Weekly chat January 20th - 26th: new event announcement 📢🎽🏃‍➡️🥇

[linda9389]

Hello from Canada! It's Sunday night and I'm about to go to bed, but I'm not going to forget a weekly chat post for the second week running!!!

How's your week been? I do hope all is well and that running is proving as rewarding as we all know it can be; if not, then I do hope you'll be back to that happy place soon. Whatever is happening for you, do tell us all about it below. Nothing extraordinary for me just now - following my plan and wrapping up in more layers than ever as the temperatures drop here in BC. Snow is forecast for my next two run days, so I'll just have to see what I can do this week.

What I do know though, is that your three admins have put their heads together and come up with a couple of dates for your diary!

~~~

⭐📢📢We are ready to host our next HU virtual event: HU spring 25 📢📢⭐

~~~

⭐ Main event: Sunday 27th April at 9:30am (as always, we realise the date/time might not work for everyone; so in order to give greater flexibility we will accept runs at any time on Sunday 27th April, or at any point during the following week of Monday 28th to Sunday 4th May). This time you will give the option of 10k, 10 miles, HM or Metric Marathon (26.2k). By my calculations, that gives us almost fourteen weeks to train for the main event!!!

⭐This year we will also hold an interim event as you train for the main distance. This will be held on Sunday 23rd February (again, to be flexible, we will accept runs at any time on Sunday 23rd February, or at any point during the following week of Monday 24th to Sunday 2nd Mar). This event will give the option of running 10K or 10 miles. By my calculations, that gives us almost five weeks to prepare for the interim event!!!

⭐This year we will also try to focus on strength training alongside your actual run training. There are of course lots of wonderful resources available on our sister Strength & Flex forum which you can find here healthunlocked.com/strength... , but we hope to provide some gentle nudges, encouragement and motivation (for those who think they could benefit from it) over the next few weeks.

⭐ For anyone who hasn't come across one of our events before:

In short we pick a date and invite our VRBs to cover a given distance, running or walking, wherever they choose! We nominate a date for the event, give you a selection of distances to choose from and look forward to reading your race reports. If you can set off at the nominated date and time, you have the added boost of knowing we are all on the virtual HU start line together - running on our own, but definitely not alone; if you can't make that specific date you will have another week in which to complete your distance.

How does it work?

★ If we receive enough suggestions, we will compile an event playlist based on your submissions 🎶

★ You can use any of our existing ‘HU run experiences’ using RunGo (some people liked them, others were less keen! Think pantomime version of Nike guided runs!) 😊😊😊

★ We will even make race bibs available (so long as you have a printer at home!).

★ Finally, we will of course have a winner! In the past, the winner has been the person who completed their run in the time closest to our randomly generated time (after the event closes). Maybe you have a more creative suggestion, but however we choose, we will ensure there is absolutely no requirement to run fast to win this event! 🐌🏆Do let us know if you have a more creative suggestion!

⭐ As always, this event is of course entirely free to enter and yet again, there are no t-shirts, socks, aid stations or toilet queues! No training plans or routes will be supplied! Instead, a unique HU experience, run your way 😍

If you're currently running around 5k, this may encourage you to push to 10k. If you're running at 10k, perhaps it will give you the boost to get to the magic 10 miles. Maybe it will inspire you to push to Half Marathon or even to give the Metric marathon a go in a couple of months time. If you're running beyond, perhaps you can use it as one of your speed runs! If ... well, you can use your imagination 😍

Instructions for how to enter will follow soon, but feel free to start planning your training now! We hope you’ll be eager to join in (and help make this another fun event)

~~~

Aside from our spring event, as always, do please let us know all your news, including how your own running/training is going (or not) in the comments below - good or bad, remember you can share it all here because we understand!

Have a wonderful week, everyone and we look forward to lots of you joining us on the HU start line in approximately five and/or fourteen weeks! 🥰

From your team,  Irishprincess ,  Beachcomber66 and me x

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

For races in January take a look here:

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

For February races: healthunlocked.com/marathon...

For a shiny new badge, let us know here: healthunlocked.com/marathon...

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Morning Linda! Stay warm. BC makes us seem positively balmy. 🥶🥶🥶

Yay, count me in for 10k for both the interim and main HU events please. Happily, 23rd February is the date of the London Winter Run, so perfect timing, and as I’ll have done the Bath Half in March, 10k will be plenty for the main event in April too. 😅

I’m sad though, because my all time favourite 10k race is no more. Severn Bridge had hit a few roadblocks over the years, but always overcome them. This year there are too many and as some of them would affect the event going forward, they’ve pulled the plug. So disappointing, as I’d done that race 6 years in a row, and it really was the best. Anyone who wants to read about its demise, here’s the article. Happy memories though. ❤️ Running on a closed motorway was such fun!

sites.google.com/site/sever...

In the meantime, I have races to look forward in February. March, April and May, so happy days. Might there be a bling opportunity for the HU virtual event like last year? 🙏

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

That is a busy schedule Cheeky! Shame about the Severn Bridge race; it was a real annual highlight for you. Still, you have plenty on your plate already for the first part of the year and your Monsal meet up will be great!!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Still holding out a shred of hope that you may make it BC ...

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

A slender golden thred…….I did post Mrs BC’s application to reclaim her driving licence yesterday. 🤞🤞🤞 for that!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Oh how good that will be for you both 🙏

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Such a shame about the Severn Bridge race Munks ☹️ I know how much you loved that one.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

It's not been too, too bad here in BC ... yet! I do hope for a good snowfall ... but preferably one that doesn't interfere with running in any way 😂🤷‍♀️

I hadn't spotted the date clash/overlap with LWR, but it's hard to pick a weekend that won't overlap with something. As you say, sometimes it works well 🥰

What a shame about the Severn Bridge 10k; your race reports have been glowing every year. I guess there will be a lot of disappointed people. Not that you're going to have much time to dwell on that given your packed race schedule. I can hear your medal hanger groaning ... 😍

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

So disappointed about Severn Bridge too, as on Saturday we were planning to join cheekychipmunks this year . However, I’m so pleased we got to experience it when we did. I doubt if we’ll ever get to run on a closed major road again.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Best laid plans ... that's a real shame 😟

[Sax64]

Wonderful. I've still got last year's medal hanging on the fridge! Can't wait 🏃‍♀️🏅

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Sax64]

How is your training going Sax64? I am not sure whether I have dealt with my injury. There may be further episodes to go! I have made a new discovery. My physio told me to use a hot water bottle on my achilles/calves as well as my knees; it makes it much easier to deal with post race tightness; always learning.🙂

[Sax64 in reply to Beachcomber66]

I'm a fan of a hot water bottle too, glad it's helping. I'm getting back into my running routine now with 4 - 5 runs per week if nothing else gets in the way. I try to mix it up with intervals / pace/ distance. I'm still not sure about training for 10 miles, it's a big commitment to the amount of running. Also I'm dealing with my own issues with one foot. I had a podiatry appointment before Christmas and she believes I have a plantar plate tear and although I haven't been stopped from running yet, I feel it is a threat hanging over me as there is no improvement yet. So I'm just hoping I'm allowed to continue running, fingers crossed.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Sax64]

Definitely 🤞🤞. I have run 3x per week throughout; 5 would be way too much for me. 10 miles is just a nice distance… but physio is in charge.🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sax64]

4 - 5 runs a week is great going. I have never been able to manage that, and still get injured 🙈 I do know the feeling of an injury hanging over you though, and it's no fun, it's pretty stressful! Hopefully the podiatrist can help you heal the problem without impacting your run schedule.

If the schedule for 10 miles looks overwhelming, maybe you could change to less runs each week. but gradually increase the distance of one of those runs to get you to 10 miles. It's really not that much further than 10k (on paper at least 😍).

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Beachcomber66]

Mmm, I wonder if returning to bed with the electric blanket on will work as well? 🤔

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Worthy of research; particularly on cold uninviting mornings.👍

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Beachcomber66]

🤣

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

😍😍😍

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sax64]

Fabulous. We'd love to see you on the start lines. I need to see if we can get medals again this year 😊

[RunWillie Marathon]

Hi linda9389 & other VRB's,

It's still very hot here so I'm not running many miles at the moment. I'll start my marathon plan as soon as I can so I will certainly run those events. Will let you know distances nearer the time depending on where I'm up to on my plan. Thanks for organising.

Happy week everyone! 😍

Saw Dolphins this morning on our early 5k 🐬

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Seeing Dolphins is an annual treat when we sail over to the Isles of Scilly. They often appear to greet us and say goodbye on both legs of the journey.

I too am reserving judgement on how far I will run in both events this year. I need to get some steady long runs into my legs.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

What a wonderful bonus!

I agree, it's hard to imagine how we'll feel come spring (though my plan tells me how I ought to feel!!!)

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

OK. So since I fell for the whale photo, I have to ask if the dolphins were real 😍

It's hard to imagine heat stopping play right now (though weather stopping play is an easy concept to get my head around), but it's always lovely to see your blue sea and sky photos.

You can pick your distances right up to the last minute, so no worries there. It will be great to have you on board.

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Dolphins are very real. Check out my strava to see them in action. Heat almost stopped running yesterday. I did just under 10k & had to run/walk it due to feeling really sick. Looking forward to getting back to longer runs. 😍

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Ohh, lovely, an amazing sight.Hope you're feeling better again now; that sounds most unpleasant RW 😟

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to linda9389]

All good. I had a gel & water with me, & that seemed to sort me out. It is always the humidity that I find hard. Thankfully, it's not an all Summer thing where we live.

[Joster Half Marathon]

Hi Linda! Thanks for the update - please count me in for both interim and main events. I will have a think in the meantime if I'll stick with 10km or push out to 10 miles, soooo good to have events on the horizon.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Joster]

Brilliant Joster! Of course, at this point, I'm going to say push for the 10 miles 😍As always, there will be no issue dropping to 10k nearer the time.

[Joster Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

thanks! It’s possibly definitely a possibility!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Joster]

Of course 🙃

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

As it is Linda9389 I already have a 10K race on Sunday 4th May, it's organised by Up and Running events and is taking place in Glasgow's oldest park, Glasgow Green, there are 3 runs to choose, 5K, 10K or a Half Marathon, 10K for me, I could combine that run with your Spring HU 10K if that's OK with you.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

That's more than OK Al! Don't forget to register for a pompom shout out once our May events post goes up. That sounds like a great event.

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I won't forget to register for a pompom once your May events post goes up.

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Hello linda9389 , I’ve just had a great runny week with actually achieving 3 runs! There was an easy run, intervals runs and parkrun, complete with meet up. So I was raring to go this morning for another easy run. It was a lot milder than the weekend too.

My first 10k race is 8 April, so it will be good to get a virtual run in before then. Our Skiing holiday hasn’t been booked yet so it could conflict unless it’s during half term hols which we avoid at all costs. So please put me down for 10k for both dates and I will confirm closer to the time.

Hope you are having a great time in Canada 🇨🇦

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

There you go! Those 3 run weeks were hiding just around the corner after all 🥰 When you don't have an impending event to train for, the weather truly does make a difference doesn't it.

I reckon 8th April will be a great one, and agree that something to focus on before then will be helpful. There will be an 8 day window to run in, so fingers crossed it will work out for you. Hope you find a great week for skiing.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

🙂 Gosh these folks are keen! Might have to dock points for false starts 😂.

Meanwhile , back on my lonesome trail, 5k was my longest run for weeks until today; talk of 10k, 10 miles and beyond seemed a long way away when I thought about my swollen calf/ achilles. On top of my physio sessions, I made a few rehab inspired changes today. It was cold, wet, muddy and slippery on the trails, so I decided that it was time to give my new trail shoes another outing. I slipped in my 2 mm heel caps, and completely re-laced my shoes to make sure that they wouldn’t move about when running. I think that the latter may have been happening. Outcome? 7.02 k run, steady 6:38 pace…..and no discomfort or swelling! Hopefully I have cracked it. I will ice the weak spot anyway, but last time I ran over 6k in these shoes I limped home ….today was miles away from that horrible experience. So 🤞🤞🤞🤞

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

🤞 sounds promising BC!

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks IP. Not relaxing yet, but hopefully steps in the right direction.👍

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

It's flippin' hard to relax when plagued by ever changing injuries ... that much I know!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Haha. Keen is good. We love keen really 😍

That run is wonderful BC. A boost to your morale to help you get through winter and into safer spring territory! It's a constant learning curve isn't it?

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Sometimes the cause of an injury lies in a point of detail (like under or over tight shoe laces), and the answer is often counterintuitive; that’s why we need good sports physios. A methodical, maybe borderline obsessive, approach to problem solving helps too!🤓😂

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Hi linda9389 and all VRBs Only 2 runs last week but both enjoyable, a Tuesday Nighters run at club with friends, nice catch up chat. And although I couldn't go to parkrun due to "Football training drop off" duties a friend had advertised doing a 4 mile post parkrun run back to East Cowes, so I was in time to meet them for that, and enjoyed our run and chat for an hr or so, and over 5 miles achieved! And the traditional photo selfie shot at the actual Spice girls bus (from the movie!) that is parked at Island Harbour!

I'd definitely be interested in the 10k option again for the HU virtual event! 😊

Things settling a bit with Dad 🤞so hopefully I'll get back to more runs and my regular club nights soon🤞

Have a good week everyone and Happy Holidays linda9389 ! Xxx

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Pleased that things are settling a little aliboo. You need those runs🙂

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

He has a check up tomorrow, still up a lot in the night so just covering all bases with tests. He got annoyed with me bossing him a bit earlier! 😬xxx

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

I get mad if people try to boss me about; but I need it sometimes .

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

He was just getting up for shower at 4.20am in order to be ready at 10am, I've sent him back to bed he's not impressed . Going to be a long day! 😴

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

😱 oh my!!!

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

So difficult; you love them, but they drive you crazy……with my late mum it gradually dawned that she had changed and just couldn’t help it.

Runs are our refuge.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Isn't that the truth!

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Mine was my allotment. Bliss 🙏

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

When the patient starts to fight back, you can afford at least a small sigh of relief 😍

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Hes quite an awkward patient!!! 🤣🤬xxx

[misswobble Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Yes, it’s a positive sign 🙂

[misswobble Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

good news about your dad Pleased to hear it 🙂👍

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

But still not his usual self 🙄 xxx

[misswobble Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

No, I expect not but hopefully he’ll continue to improve 🙂.

it’s a lot on your plate Ali, and sometimes we feel like we’re losing ourselves in everything that’s going on. Getting out to run will be bliss I imagine 🥰

Hang in there shug 🙂👍

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

If you can only manage two runs, that's just how it is. It sounds like you made the very most of them though, well done! Great to hear some positive news about your dad -they're a worry aren't they! You definitely deserve an upturn. It will be great to have you along for the 10k.

[lexi6 10 Miles]

Hello linda9389 would I love to be a part of this event, sadly I'll be winging my way back to New Zealand on that date in April, am I disappointed at not being able to do it? not a chance! as I'm going to be running a 10k at Monsal Trail this year. So excited. 🎉

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to lexi6]

You have no idea how excited I am for MT lexi6 ! 🤸🤸🤸🤸🤸🤸🤸🤸

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Here here!

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

And me 🙋‍♀️

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to lexi6]

Beware of low flying chipmunks!!

[lexi6 10 Miles in reply to Beachcomber66]

😂😂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to lexi6]

Ahh, that's a shame ... but with an 8 day window, maybe it will encourage you to get out and run once you are back home?

Monsal Trail is a great event, and I'm sure 2025 is going to be a vintage year 😍😍😍

[lexi6 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

That's a plan Linda, I'll need to run off all the treats (mostly chocolate) I'm going to be re-acquainting myself with 😆

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to lexi6]

Ohhh, now that's a plan right there 😍

[misswobble Marathon]

I can’t remember which distance I did last year but I’ll deffo take part 🙂

I’ve got a big race in early March 😬, two local 10ks in May and a marathon in November. So far ….. 🙂

I ran in the rain yesterday, and although there was plenty of mud, the ice had finally gone! Oh happy day 😀🏃‍♀️🤗.

Have a great week y’all 💪😀🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

You ran 10k in 1:04:47 🙂

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thank you 🙂👍

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to misswobble]

You have a busy spring coming up Miss W! Always great to see the back of ice, whatever replaces it! Have a great week too 🥰

[misswobble Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank you 🙂

I had to walk into town yesterday morning and the main path was dead slippery, and everyone was walking in the rough on the sides 🙄 I was running immediately as I got back so was expecting the worst but it was ok thank goodness. Plenty of mud though 🙂🏃‍♀️

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

I’ll definitely sign up Linda but not it sure what distance yet. Like cheekychipmunks I have the London Winter Run on the 23rd February so that will be special to run virtually, and in real life, with some VRBs 🥰

Although I’m on week 3 of a HM plan I have no race booked yet. I have a 10 miler in early March which I’m aiming for, but afterwards, no idea. So a HU event is perfect timing for me. Another HM or a MM? 🤔 let’s see how the niggle barometer is after March 🤞

Hopefully snow didn’t prevent your runs and you were able to get out ☃️

Have a good week everyone x

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

I'm sure LWR will be very special. I do hope your niggle barometer has nothing to report in spring, and you can let other, more positive, factors influence your choices.No snow this week yet (forecast tomorrow), but I have caught a horrible lurgy from my father. Yesterday's run was most definitely 'on empty'. The amount of coughing between us, there is very little sleep going on here just now! Hey ho. It too will pass 😍😍😍

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I’ve just received nine identical of your replies in my inbox! Must be a glitch somewhere.

Boo to the lurgy. Coughing is the worst as it usually gets worse at night as soon as you lie down. Hope you both recover soon. Maybe time for a hot toddy?

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Oh, interesting! I've experienced tjat before too, although I only got the one email just now. Gremlins in the ether again!!!We're almost out of rum now my father had had so many hot toddies after the last week 😍

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Just one from you this time 😊

I’m still on DRY January and must admit that I miss my glass in the evenings 🍷 Roll on 1st February 🥳

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

It's a coming ... 🍷

[Week7 Half Marathon]

Hi linda9389 . Thanks in advance to you all for getting this organised again!

I am currently doing a HM plan alongside my RED January so the timing is perfect. 10 miles in February will fit nicely with my Garmin HM plan currently scheduled to complete at the end of March!

Now I wonder is the metric HM feasible by 27th April ? 🤔

I have not signed up for any races this year . I, like many others , was hoping for the Severn Bridge 10k to move from the footpath back to the closed motorway only to be disappointed. So, with HU events lined up for the spring I shall start looking around for an Autumn event to replace it ... 👀 🏅 🏃‍♀️

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Week7]

What a great start to the year W7; RED Jan and a HM plan too. The push to MM isn't massive- if you want to do it I'm absolutely you can, especially there is absolutely no need to worry about pace. Certainly worth considering 😊 Happy hunting for an autumn event.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

I sneaked in another 5k in my trail shoes this evening…..calf/achilles seem fine….hopefully job done!🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Brilliant!!!

[RiceAndPeas Marathon]

Hello in Canada Linda! I am so sorry I missed this message until now. I'd love to take part but not sure what distance as I have a cricket fixture in the afternoon. I think 10k most likely. This sounds like fun! 😃

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

Wonderful. I'll do a proper sign up soon, and there will be no problem changing distances nearer the time. A cricket fixture? Mmm, that conjures up images of better weather!

[RiceAndPeas Marathon]

I'm hoping the weather will be much improved. Many early season fixtures get cancelled due to torrential rain and flooded pitches but we live in hopes! 🤞😃

[TailChaser Marathon]

After my embarrassing Christmas flop for the last challenge and my complete inability to interact on here so far this year, I should really turn this down but…I’ve got races on both the 23rd Feb and 27th April, so I’ll definitely be running qualifying distances on those days!

Like Cheeky, I’ll be doing the London Winter 10k so please put me down for the 10k, and on the 27th April I’ll be over achieving hopefully, at the Manchester Marathon with double bling as I’m doing Virtual London at the same time.

I really should go over to your Feb races page and let you know about them…

And I promise I will interact more from now on. Apologies for all the radio silence recently 🙏

Thanks all 🤗🤗🤗

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Sounds like you should easily be up for both this time TC! Great races to have in the books and some very effective bling gathering 😍 We can forgive bursts of radio silence TC, no apology needed - life gets away on all of us at times - but we'd be sorry to lose you 😘

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I’m not going anywhere Linda, just living up to my HU name as usual 😁

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

😅