Where the place? / Upon the heath (Mac. 1:1)

[Shake-and-run]

It was a bright day but very chilly, so Mr Shakes was very happy to wear my fleecy dry-robe thingy while I ran the 10k at Sutton Park. A 2 lap course that was very undulating through the National Nature Reserve (one of the largest urban parks in Europe). It is designated as a SSSI (site of special scientific interest) has heathland, woodland, wetlands, lakes and marshes and is home to much wildlife including ponies and cattle. It is also a Scheduled Ancient Monument, not that I noticed much of any of this, as I was focussed on trying to keep going.

It was sad not having the Kats for company and I forwent my fancy dress as I did not want to feel a complete numpty on my own (and I wanted to dress for the temperatures). However there were some added delights as my eldest nephew (I have 5) was also running at the event so we could meet up for Christmas present swaps. Nephew senior has not been running long (did his first parkrun in January) but has lost a lot of weight, got himself fit and is now a speedy individual. I had no intention of running with him and told him to not get cold hanging about waiting for me. He was very pleased with his effort, he finished in under 50 minutes and was 5th in his category ( he is 38 years old and there were 28 in his category).

I see from the results list that I also finished 5th in my category. Not quite so impressive as there were only 5 in the catagory. 🤣🤣🤣. I was the 144th woman (out of 179) and 332nd overall in a field of 370 runners. But this info is really of no consequence, the numbers that interest me are my average pace 7.43 mins/km and my time 1:17:22 according to Strava, (my race time was 1:19 but there was funnel after the mats at the start that delayed progress getting out on to the course). Not a PB but it’s a lumpy course and there was a very cold wind, it was however faster than when I ran on a similar course in May 2021.

I heard hubby cheering me on at the end of the first loop and Senior nephew was on the last bend encouraging me as I pushed up the last hill to the line. A lady who I had exchanged a few pleasantries with out on course pipped me to the line (nearly sent me flying), wish I’d heard her coming, I’m sure I could have found a little more to keep her at bay!!

Lovely bling, (and I have now completed my 12 Runs for Christmas Solo Challenge, so have two medals) and lots of family hugs. A Great morning (even though the running bit was quite hard work!).

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

That's a great run, it was blowy this morning, good to meet up with nephew too and have Mr shakes cheering you on. Flipping well done to you 😁

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

Thanks Sue, it was rather special, my brothers boys are my only blood relatives and I don’t get to see them very often.

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to Shake-and-run]

That makes it extra special then 😁

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

That sounds pretty challenging Shakes, well done 👏 Quite a family affair, nice!

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda, challenging enough but a good morning made special by meeting family ( last seen at Christmas last year).

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Well done Shakes, that was a great time and it must have been ovely to meet your nephew too . Do you think he started running due to you doing so well at it? I wish I could persuade my sister, but she’s not having any of it.

Great to earn two pieces of bling. 👏👏

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy, I don’t think I have any influence over what my nephews do, but now he is running I might get to see more if him. He said he will come to Stratford for my 100th parkrun next month.

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Shake-and-run]

That’s lovely.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Well done Shakes!🥇 Just getting out into the cold deserves a medal in this weather! I am planning a Boxing Day 10k; a sort of annual ritual really. I will definitely be first in my age group and overall. 🙂

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thanks BC, enjoy your Boxing Day ritual. What will you do to celebrate, I assume there is no bling? Award yourself a glass of your favourite tipple perhaps or may be just a mince pie (we were awarded one at the finish line yesterday). Whatever you choose it will be well deserved.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Shake-and-run]

What a well organised run!! No tipple for me I am afraid. My one tablet per day is “avoid alcohol” so tipples went over 8 years ago. Probably good for my running 🙂. We do have a Boxing Day football match on the agenda. Probably lots of Santa hats and friendly smiles…the latter will last only so long as we don’t fall behind!

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Well done Shake-and-run ,looks like a really lovely day out and great your nephew there too 😁🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️xxx

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Thanks Aliboo, it was a lovely morning. Xx

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Aw, that’s a lovely photo of you and your nephew Shakes 🥰 one for the memory bank.

Well done on a tough sounding course and on your completion of the 12 Runs challenge 👏 Love the bling(s)! I do like the idea of a medal decoration that you can hang too. Might have to consider this for next year…

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

Thanks IP, bling was nice. I did find the solo medal a good motivation to keep running through December, especially as I took a while to recover from the HM on the 1st. The HU challenges were also a great motivator so thanks to Admins for them too.

[misswobble Marathon]

Great stuff Shaky! It’s my first day back here so loved hearing about your race 😀🏃‍♀️🏅👏👏👏. Great to have your nephew running too 🥰

The race route sounds interesting with plenty to keep you occupied for the duration 🙂