WEEKLY CHAT 16-22 DECEMBER 🎁🎄☕️🫖

[Irishprincess]

Hello everyone 🥰 How’s it going? Are you all ready for the festive shenanigans? Tree up, presents wrapped, food bought and ready to entertain yourselves or family and friends? Perhaps you don’t “do” Christmas at all and you can’t wait for this time to be over. Whatever else you’re doing let’s hope you can still manage a few runs.

Have you signed up for our Fun Christmas Challenge? If not, then it’s not too late and you can still get points for the previous weeks. It’s a bit of fun and, hopefully, will help us to carve some time for ourselves at this time of year. Check it out here:

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

Talking about guests and visitors, perhaps our question for this week should be, “is it ever ok to escape our Christmas guests and just head out for a run?” 😂 I’ve done it with family because they understand and I’m never out for long. I mean if everyone is fast asleep after a sumptuous meal then I don’t feel guilty for creeping outside while I get the chance. But I don’t think it would be the thing to do with friends. After all, I want to enjoy their company as much as possible 🥰 Not sure what that says abut the different rule for family, but you know what I mean!

Tell us all about your week here and share how your running life is going, or, perhaps it’s not at the minute. But whatever you’re up to, we hope you are keeping those plates spinning as best as you can.

From your team,   Beachcomber66 ,   linda9389 and me xxx

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For all events in December:

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

For a shiny new badge:

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[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Well you can guess what I’ll say Irishprincess . I will be running parkrun on 21st and 25th and volunteering on 28th December and running again on 1st and 4th January . My sister and hubby are down for Christmas and they know that parkrun will be part of the day and then Christmas breakfast at home. They will probably be there in Christmas hats to cheer people on.

Tree and house were decorated at the weekend and most presents bought and wrapped . It’s the adults I find difficult, unless they give me clues. Christmas cake being seeped in brandy and cranberry sauce ready for use and gifts.

Loving the Christmas challenge , and ticked two off yesterday at RunWalkLocal, a family-friendly community event.

A running elf

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

You are amazing Dexy5! I can’t tell you how far we are behind with prep. Totally disorganised!

Just to give some thinking time (😉)I slipped out for a little 8k this morning. I have a niggle on the inside of my right knee (medial ligament area I think). It goes after a few steps….probably not much but I have booked to see my physio next week. I don’t mess about with knee joints!

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Beachcomber66]

A good idea to check with the physio Beachcomber66 . I’m sure you wanted to wish her a Happy Christmas anyway.

Still need to get final presents , plan menus for the big festive shop etc . The round robin letter is proving to be difficult as we don’t seem to have done anything but run! How can that be?

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

🙂 You will get through!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Well done on all counts Dexy5 ! Love your elf outfit! 🧝

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

It’s actually UTS’s top and hat but I purloined it for the challenge. He can wear them at parkrun. The leggings were a cheap (Chinese) pair I bought for Santa run a few years ago and I had to keep pulling them up. 😂. I think a tie up lace may be added.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Doesn’t Santa usually wear a big black belt? 😊

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Irishprincess]

The elf probably purloined that too. 😂

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

🤣

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

It sounds as if you are more than ready Dexy! Christmas cake seeped in brandy 😋 I’ll come to yours then as I love alcohol in food 😊

I love your elf outfit. At my race on Sunday there were loads of elves, santas, we even had a Christmas pudding 😂

I’m glad you are enjoying the challenges, it’s all fun 🤗

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Hello IP and pals 👋

My Christmas preparations are all under control except for the running bit! Pressies all bought, menus organised for the various meals we’re hosting, carol concerts almost done and dusted - last one is at the local hospital tomorrow which is JOYOUS as the patients like to join in! It’s hard not to blub, for me especially it’s when the elderly patients sing along. ❤️ They remind me of my parents who used to love carols 💔

As for my running? What’s that? 😅 No drama though, I’ve been here before and I’ll be here again. We all know that it waits. 🙏

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

You can’t do everything  cheekychipmunks , and it sounds like you have enough to do at this time of year without the running, but I hope you can get a festive parkrun in on Saturday.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I’m sure singing with the elderly patients is heart wrenching Munks 🥲 but what a lovely thing for your choir to do.

As you say, the running can wait. (I got an email yesterday about the LWR!) That’s just around the corner isn’t it? 🤗

Happy singing Munks and enjoy the build up now 🥰

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Yes I saw the email too IP! It’ll be wonderful. ❄️ Did you book your hotel? 🤞

Just getting ready to go out for our carols now. It’s so heart warming and no matter how daft we look (antlers, tinsel, fairy lights) we’re always well received and put a smile on everyone’s faces . 🥰🎄🎶

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Have not booked it yet but must get on it…

Putting a smile on others’ faces is a gift 😊

[RiceAndPeas Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

😢❤️

[RiceAndPeas Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

A carol concert for the elderly in a hospital, that is such a beautiful thing to do. That has brought a tear to my eye, well done for being so giving!!!!!!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

Aww thank you RiceAndPeas , it was so lovely. An elderly gentleman had to ask for tissues as we made him cry ❤️❤️❤️

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Goodness, the tree isn't up and the gifts aren't wrapped but most are bought and I've nearly finished making cards.I'm feeling quite positive because I ran Thursday and I ran again this morning.

I have gone off for a run in the past when Christmas becomes overwhelming and last Christmas I gathered up a granddaughter and ran parkrun which set us up for the day.

Happy Christmas preparations everyone 😁

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Whooop whoop! You ran and that’s such a great present Sue 😊 and I bet your granddaughter just loved her little experience with grandma!

I know what you mean about escaping as it can all get a bit too much sometimes. I crave fresh air which takes me outside even if it’s just for a walk around the garden.

Enjoy the rest of the buildup and here’s to more running for you 🏃‍♀️

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to Irishprincess]

She enjoyed it so much we'll be going out Christmas morning,,, not parkrun though, but a walk on the beach 😁.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

A future C25K’er!!!

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to Irishprincess]

She did a few in Sussex, she's 21 and home from uni for Christmas but she runs so much faster than I ever did,

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

For some reason I imagined your granddaughter being in a buggy!!! 😂

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to Irishprincess]

Ha ha ha, she was once, now she's almost 6 ft and quite amazing 😍

[RunByTheSea64 in reply to Irishprincess]

Yes well, I was actually imagining SueAppleRun with a babe in arms for the whole 5k 😂😂

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to RunByTheSea64]

I wish but those days are passed 😁

[RiceAndPeas Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Running parkrun with a granddaughter, now that's a fine way to spend Christmas. She will remember it forever! 😃

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to RiceAndPeas]

I might take her to see the seals this year 😄they aren't far away

Seal

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

How beautiful.

[RiceAndPeas Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

It's for her own good! 😀

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to RiceAndPeas]

She's home for a couple of weeks so I'm.surw we will run some and I'll try and get her swimming too 😀

[RunWillie Marathon]

I'm at strained on my garmin so the Christmas craziness is tiring me out. I'm looking forward to some time off in January. Nothing to do except run early & go to the beach with the kiddos.

Happy week everyone! ❤️

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

It’s a particularly hectic time of year for you RW so I’m not surprised you are tired.

Not long now for a wee rest and then a bit less stress 😴

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

I've had two weeks of 'strained' and am literally just back in balance ... ready for the flight home to tip me back into strained. So much for a holiday being restful!!!

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I probably need to up my electrolyte in the heat & put some boys up for adoption 🤣 Safe trip home x

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Just try the electrolytes first. Give that a chance... 🤣 As they say, a puppy's not just for Christmas... 🙏

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

🤣🤣

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon]

Hi IP I’m very much not into Xmas this year for various reasons but I’ll be spending it with mum wherever she decides to be and will be of good cheer throughout. 90% of presents have been bought which for me is a miracle!

I once crept out and did a sneaky 5k as lunch was being prepared and I absolutely loved it. A cold crispy Xmas morning about 7 or 8 years ago in Oxfordshire. I still remember it vividly.

FYI I didn’t race in the end last weekend ad I felt a bit rough and didn’t fancy all that driving in the storm. My bed absolutely won that day!

I will however be racing on the 29th in Eltham which very much looking forward to.

Good luck to all with your final preparations.

Cheers🥂

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

Oh yes the storm! I’m not surprised your bed won that dilemma Brian, very wise.

We’re so lucky that we can still celebrate Christmas with our mums ❤️ My mum is with us too which is always special as we talk about the Christmases from long ago and watch old movies which she loves. Such special times 🥰

I hope you manage to squeeze in a few runs and enjoy all the Christmas trimmings too 🥂

[RiceAndPeas Marathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

A race in Eltham, London on the 29th? Ooh now that is interesting. I lived there for 25 years and am still pretty local now.

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

It’s not a distance race though (just 60 metres 😅), but would be great to have some support if you’re at a loose end! It’s at the Sutcliffe Park Sports Centre.

meets.rosterathletics.com/p...

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

What are you racing on 29th Brian? I guess the impending run(s) will curb any temptation to Christmas excesses!

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Hi Linda it’s a late entry into a low key London sprint race called the Sutcliffe 60s. 2 lots of 60m dashes. It’s at the Sutcliffe Park Sports Centre. I’ve never been to this track before. I’ll allow myself a small tipple on Xmas and Boxing Day but that’s it.

My nemesis is racing! I must win! 😂

meets.rosterathletics.com/p...

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

You must!!! None of these events sound low key to me. Anything that restricts Christmas tipples falls well outside of low key' in my book! I'll add you to the pompom list - such sacrifice cannot go unnoticed 😇

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Ha ha. I guess so. Thank you Linda ☺️

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

Actually, Linda, you are correct, it’s more than that. I am secretly hoping for a top 5-10 place in the U.K. rankings! There, I’ve said it now 😅😬 No pressure. 😅

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

Oh wow! One to watch then Brian! 🏃‍♂️

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Well, my Christmas prep. was mostly done before we came away on 3rd December. All that remains is for me to try to remember where I put everything ready to wrap! Oh, and to think of all the things I forgot!We're at my daughter's for the main event which makes my life easier. I'm still trying to negotiate my Christmas day parkrun into her schedule without causing WWIII. To be fair, she's trying to accommodate a lot of people and at the moment her 'MIL to be' is likely to win the day with her request - I need to find a way to fit parkrun in with that, which may mean me missing the Christmas Day breakfast and not getting a shower til much later in the day. I haven't given up on the idea yet though!

This morning was my last run here in Mauritius. It was absolutely surreal to be running along singing Christmas tunes in 32 degrees of sunshine, but I'm definitely ready to get home to my proper running shoes, some easier running temperatures and a hearty dose of Christmas spirit!

Keep those plates spinning everyone, have a good week 😊

[RiceAndPeas Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Wow, running in 32 degrees!!!! That is properly dedicated and tough as teak! You certainly deserve a full helping of proper Christmas spirit. 🤶

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I’m super impressed that you got so much done so early Linda. Despite Christmas falling on the same date every year I’m still taken a bit by surprise when it gets closer 🤣

I do hope you will be able to get out for your Christmas Day parkrun. Could you offer to go out for some last minute milk or something?

You shouldn't be in for too much of a shock when you set down on home soil again as the temperatures are quite nice at the minute, not too chilly.

Have a good flight back x

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

There was no choice IP! We often go away before Christmas so I'm used to having to get a wriggle on. One year we arrived back the day before Christmas eve so I had neighbours on standby to take in my supermarket delivery. That was seriously stressful!The way it stands, no one is objecting to me slipping out ... it's more that they may not wait for me to get back 😍

I've been checking the weather closely- at least Thursday's run should be dry 👍

[RiceAndPeas Marathon]

I hope it's OK to head out for a Christmas day run because I did it last year, will probably do it again this year. I used to go for a 2 hour bike ride in years gone by....

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

If you can get out then go for it! You might even see a few more runners 😊