype has a lot to answer for) 😍😍😍🙈
You must have been very keen. Maybe it had a fab medal?
It is definitely marketing. Even I was tempted for a second to enter the ballot after watching but then reality set in and I thought, nope, I’m not prepared to invest the time for training and I’m so injury-prone I think it would be a worry from beginning to end, so not for me. But I do love watching it 🥰
Here here ! I don’t envy them either as it’s not my thing. Sheffield Half was my biggest event, and even that felt too big. It was very friendly though 😁
Hi Irishprincess and all VRBs ! A bit late to the chat this week. I feel like I've been very slack this past week! I did go to my Tuesday club, but was away on the Weds and then other complications on the Thursday. So any good intentions scuppered! Missed parkrun but that was me being lazy and then my planned club run on Sunday I cancelled because of back trouble again. But I did enjoy watching the London marathon and had 8 local clubmates on the tracker which was fun! They all did brilliantly,the fastest was 3.03!!!! Love watching it and hearing all the stories!
Made it for a 5k at club tonight and planning to go to my Weds trail group this week as can only go every 2 weeks now( due to mainland trips for my partners daughter's hospital appointments).
Hi IP, I’ve only seen the highlight programme as I was volunteering with Shakes, however my Fordy Runs messenger feed was going berserk all day! I couldn’t keep up with all the chatter on there. It is an incredible occasion isn’t it? So the FOMO was very strong in this one, not just me though…as umm… the three of us have been feeling the old post marathon (and half marathon) blues…so…
Me, Katnap and youngest kitten have all entered the ballot, and we have all signed up for Manchester. Yes, they are both on the same day…yes, it could be very tricky if any of us get in with the ballot…but hey, we love a bit of excitement…
Here you go cheekychipmunks , I said we’d done something bonkers 😹
😂. Now you know eldest kitten can only be in one place at a time to support you. I must say I would have been very surprised if you had not entered the LM ballot. Good luck to all HU runners who have entered.
OMG you Krazy Kats! 😅😅😅 Wouldn’t it be just typical if you were successful in the LM ballot! I’m guessing you’d do that over Manchester wouldn’t you? Can’t wait to see what happens. 🤣
I don’t know cheeky, I really don’t know. Torn family loyalties this time! The biggest deal would be if youngest kitten got in, I’d defer our Manchester places.
Sneaking into the chat very late this week IP. I’ll stay at the back and won’t interrupt the class, promise!
It sounds like you’re in a great place again, and hopefully you can run injury free from now on. See you in Bath next year? 🤞😀
Yes, I’ve entered the LM ballot again. I have absolutely no clue how I’d find time to train for it if I did get in one year, but I would, and I’d do it properly. It would be a once in a lifetime event, and no other marathon interests me.
Training for my HM in October is going well. I started W3 yesterday and I’m doing all 5 runs in the NRC plan to string it out. It’s fun!
Hi Munks, yes, Bath next year 🤞 I see the LM organisers have taken it over so that will be interesting if they change things. I was on the verge of entering Bristol and meet up with you and then remembered we had promised friends that we would join them on their open gardens that same day 🙁 Grrrrrr of all the dates!
The plan is going swimmingly for you and you’ll be in fine form come Cardiff. I may still do this one but I have another one planned for the end of August 🤞
Btw, I bought those Soundcore earbuds that you recommended a while back. I love them and use them for running and working out and there’s no movement at all! So, thanks for that 👍
Hi Irishprincess I’ve just read Teresa1632 ‘s post….. ….so did you too hurrah ! she did the London Marathon. We did have one HU runner after all isn’t that just fab….ummm😊!
I’m tempted to enter the ballot I must admit. But that’s because I’ve enjoyed watching all the coverage on it and I’ve probably got swept away with it so I’m still mulling it over 😳😳 x
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