It’s a HUGE pompom week!!! 🥳🎺🤩🤩🤩🤸‍♂️🤸‍♂️

[Irishprincess]

We have a BIG post today and a plethora of runners coming up, not least because of our very own HU10 event kicking off on Sunday. At the last count we have a total of 64 runners taking part and we are incredibly excited to have so many of you on board with this!!!

But more of that later! We have other events that require our pom-poms so get those arms warmed up and ready for a marathon of shaking and waving 🥳🥳 🤗

⭐️ Our big pompom week has already started because         Hedgehogs123 and some of her running buddies should be in Wales at this very minute for the Welsh 3 Peaks 24 hour Challenge! Covering today and tomorrow, this event includes a total walking distance of 17 miles and an ascent of 2334 meters over Snowden in the North, Cadair Idris in mid-Wales and Pen y Fan in the South. Phew! You’ll deserve lots of cake as a reward when you get over those peaks Hedgehogs 😋

threepeakschallenge.uk/wels...

⭐️Our next VRB is         over61andstilltrying who will be running her very first HM! She has been through a lot with her injuries and we’ve followed her running journey through all the snakes and ladders so of course we will be with her and giving her lots of support on her BIG day.

The White Peak HM in Derbyshire is a scenic route on former railway tracks with compacted limestone and cinder surfaces. There are a few descents (hurrah!) and the finish line is in Cromford meadows 🥰 We wish you the very best of luck over61. You’ve worked hard and have been so determined to work through your injuries and we’re right behind you every step of the way.

matlockac.org.uk/race/white...

⭐️ Also on Saturday yours truly will be running a lovely, local, laid-back 10K, The Badminton Bolt, around the Badminton Estate in Gloucestershire. Children are allowed (there is a 5K option) and it promises to be a fun-packed family run around the gorgeous grounds made up of gravel paths and fields/parkland. The odd deer might be watching too 🦌

race-nation.co.uk/register/...

⭐️Moving onto Sunday now and and kicking off the start of our HU10 event is         cheekychipmunks and         Time_Lord who are running the Bristol 10K. This route takes in the eye-catching Suspension Bridge and Avon Gorge, not forgetting the well-known atmosphere and crowd support which will, hopefully, give our runners all the energy they need.

It’ll be a family affair for CCM as her daughter and little grandson, aged 4.5, will be taking part in his first ever event at the mile Family Run! Go, Baby CCM 🥳 A future member here surely 🥰

greatrun.org/events/great-b...

⭐️ 🎶 Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside 🎶 😎 Another Sunday run and we move to Southampton where         UpTheStanley and         Dexy5 are taking on the Netley Abbey 10K. Three laps that encompass the Royal Victoria Park with three slight uphills on all three laps! But then a lovely descent to go for a possible PB. Dexy is recovering from COVID so it might be a more leisurely event for her. But with such a lovely venue then it’s sure to bring smiles however you run it.

netleyabbeyrunners.com/netl...

⭐️ Still on Sunday, we are now in Leeds where         RunSkippyRun will be running the Cookridge 10K, a route taken by the late British Paralympic athlete, Gareth Dunn, who tragically died in 2018 at the age of 27. The event is in his memory and raises funds for cancer research and so far has raised over £50,000.

The route is a “flat, scenic, multi-terrain course containing a grass hill half way round.” Runners will be able to enjoy a nature reserve, some trail and woods and a lake! Very much multi-terrain!

cookridgecommunityrun.co.uk

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Well, if that’s not a big enough start to the weekend, and in case you missed it (how could you?!!🙀) we do have our very own HU10 event kicking off on Sunday too. VRBs will be running either a 10K or 10 miles with specially created HU bibs, if wanted, and our own personalised playlist. And then when you cross the finish line you can order your special bling 🤩 🏅

The pompoms can’t rest after Sunday because we have some VRBs still running during the week, so please don’t rest your arms and keep those pompoms going!

There are too many to name individually but you know who you are, but in case you forget here is the list 😂

docs.google.com/spreadsheet...

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Linda, BC and I wish every single one of you the very best of luck 🍀🍀🍀 Wherever you’re running, and whatever your event, remember all your VRBs are right there with you so enjoy yourselves and make some memories. You’re all amazing and we’re very lucky to have you here 🥰

We’d love to read your reports afterwards and see some photos if possible so smile and remember just how epic you are 💪

From your team,        Beachcomber66 ,    linda9389 and me xxx

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🎽 For more May events go here:

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

🏅For a shiny NEW BADGE for a new distance, head here: 10 miles, Half Marathon, Metric Marathon (26.2K), Marathon, Ultra (50K and beyond)

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon]

Thank you Irishprincess. Only thing about the descents is that they are two at 1:14 and one at 1:8 preceded by the words cyclists dismount. So challenging to make progress down these. On my practice they caused my slowest pace. I have now practiced an improved technique due to help from a video that cmoi kindly linked. Not that my local hills replicate my HM route, but hopefully that will help a bit.

All the very best to all our runners I shall be thinking of you as I try to complete my course. Pom poms waving 😊🏃🏻‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️🏃‍♂️

Off to Bradford today to visit our son, my husband will, assuming all goes well be building shelves. May help to take my mind off the HM a little. Butterflies flying around here.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Butterflies are good as they are extra energy and give us adrenaline when we need it. Just think of them as your friends coming along to be with you 🦋🦋

The very best of luck to you, we’ll be thinking of you xxx

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Aw my friends coming along to be with 🦋🦋That sounds lovely! Enjoy your run spotting deers! 🦌 🦌 A laid back bolt in gorgeous grounds, sounds intriguing 😊

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Friday nervs are no fun ... but they will come into their own tomorrow as you cross the line. At that moment everything will fall into place and youlldo what you've been doing; one foot in front of the other. Remember, we're cheering you on every step of the way. Bon courage!!!

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Aw thank you Linda. We didn't arrive home until midnight, not the best plan, so not doing what I usually do in that regard. But oh yes, one foot in front of the other is just what I need to do. 👣😊

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I hope you enjoy you HU run, take care 🏃‍♀️😊

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

You have already succeeded >61; getting to the starting line after everything you have been through, and all that effort you have put in over such a long time; that is success. Tomorrow is like the last lap of the Tour de France; a procession, a celebration of everything you have achieved and a release of all that tension. We are all willing you to finish your HM in a way which will satisfy you; but we are also applauding now your massive effort to get here. The weather here is set to be sunny, with a cooling North wind to stop overheating! Just go out and celebrate as you focus…one foot in front of the other….getting nearer to the finish line with each step 🙂👏👏👏👏👏

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Aw thank you a celebration that sounds good although arriving home at midnight wasn't the best start. But one foot in front of the other 👣 is just what I need to do, but 13miles? Me!? I'll try ...😊🏃🏻‍♀️

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Enjoy your HU run 🏃🏻‍♂️😊 I suspect you will speed along

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

I run on Monday. I have no idea how it will go; I will just do what I can on the day. I would like to manage a pb, but I don’t want to wreck a whole summer’s running in the process. So I will be careful too. I do it by feel really…..a bit of maturity might be setting in at last 😉

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Ooh over61andstilltrying . An HM! Very well done you. I think my undulations in Victoria park won’t be as steep as yours

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thank you Dexy. Can I really? 13miles sounds a very long way. I am hoping this race magic that I have heard about arrives in time.

[UpTheStanley Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

You’re beating me to it O61. New Forest HM for me in September if I hold my nerve 🙄

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to UpTheStanley]

If I remember right, you don’t like the longer distances do you UTS?

[UpTheStanley Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

I don’t mind the distance, I just don’t like the amount of training necessary to produce a performance I’m happy with!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to UpTheStanley]

I get that!

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to over61andstilltrying]

You are going to love it!

I've cycled and walked there a lot and it is stunning...do make sure you have a cap or something, it can get quite warm on the non shaded bits! Water too will be needed The descents are a tad steep but fun...

The first one is so special!! I did mine, Monsal trail, but it was cooler...I'll be thinking of you. Simply enjoy :)x

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you. Enjoy sounds very good 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to over61andstilltrying]

It really is certainly for me, what it is all about... soaking in every single moment x

[GTFC Marathon]

Massive pompoms from sunny Teesside to you all over the weekend. As I always say, getting yourself on the start line is a brilliant achievement in itself. The event is your celebration! Go out there and give it your all, leave nothing back and at the end you'll have no regrets. Very best wishes 👏👏👏👏👏

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

What a busy weekend coming up, I'll dust off the pom poms and be waving for all. Have fun everyone and wishing you all strong legs and fair weather

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Well that is a line up and a half IP, well done for pulling all of that together!!

Good luck to the legendary (they are legends all!) Hedgehogs123 , over61andstilltrying , Irishprincess , cheekychipmunks , Time_Lord , UpTheStanley , Dexy5 and RunSkippyRun , also to the host of HU runners taking part in our HU10, and everyone else who is out for a run this week. It looks bright and cool up here; perfect! Go get that bling 🙂👏👏👏👏👏👏

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Thank you for the shout out IP! Hope your race goes well too! Just think of the reward at the end 🏅🏅🏅

Good luck to all you other racers too. It’s going to be a bit warm round these parts, but after the recent weather I refuse to complain! 🥵😅

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Shorts and sunglasses at the ready Munks 🏃‍♀️😎

Enjoy the family day 🥰

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Will be thinking of you and your lovely family in Bristol cheekychipmunks . Are you still on the cobblestone route that doesn’t go up the gorge ?

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

No Portway (under the Bridge) as that’s the HM route only nowadays Dexy5 ☹️ There aren’t many cobbles at all, but there’s a cheeky incline at 9k (12 miles in the HM). It hasn’t beaten me yet! (Touch wood)!

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

😂. You’ll be fine after Ashton Court

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Hills hold no terrors for us cheeky 👊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Indeed they don’t Beachcomber66 . I say bring ‘em on! 🏔️

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to cheekychipmunks]

We just get over 'em! x

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I remember! 🥵

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

And your daughter and grandson taking part too how good is that!! Have a lovely day 😊

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Thanks very much Irishprincess , Beachcomber66 . linda9389 and running buddies. I’ve managed to get in two short run/ walks at slow pace this week, so I feel confident that I can get off the start line. It’s a shame I won’t be at race pace, but will listen to my body and if necessary bow out after a lap or two.

Good luck to all those racing and taking part in HU 10k.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Hope it goes well Dexy5 . Take it easy, at the same time thinking of the bling. 😅

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I will pretend we are running together cheeky, I will be starting 30 mins before you but you will no doubt be finishing first. 🏃‍♀️‍➡️🏃‍♀️‍➡️

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Dexy5]

Take it steady, you xxx

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Amazing recovery from Covid. I hope you are able to enjoy many aspects of your day even though not as you would have ideally hoped 😊

[TailChaser Marathon]

Wow what a busy weekend! As for Hedgehogs123 , over61andstilltrying and Baby cheekychipmunks , I think they deserve extra special Pom Pom shakes for going above and beyond!! Have the best runs everyone!!!! 🥳🍰🏃🏽🍰🏃🏽‍♀️🍰🥳

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Thank you so much 😊

[Bluebirdrunner]

Buckets full of luck to all of you smashing runners this weekend...🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀 especially to over61andstilltrying a HM event.. just awesome.Enjoy yourselves and bring on the bling!

🏃‍♀️🏃👌⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️xxx

over61andstilltrying

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Aw thank you 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Go, every single one of you... Run safe, Rune well, Run cool, and run HAPPY ! Pom poms a go go!

[Mudita11 Half Marathon]

Wow, lots of fabulous runs and runners! Pom Poms are at the ready 🎉🎉🎉. Good luck to everyone

[lexi6 10 Miles]

Good luck everyone. Very, very big pom poms waving for you all 🎉🎉

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Wow such a brilliant variety of events! Pompoms waving from the Isle of Wight and good luck to all HU10 entrants! 😘🎉xxx

[RunWillie Marathon]

Have fun everyone ❤️🏃‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️

[00marks Marathon]

Bon courage to everyone!

[Joster Half Marathon]

Good luck to EVERYONE running an event this weekend and beyond!

Thanks to our fab admins for all their hard work and support.

Even though I’ll be running solo, I won’t feel alone. 🥰🏃‍♀️🏅

See you out there VRBs!

[Cowladyrunning Marathon]

Good luck everyone running (sorry if I'm too late and you ran already!) I'll be waving pom poms oh yes and joining in by running my 10k - I almost got too excited Thursday when I read about the bibs and bling and considered moving back uo to 10 miles but I'm being strict - I have not trained and my cold from weeks ago is hanging on and sapping my energy!! Enjoy it all of you 😆

[UpTheStanley Half Marathon]

Thanks for the pompomming IP! I think I’m looking forward to this one but am feeling very weary this afternoon after a hard morning’s ……. funnel managing? 🙄

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to UpTheStanley]

All those people! No wonder you're tired 😂

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to UpTheStanley]

Good to hear from you UTS; sounds as though funnel management is a bit like herding cats! Hope you both have a great run.👍

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon]

I’ma bit late to this but want to wish this amazing group of runners all the best this weekend. A big Pom Pom wave to all this undertaking the HU10K today too. 🥳

Sorry I’ve been a bit absent from the board but I’m still here hanging around. 😂 I have my second outdoor race of the season tomorrow and I’m hoping for a following wind.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

Good luck Brian; the trouble with a following wind is that it will help everyone else…..but times will improve I guess!👍

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Yes BC the time is the critical component provided it’s legal I.e. <=2.0. This will set me up nicely in the league table for selection for the worlds in august. 🤞 And the wind does look favourable at the moment too.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

🤞 for you….wouldn’t be the same without your post run accounts!👍

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

Hi Brian 👋 good luck for tomorrow 🍀

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you IP 😊