It’s Friday: Santa is On His Way and It’s Pom Pom Time ☃️☃️☃️☃️☃️

[Beachcomber66]

There will be a few PB’s run this weekend if these three beauties are on the loose!

Hello Pom Wavers; we have much work to do this weekend!!

We have a lot of racers braving the elements this weekend, so I will get straight into it! Thankfully, apart from some mid twenties mph gusts of wind, the outlook looks like a considerable upgrade on the havoc wrought by Storm Darragh last week. There is a definite Christmas flavour around some of the events, so there may be a chance to run the races, bring home bling and score some points on our Christmas Challenge all at the same time. 🙂

First up, we have:

🌟  Folkylass ,  MissUnderstanding ,  Shake-and-run and  TailChaser all continuing with the Great Run Solo Accumulator Challenge. This is an individual challenge rather than a race and involves fitting in 12 runs/walks of any distance between 1 and 24 December (inclusive).

greatrun.org/virtual-runnin...

Then we have, running on Saturday 14 December:

🌟  RunByTheSea64 who is taking on the Otterton Reindeer Run which was rescheduled from last weekend, thanks to Storm Darragh.This is a 10k multi surface run, starting out along the beautiful Otter Valley and returning via an East Devon coastal route. That sounds like a lovely setting.

reindeerrun.eventrac.co.uk/...

The remainder of this weekend’s runs take place on Sunday 15 th December, starting with:

🌟  Sandraj39 who is running in the Santa Dash (10k) in Cranleigh. Santa attire is positively encouraged! There are 300 racers, food and drink is available after the event and the proceeds are going to a Children’s Hospice and Heritage projects.

eventbrite.co.uk/e/cranleig...

We move on to:

 aliboo70 Who is running in the Soup Run. The runners start out from Bembridge, and have to negotiate a 6 mile multi terrain, undulating and hilly run! Aren’t they all like that on the Isle of Wight? Of course, there is soup to finish!! We wish you well Ali, knowing that you have rather more than soup on your plate at the moment ❤️.

evententry.co.uk/the-soup-r...

Our next racers are:

☀️ Three of our famous sausage munchers;  Katnap ,  TailChaser and  Time_Lord who are taking part in the third of five 10k races in the Tempo Winter Series. There is a twist to this event; the route will not be revealed until the day of the race. The usual focus is Ilmington, and I would imagine that there will be a nice hill somewhere along the route; all will be revealed at the start I guess!  TailChaser will have everything worked out, as always, including her sausage recipe for next week!

tempoevents.co.uk/events/wi...

Finally, but definitely not least we have our fellow Admin;

 Irishprincess who is running in the Westonbirt House Christmas 10k in aid of Dorothy House Hospice Care. The apres run looks amazing! With an on site bar, “stunning” catering and free post race massage, this sounds more like a pamper day!

icompete.co.uk/events/westo...

Edit: RiceAndPeas will be attempting a first marathon in Malaga on Sunday. Lots of support and good wishes from us all R&P ; enjoy your day and let us know how things go. A first marathon is a really big deal; hope it goes well. 👍

So please wave your Pom Poms long and hard for our intrepid racers; they deserve it 🙂

Run well, run safely everyone and above all, bring home the bling and beaming smiles!!

From your team  linda9389  Irishprincess and me 🙂

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For all events in December go to:

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

[David_G Metric Marathon]

Best of luck, everyone! Have a great time and enjoy yourselves 🏃‍♂️‍➡️🏃‍♂️‍➡️🏃‍♀️‍➡️🏃‍♀️‍➡️👏👏

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to David_G]

Good morning David; you were up and about late last night. Always good to hear from you.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

What a fabulous group! How wonderful that the organisers managed to rearrange their reindeer run, and that you can still make it RunByTheSea64 . Have a great time everyone, enjoy!!!

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Good afternoon Linda. Your holiday sounds pretty energetic and hot! Plenty of chill time when you get back 🥶

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Extra wishes to you RiceAndPeas A first marathon will be an amazing experience and fabulous achievement - we look forward to reading your run report (by no means obligatory, but we do love reading all the run reports we get). There'll be a shiny new badge waiting for you here too. Enjoy!

[Mudita11 Half Marathon]

Have great runs everyone. Pom poms waving for you all 🎉🎉🎉

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Mudita11]

Hi Mudita; you are up with the lark or do they migrate?). I hope you knee issue is headed in the right direction i.e. out !🤞🤞🤞

[RiceAndPeas Marathon]

Very best of luck everyone, have fun! 👏👏👏👏

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

Hi Rice and Peas, good to hear from you. I see that you have done some seriously good 10k times yourself this year. Are you thinking of pushing on to longer distances? We will be starting our build ups to 10 miles and HM in the New Year; you are very welcome to join in.

[RiceAndPeas Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

That's so kind of BC66, well I've avoided mentioning it due to shyness and the strong likelihood of a DNF but in an act of drunken hubris earlier this year I entered a marathon!

I had entered 4 half marathons but due to a variety of injuries and sickness I didn't make it to the start line of any of them.

My bags are packed and Mrs R@P and I will be in Malaga this evening and I shall be attempting the marathon on Sunday. I picked up a real stinker of a cold this week, hopefully I'll be clear for race day. Not sure why I called it race day, I'm just looking to jog round and do the distance. If it all goes wrong I will at least be on holiday in the sunshine for a few days.

Sorry to have been so secretive about it , I do love this community but it's been a bit of an odd year so I've been keeping my head down.

Best to all

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

That is amazing R&P!! I will edit you in to the post! I have stuck at HM because I only found running at the age of 66 ( now 72). I have this urge to push on a bit further…but we will see. I have learned so much from other people here, including that DNF’s happen for all sorts of reason, but we just use that to build up better for the next attempt. Use of the F word (failure) isn’t allowed here….so go out, give it your best, tell us how it went and we will celebrate, commiserate whatever with you and there are experienced marathon runners here with lots of tips! Enough for now; you have a big day to prepare for! Go Go Go Rice and peas, we are all with you!! 🙂

[RiceAndPeas Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Yay, thanks so much. I'll do my best. Will add a report one way or the other. Good on you for taking up running at 66, I think a communal HM is a great idea. Will be rooting for everyone. 😀

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

How exciting RiceAndPeas !!! Good luck and Bon Courage 🍀 enjoy it and be proud. Can’t wait to hear all about it 🍿

[RiceAndPeas Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks so much IP, I'm keeping my fingers crossed I can complete the course. Whatever happens I'm determined to enjoy the day and if I don't make the cut off time I'll still be in the city i call my happy place. 😃

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

Whatever happens, this is a win🥇

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

That’s a brilliant way of looking at it. You’ll be grand 👍

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Now if those doggies were chasing me I think I’d have to stop to pat them 😍

Thanks for the shout out BC and thanks to my VRBs for the pompoms 👍 I’m hoping to do one of the challenges of wearing a Santa hat for my race but the singing wil have to wait for another run as I wouldn’t want to scare the other runners 🙉

My fellow racers, I wish you lots of fun, lots of smiles and maybe a few Christmas treats afterwards. Let’s do this!!!

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

They do have happy friendly faces. Hope Sunday goes well, with or without singing!!

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Goodness, what a lot of racers this week, arms will be madly waving pom poms 😁 best of luck everyone

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Quite a turn out; good to see everyone wrapped up in the spirit of Christmas.

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Have great runs everybody, there’s a lot of fun runs there, which is perfect for this time of year. Looking forward to photos and run reports.

🎅🏻🎄🎁🦌🤶🤴🏼

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon]

Thank you-the wheels have well and truly come off here. I’ve got proper flu and haven’t left the house in days. I’m really hoping to recover enough to at least get some walks done. Such rubbish timing!

[RiceAndPeas Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

You have my deepest sympathy, I had to sit out all 4 events I entered this year. Hope you recover enough soon to get some walking done and of course enjoy the festive period.

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Noooo! Take care MissU, at least it will be out of the way by Christmas 🤞🤞🤞

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Hope you feel better soon…🙏🙂

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Take it easy MissU. You need to be fit for Christmas. The rest can take care of itself.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

☹️ rotten luck MissU. Hope you get better soon x

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Thankyou Beachcomber66 and VRBs ! I'll just be trotting round this one, it's definitely hilly! Kenny coming too now, his daughters operation postponed due to strike action,confirmed today. So no mainland trip Sun eve 😕

Good luck to all my fellow VRB with their events,so much going on ! 👌🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️💪⭐xxx

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

So frustrating for all of you aliboo. Whatever the rights and wrongs of any particular industrial action, people suffer.😕

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

I’ll be thinking of you on mine Ali. Let’s do it! x

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Whoop whoop! It's going to be fun! Wearing my GHM vest and Christmas socks!

Club vest!

[TailChaser Marathon]

I want to do Irishprincess ’s race! It looks much more sensible than mine! I tell you what is even less sensible? Katnap , youngest kitten and I are going to Birmingham for a swift 5k with my running club afterwards, so the Toad may be delayed until Monday 😱

All the very best intrepid Christmas racers! Isn't it nice to be able to race when there isn't 60mph winds and sideways rain? Long may it last! Have wonderful runs RunByTheSea64 , Sandraj39 , aliboo70 and IP, and massive good luck to RiceAndPeas !! 👏👏 I think Time_Lord is marshalling now, so we’re looking forward to hearing her cheers 😍🥳🥳🥳🥳

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

You will have to find something else delicious to replace the lost calories; dangerous otherwise 👍

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

I quite agree!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Haha but I won’t be getting sausages at the end of mine TC 🤣 Mulled wine maybe 😋

Have fun at yours!

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Yum 😋 Might have to join you on that one IP!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Next year?

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Not a bad idea at all!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

It sells out very quickly!

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

I’ve just seen the medal - I’m not surprised it sells out quickly , that medal is awesome!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

It is! They always have fab medals.

Christmas medal

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Very cool medal!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

It has little snowflakes in the background and it’s 2D so very cool 😎

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Good luck everyone! I’m looking forward to my Santa Dash on Sunday - running the routes I know so well. 🙂 No chip timing for this one but I have my elf running tshirt at the ready! Santa hats are supplied on the day, although I don’t see me wearing this for more than a few minutes, as it has to be freezing for me to wear a hat on a run! 🎅🏃‍♀️😀

[RiceAndPeas Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Santa hat or not it sounds like you will be having some proper festive running fun. I hope there are mince pies at the finish! 😃

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

Will they serve mince pies in Malaga; probably not, but there is sure to be something tasty.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Sounds like a day full of joy. I might sneak out in my Santa hat first thing tomorrow.👍

[Folkylass]

Thanks everyone for your Pom pom waving much appreciated! Now my Xmas shopping has been completed and all presents wrapped,cards sent out , most of the food bought and….new hair do I can now concentrate on the completion of this great Christmas accumulator challenge. I have 7 activities left to do so I think I can knuckle down and get it finished and of course enjoy .

Tomorrow I’m walking ,Sunday I’m going to do a cheeky little 5k …it’s always quiet in the village on a Sunday which is a great day for running. So that will more activities ticked off. Then next week more of the same right up till Xmas day if not before so all exciting here.

Hope you feel better soon  MissUnderstanding and please rest up and get well for Xmas.

Good luck to everyone taking part in their race’s , challenges this weekend and remember to jingle those sleigh bells because Santa’s on his way 🎅🎄🏃‍♀️🙋‍♀️xx

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Folkylass]

You sound to be really organised Folkylass! Enjoy your weekend; you have earned it 👍

[Folkylass in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thanks  Beachcomber66 that will be my Army training …it never leaves you .🤣. Hope you have a great weekend too 🙋‍♀️x

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Folkylass]

🙂 remind me never to upset you !

[Folkylass in reply to Beachcomber66]

🤣🤣🤣I’m sure I don’t know what you mean🤔🤣

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Phew.... runs in, panting slightly! Pom, poms at the ready.... and, as ever in awe of all those intrepid runners...

Special pom poms for my lovely friends, MissUnderstanding , who has the dreaded flu monster sitting with her; feel better soon, and the awesome aliboo70 ... you need all t he soup you can get down you, right now, stay strong, my friend x

Everyone running, Run SAFE, Run WELL and of course... RUN HAPPY ! xxx🎈🏃🎉🏃

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Same to you Floss. I have had a busy week; you will have had the same. No run since Monday! 9am, when my porridge has settled, I am out of here!! At least the sky is clear and the wind isn’t howling (must have heard me….. a little “I am still around” gust). We take what we can🙂

[misswobble Marathon]

Woohoo! 😀. How fab!

Oooh beautiful Bembridge! 😍. Getting up there though 🙈. Good luck with that Ali. Getting down it will be a breeze though 😁🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Good luck to everyone out there racing 👏👏👏👏👏

PS. Get you RiceandPeas! 😀. Have fun with your marathon 😀💪👍

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Aah yes, we have a photo at the culver monument! 😊xxx nearly slid over last time, will be careful!!! Xxx

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Sadly I won’t be doing the Santa Dash today.🙁 Felt quite under the weather at times yesterday and still not good this morning, so sorry there will be no race report from me this week…

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

So sorry to hear that you are unwell Sandra; the only priority is to take good care of yourself so that you recover in time to enjoy Christmas. Runs will wait.

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Already feeling a lot better thanks Beachcomber66 but the right decision at the time…my elf T-shirt will have to wait another year!🤣

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Good that you are feeling better 👍

[RiceAndPeas Marathon]

Just a quick message to say a big thank you for the encouragement. I completed the marathon in 4 hours 39 and when the going got really tough, the virtual pom pom made a huge difference. In fact without it I don't think I would have been able to climb over the many walls I ran into.

I'm a bit too shattered to write a full report at the moment but will do in the next day or so.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

And there is your bright shiny badge which looks suitably distinguished. Honestly, I don’t think I would be more pleased if I had done it myself! Congratulations; now eat drink and be merry (and rest up!) you overcame all of those doubts and nailed it. Really impressed with your time too! That’s it; you are a marathon runner !!🙂🥇🏆

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

Massive congratulations. You are a marathoner!!! That's just awesome 👌

[RiceAndPeas Marathon]

Thanks so much, I'm filling up a bit reading that lovely reply. I'm going to have a sleep now so won't be able to reply to any posts for a while.

I think my world class support crew, Mrs RiceandPeas, deserves to be treated to good restaurant tonight so there will be recovery feasting! 😃

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

💐 for Mrs RiceandPeas. 👍