HU10k/Great Bristol 10k

[cheekychipmunks]

What a day! Sorry, this will be very long. 😳

The first win was getting the grandsons and mummy into the car just past 7:30am. Never easy!

The next win was courtesy of a big Bristol City Council and/or First Bus (who run the park and ride) blunder, always open especially on Sundays for the race each year. Except this year whoever had the one job to unlock the gates didn’t! 🤦‍♀️ Lots of queued up cars and buses, some people aerated, others cool and calm.’ I was silently the former, as we had to get Tiny Chipmunk there for his 1 mile Family Race with mummy, and it was first off. Long story short, I turned tail and the eventual win was finding a 2 hour limit spot closer in, and hoped I wouldn't get a ticket. Daughter extended the parking session after 2 hours on the app, so hopefully I’ll be ok 🤞

After a cute photo shoot outside the Grand Appeal tent, Tiny nailed his mile! Around 11:37 (quicker than me!) and he had the biggest smile on his face. His first medal, and he’s proud as punch. 🏅🥰

My turn next, and it was heating up. 🥵 The first 5k was hot but easy enough. The 2nd 5k was hotter still, and hilly. I was seeking out shade wherever I could and was wilting massively towards the end. The hills didn’t bother me unduly (thanks to Ashton Court), but it was 24 degrees at the finish with several casualties.

My time was somewhere between 1hr 24 and 1hr 25 (no official result yet), which is way off my best, but my goal was to run it all, and I managed that. 💪

Sadly Spotify didn’t link to my NRC app, so it was just me and Coach Bennett! I was hoping to play the HU playlist. I did earn the bling though, so I’ll be ordering that this afternoon! Thanks again linda9389 and Irishprincess for another epic event. 🙏

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon]

Well done, CC.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Stephen_UK]

Thanks Stephen_UK , a fab day. 😀

[GTFC Marathon]

Epic achievements from the Chipmunks brigade!! Huge congratulations to your grandson on a BRILLIANT achievement...his first ever running medal 🏅 and to you too cheekychipmunks for inspiring others (even when you don't realise it) all the time. Well run on a really hot day. Enjoy your evening after a really positive day 🏅⭐🙌

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to GTFC]

You’re so kind GTFC , thank you! It was incredible watching Tiny flying over the line; he really enjoyed it and is already talking about next year! Might even get mummy running this year too with C25K too, so who knows, she could be joining me! 🥰

As for inspiring others, well I hope I can show people that it’s fun to run without the pressure of the constant need for speed. 😀

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

Excellent run for you and your grandson CC despite the heat, lovely photos of you and the children, you will look forward to getting the bling, medal 🥉 ✔️

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks AlMorr , our medals were gratefully received! The photo of us both is us doing a medal “cheers”! 😀

[Jools2020 Half Marathon]

Oh, well done! Not sure I could have coped with the stresses before the start - and the heat - but you nailed it. And look at Tiny Chipmunk’s proud smile! Congrats to all ! 👏👏👏👍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Jools2020]

Oh I know Jools2020 , it was very stressful and worse still for people arriving later as the queue was snaking back a long way. I think it opened eventually, but I’m glad I found a place to park, despite numerous road closures.

The heat wasn’t welcome, but I’m happy that I pushed on through even when I was desperate to take a walking break. People were walking around me, it was baking! 🥵

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Well done the chipmunk family; I don’t think that I have ever seen a more joyful set of photographs…ear to ear smiles all round. I am sure that the mini munks will be hooked on running after this!! Well done on your 10k too CC….adjusting pace to the conditions; pure genius 🙂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thanks so much Beachcomber66 ! Tiny did so well - you know what 4.5 year olds can be like; sometimes they dig their heels in - but no, he relished the occasion, and loved sprinting to the finish! Mummy intends to take up C25K too, so who knows, she could be joining me next year! 🥰

Yes the heat slowed me hugely in the 2nd 5k, but mountain goat style, I kept going on the hills! 🐐 It wasn’t about pace yesterday! 🥵

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

It was about fun with family; so precious.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

You’re spot on there BC. 🥰

[CBDB]

Woohoo!!! Awesome! 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to CBDB]

Thanks CBDB ! Yes, it was truly awesome! 🥰

[Cantstopmenow Half Marathon]

Well done chipmunks on a fantastic family event. A day to be proud of 🎉🌟🎉🌟

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Cantstopmenow]

We were all still talking about it last night Cantstopmenow ! Such a fun event. 👏

[dijep 10 Miles]

Congratulations to all the Chipmunkss 💥🤸‍♀️🎉It must have been extra special too have the family involved a well

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to dijep]

It really was special dijep ! In fact my oldest daughter (Tiny’s mummy) intends to start C25K this year, so who knows, she could be joining me next year in the 10k! Tiny definitely wants to do it again. 🥰

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

OMG  cheekychipmunks - that must have been so stressful waiting to get into a locked car park. Well done for finding a space though.

First of all well done to little grandson for running for a mile that is no mean feat on little legs.

And very well done to you for running 10k in that heat. It is so debilitating, especially as we haven’t worked up to it this year. We seem to have gone winter to summer. But you did it in your own city, which is special in itself. Hope your bling is lovely, did you forego the T-shirt?

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I know Dexy5 , my heart sank. You know me, I’m always early for things, so I was relieved to get them all out the house in good time. Still, it all worked out ok. 🙏

The heat wasn’t welcome. My running felt great, but by the time we’d hit 6k my energy was sapped. That and the cruel hilly bit. But I stubbornly continued and was happy to cross the line and grab that bling! 🏅🙏

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Oh, meant to also say I did get a teeshirt, as I assume I forgot to not order one (if you know what I mean Dexy5 )! It’s lovely actually, but massive as they’d run out of mediums. I doubt I’ll wear it, but it’s nice to have!

Great Bristol 10k teeshirt

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

I was thinking today than I’m so glad I wasn't running a HM in that heat!

Well done all the Munks but especially Tiny Chipmunk, he looks proud as punch 🥰

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

OMG Irishprincess , no way could I have run the HM yesterday! They set off after us so it would have been warmer still. 🥵 One day I’ll do it again though. 😀

We were a happy bunch afterwards, that’s for sure! 🥰

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Yes I’d like to do it again too and actually….I’m going to say it….. I preferred Bristol to Bath ….

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Ahh that’s so interesting Irishprincess . Was it the course you preferred?

I want to do Bath just to say I’ve done it, but I’d definitely be up for doing the Bristol HM again. 😀

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Well, lots of reasons. I think Bristol has more starting waves. I had to queue for about ten minutes in Bristol to get to the start line whereas in Bath there were only three waves and it took me about half an hour to get to the start!

Apart from the obvious gorgeous streets, there was quite a lot of Bath where you were running on dead ordinary roads, boring and nothing much of interest. In Bristol’s outskirts you’re running beside the gorge and bridge and the surroundings are much nicer.

Then at the finish line I had to walk quite a bit to pick up my bling whereas in Bristol it’s just there!

The crowd support in both is superb but I guess the Great Run organisers have been doing it for so long they do it spot on! Having said that, The London Marathon organisers have taken over Bath so it’ll be interesting to see what they do with it all!

I bet you’re sorry you asked! Can we try and do both next year? 🤞🤞🤞

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

All perfectly valid reasons - so YES Irishprincess ! 👏💥🥰

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Fantastic cheekychipmunks ! Lovely that the family joined in too,cute photos! Congratulations! 🎉xxx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Tiny’s mummy (my older daughter) wants to start C25K this year too, so she could be joining me next year aliboo70 . We all had the best time yesterday! ❤️

[RunaroundSue]

Well done both of you, especially in the heat.I always relax once I have my parking sorted in good time for a parkrun, especially if we are in the van. If possible we check it beforehand to look for height and width barriers and those dreaded words "No campervans or motorhomes"We always arrive early to allow for a change of plan.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to RunaroundSue]

Me too  RunaroundSue , and I always leave plenty of time too. My family always groan, but they know I’m always right! 😅 Lucky it was the case yesterday, otherwise I wouldn’t have got that parking spot in town. 🙏

[RunaroundSue in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Geoff says I am always too early, but I think secretly he has come round to it, especially when we are in the van or when he had an appointment but would have been late due to unexpected traffic problems.

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to RunaroundSue]

I know that feeling all too well Sue. Last week we decided to avoid driving into Shrewsbury by using the park and ride - 2.1m height barrier 🤬

[RunaroundSue in reply to Sandie1961]

Our old van was just under 2m but we didn't always trust it, sometimes it looks as though resurfacing has reduced the height available. But our new van is over 2m so we know for sure.But some park and rides have barriers!

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Congratulations to you and awesome running Tiny 👏👏👏

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks SueAppleRun , we’re already planning next year! 👏👏

[misswobble Marathon]

well done CC! Getting everyone there on time despite the traffic debacle is deserving of a medal on its own 😀👏🏅

It was hot so it must have been tough having to deal with hills as well. Hats off to you 👍💪🏃‍♀️😀

Congratulations to your little one as well, bless him 🥰. I love running with the kids. They’re so up for it 🥵😀

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Haha misswobble , yes they owe me one for making them leave home in plenty of time! I wouldn’t have secured that parking spot if we’d have been much later. 🙏

The family run was joyous, and the warmup itself was tons of fun too. Some little speedsters out there for sure (just over 5 minutes for the winner! 💥). Tiny chipmunk had a blast and can’t wait for next year! 🥰

[Cowladyrunning Marathon]

I love this story of a family run day 🥰 Shame it had a stressful start but well done to you all 🎉

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Thanks Cowladyrunning ! I’m so relieved we found the parking spot. It would have been such a shame to miss the family run, the pre run group photo and warmup. All good though! 🙏

We had a wonderful day. ❤️

[Bluebirdrunner]

What a day Cheeky!Huge Congratulations to little chipmunk, a running medal ! Fantastic. ⭐️

You did so well in the heat too, and got to share the limelight with him. 😊

Just Super!

🏃🏃‍♀️⭐️⭐️xxx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Haha Bluebirdrunner , the accolades definitely go to him, he was fabulous! It was the best day, and next year is already being planned, maybe even with non-running (yet!) mummy! 😀

[skysue16 Half Marathon]

Lovely photos 😊 Congratulations on your hot run!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to skysue16]

Thank you so much skysue16 ! Definitely hot, but a wonderful day. ❤️

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

Wonderful Cheeky and huge congratulations to Tiny on his first race and that all important bling. The start of some great family running adventures 😁

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

Thanks Sandie1961 , I got home just now and he was running round the garden practicing for next year! 😅🥰

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Awww bless 🥰 Can you imagine how quick he will be in a few years if he keeps it up 😳

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

He’ll be a zippy one! 💥🥰😅

[lexi6 10 Miles]

Great post Cheeky and congratulations to you both, just lovely 👏

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to lexi6]

It was so much fun lexi6 . Great Runs are always so well organised (shame about the park and ride!) 😅

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon]

Congratulations on a super race!! So lovely to have the support crew out and for your grandson to be running too. A real family affair! A wonderful achievement 🏃‍♀️🥇❤️

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you MissUnderstanding ! My daughter said the roar coming into the finish was deafening for the little ones! So much fun. 😀

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon]

well done Chipmunk family, great effort all round.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Shake-and-run]

Thanks Shake-and-run ! Hopefully we’ll have another little recruit before long with Tiny’s brother! Team Chipmunk will be ever growing, especially if Mummy goes through C25K too! 🥰

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon]

Fabulous, well done all of you. Yes you've earned the bling - enjoy!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

It’s all about the bling Curlygurly2 ! I’d be hard pressed to run in the heat for that long without that lure! 🏅🏅

[Oldfloss Administrator]

A run... a great run...but time with the family... absolutely perfect! HUGE well done x

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you Oldfloss ! So much fun sharing it with the little ones! Even tinier little brother wants to have a go too, but he’s only 2.5! 🥰😅

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Loving the photos, so many happy faces and wonderful memories there. I bet you'd already run a marathon - or at least felt like you had - before you even got to your own start line! The tech gremlins were out in force yesterday it seems. Hopefully normal service will soon be resumed!

Congratulations on another successful, hot Bristol 10k and another fine piece of bling 😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Tiny chipmunk was still talking about it today linda9389 . He took his medal and race number into nursery to show his teachers and friends! And when he got home he was running round the garden practicing for next year! 😅🥰

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Nawhhh, too cute ❤️

[Mudita11 Half Marathon]

Congratulations Cheeky, that sounds like a really marvellous day, apart from the initial bit 😬. Great medal and t-shirt 👌🏻 x

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Mudita11]

Thanks Mudita11 ! Plans are afoot for next year already! Fancy it? 😅

[Mudita11 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Yes I do!! 😃😃😃 x

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Mudita11]

Oooooo!!! 👏👏👏👏👏

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Mudita11]

Edit: I’ve just made a commitment to do the HM instead - fancy that Mudita11 ? 🤞

[Mudita11 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

EEK! Maybe. I won’t commit just yet but would definitely do at least the 10k. I’m a bit of a chicken 🐓🤣 x

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon]

Aw well done on getting to the start on time. Three generations how precious!A delight to see the joyous photos of Tiny Chipmunk. Well done to you too, mission accomplished 😊🏃‍♀️

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Certainly was a mission getting to the start over61andstilltrying , but it was all worthwhile and we had the best time! 🥰 Thank you!