Kathy's Christmas Crackers

With a race either side of Christmas day Kathy has now completed 30 events in her 70@70 challenge. Please support Kathy in her quest by donating to MacMillan Cancer Support via her JustGiving page

The Moreton Christmas Eve Escapade - 24th December

The Moerton Escapade was held on Christmas Eve. There were 3 courses - 3k,7k,or a 11k, I chose the 7k. As we approached Moreton village, the weather was looking good for our challenge, I strapped my trainers on just in case then as we approached the start we were still waiting for the map but he w0ould not give them out as he said they were top secret. Off we went and before I had gone one mile I got lost, people kept disappearing through hedges however two very nice young ladies came back and rescued me. Lorraine and Lesley from Market Drayton running club came and  found me not once but trice, I am very grateful and appreciated it very much. Now I think the race should have been called the 14 stiles as I seemed to be spending most of my time up and down over the stiles, plus the very very slimy mud as we slid all over the place. The two young ladies did a good job reading the map, we went  across freshly ploughed fields, deep ditches, through farm yard with the usual farm smell. The fields were definitely well flooded but under some water was mud and more mud, after we ran through deep water then next thing back to  muddy bath, but with the blue sky and sunshine it was a lovely morning. Although we came out at a different field back into the village of Moreton it was to a nice welcome and some lovely soup, mince pies etc. Looking forward to next years race and I was glad I had strapped my trainers on.
time 1h.39m

 Kathy finishing The Moreton Escapade

 Kathy with her banner and Loraine and Lesley

 

Essar Chester Round the Walls Race = 26th December

(renamed the Roodee race course Chester 3 and 3/4 miles)
We realised when we got things ready for the race, that round the walls of Chester was looking doubtful, owing to the heavy frost everywhere the roads were quite dangerous and when we parked we found it very hard to walk to the racecourse, as the time approached 11am we knew we would be running around the horse course, even the field  was quite water logged with ice. We all said well we are here lets have a go whist trying to listen to the man on the tannoy about where to go- it was a very muddy course. We ran all the way round the racetrack a couple of times which although it was quite hard on the legs it was not as hard as Christmas Eve's race my legs were letting me know however once I started I like to do my best and finished. We had a great cheer from good supporters.
It was a nice medal, there were mince pies and not forgetting the mulled wine.
I always love this race and would do it again. Time approx. 50 minutes.

 Kathy with Neil and Linda

Kathy with some Roman Centurions

Event 1      StraLugano 5K     28/09/2013

Event 2      StraLugano 10K   29/09/2013

Event 3      Bournemouth parkrun   39.48    05/10/2013

Event 4      Supersonic 10k (Bournemouth)   1:22:00    05/10/2013
Event 5      Speed of light 5k  (Bournemouth)    0:46:15   05/10/2013
Event 6      Telford parkrun  38:45 12/10/2013
Event 7      The Bells of Pattingham, Seven Miles 1:49:00 13/10/2013 
Event 8      Shrewsbury parkrun 38:40 19/10/2013
Event 9      Birmingham Half Marathon  3:20:37  20/10/2013
Event 10    Bupa Great South Run (Portsmouth) 2:38:18
Event 11    Telford Town parkrun 45:36 9/11/13
Event 12   Shrewsbury parkrun 37:08  02/11/2013
Event 13   Cannock Rotary 10K  1:24:01  03/11/2013
Event 14    Mad Jack Five Mile Attingham)  1:22:00 9/11/13
Event 15    Kingsbury Water Park 10k  1:29:00 ish 10/11/13
Event 16    Telford Town parkrun 0:42:48 16/11/2013
Event 17    Coventry War Memorial Park 10K 1:17:00 17/11/2013
Event 18    Telford Town parkrun 48:37 23/11/2013
Event 19    City of Salford Womens 5.5 mile race 1:06:54 24/11/2013
Event 20    Telford Town parkrun 34:54 30/11/13
Event 21    Cheddleton Pudding Race 1:23:00 30/11/13
Event 22    Turkey Trot (Aldersley) 1:06:31 1/12/13
Event 23    Telford Town parkrun  49:40 7/12/13
Event 24    Telford Santa Run 42:29 8/12/13
Event 25    Telford Town parkrun 37:36 14/12/13
Event 26    Telford 10K  1:20:00 15/12/13
Event 27    Telford Town parkrun 40:06  21/12/3
Event 28    Rudolph Red Nose 5 Mile, Blackpool  22/12/13  1:08:00
Event 29    Moreton Escapade  24/12/13   1:39:00
Event 30    Essar Chester Round the Walls Race 26/12/13  50:00

Old Friends at Blackpool

There has been no let up for Kathy in the run up to Christmas, last weekend saw her at the Telford parkrun again and then for her 28th event in Blackpool on Sunday. Kathy told me how lucky she feels to be able to keep doing these events. I think that anyone who has met Kathy is even luckier, she is a real unsung hero and is my inspiration. If Kathy inspires you too please support her as she undertakes this incredible challenge by making a donation to her chosen charity MacMillan Cancer Support, you can do so online via her justgiving page.

Telford town parkrun 21st December 2013
A lovely morning and I had a good run round the course dressed up as Father Christmas.
my time was time 40.06

Rudolph Red Nose 5 Mile, Blackpool 22nd December 2013

We set off early to the seaside and when we approached Blackpool the weather was looking good, although it was very strong wind the blue sky and sun made up for it. The head quarters was in the Blackpool fire station which we managed to have a quick look around, very interesting.   

Kathy at Blacpool Fire Station before the race

 

The start was a good 20 minutes  from the centre, 153 of us gathered on the car park and the race director gave us a pep talk about trying our best not to get lost. This race took us out of Blackpool through  a lovely park, it had everything- mud, puddles and hills. On returning back to Blackpool it was a lovely feeling approaching the tower. Marshalls kept asking if I was the last one, no I wasn't but there was no sweeper.

Kathy during the Rudolph Red Nose Five Mile Race

 

Once over the finishing line we were given a goodie bag containing one can of beer one small bottle of wine not forgetting a large block of white chocolate and a crushed mince pie. I loved it and would like to do it again, it was very pleasing that there was three of us in the 70s females also one in the 75 category.  While I was enjoying a cup of tea I met Paul Muller who was second claim for Wrekin R R and has won more titles than I have had cups of tea, at the age of 55 years he still comes in at 7th place. His time was 30:30.
 

 

Kathy with Paul Muller after the Race in Blacpool

 

Later I managed to visit my housebound friend who was thrilled to see me (we were both in the women judo squad) I realised how very very lucky I am, after we went to the sea front and had some  fish & chips  yummy yummy.
My time was 68 minutes.

Event 1      StraLugano 5K     28/09/2013

Event 2      StraLugano 10K   29/09/2013

Event 3      Bournemouth parkrun   39.48    05/10/2013

Event 4      Supersonic 10k (Bournemouth)   1:22:00    05/10/2013
Event 5      Speed of light 5k  (Bournemouth)    0:46:15   05/10/2013
Event 6      Telford parkrun  38:45 12/10/2013
Event 7      The Bells of Pattingham, Seven Miles 1:49:00 13/10/2013 
Event 8      Shrewsbury parkrun 38:40 19/10/2013
Event 9      Birmingham Half Marathon  3:20:37  20/10/2013
Event 10    Bupa Great South Run (Portsmouth) 2:38:18
Event 11    Telford Town parkrun 45:36 9/11/13
Event 12   Shrewsbury parkrun 37:08  02/11/2013
Event 13   Cannock Rotary 10K  1:24:01  03/11/2013
Event 14    Mad Jack Five Mile Attingham)  1:22:00 9/11/13
Event 15    Kingsbury Water Park 10k  1:29:00 ish 10/11/13
Event 16    Telford Town parkrun 0:42:48 16/11/2013
Event 17    Coventry War Memorial Park 10K 1:17:00 17/11/2013
Event 18    Telford Town parkrun 48:37 23/11/2013
Event 19    City of Salford Womens 5.5 mile race 1:06:54 24/11/2013
Event 20    Telford Town parkrun 34:54 30/11/13
Event 21    Cheddleton Pudding Race 1:23:00 30/11/13
Event 22    Turkey Trot (Aldersley) 1:06:31 1/12/13
Event 23    Telford Town parkrun  49:40 7/12/13
Event 24    Telford Santa Run 42:29 8/12/13
Event 25    Telford Town parkrun 37:36 14/12/13
Event 26    Telford 10K  1:20:00 15/12/13
Event 27    Telford Town parkrun 40:06  21/12/3
Event 28    Rudolph Red Nose 5 Mile, Blackpool  22/12/13  1:08:00

Two Weekends - Four Races - One Town Park

Two weeks to report on this time and another 4 races. Kathy has now completed 26 events and run 125 miles since her birthday at the end of September. If you are feeling charitable this Christmas please consider supporting Kathy as she raises money for MacMillan, you can donate at her just giving page

Telford Town parkrun 7th December

A lovely sunny morning . I kept my eye on Dave Dixon just to make sure he completed the 5k correctly.
My time was 49.40

Telford Santa Run 8th December 2013

The weather was sunny and quite warm. Jan and I dressed in our Father Christmas outfits including bells etc. by the time we had finished the race we were very hot in our suits  but it was great fun with mince pies and mulled wine.
my time was time 42.29

Telford town parkrun December 14th

There was a cold wind while we were waiting to start the park run. My friend Dave did not turn up so I may have put him off.
Time 37.36


Telford 10k race  [the big one]  December 15 

We seemed to be lucky with the weather. As I set out a young lady came to me asking if she could run with me, of course you can was the answer so off we went and we seemed to be ok up to 4 miles then she began to struggle. I did leave her for a while but  I just could not leave her too long because I wanted her to finish the race. When I got to the last half mile I left her as I knew she would finish. I personally really enjoyed the race specially when were running up to the return point as there were so many Wrekin Road Runners calling my name and encouraging me on and on the way back and at the finish the support was fantastic. A big thank you to all the Wrekin Road Runners and I am really pleased with my PB. I am now finishing off my last drop of champagne. I forgot the most important thing, my John rescued me once again as I had a puncture and John saved the day, many thanks to him. My time was 1:20:00

To see Kathy and other Wrekin Road Runners taking part in the Telford 10K you can see a video here

Event 1      StraLugano 5K     28/09/2013

Event 2      StraLugano 10K   29/09/2013

Event 3      Bournemouth parkrun   39.48    05/10/2013

Event 4      Supersonic 10k (Bournemouth)   1:22:00    05/10/2013
Event 5      Speed of light 5k  (Bournemouth)    0:46:15   05/10/2013
Event 6      Telford parkrun  38:45 12/10/2013
Event 7      The Bells of Pattingham, Seven Miles 1:49:00 13/10/2013 
Event 8      Shrewsbury parkrun 38:40 19/10/2013
Event 9      Birmingham Half Marathon  3:20:37  20/10/2013
Event 10    Bupa Great South Run (Portsmouth) 2:38:18
Event 11    Telford Town parkrun 45:36 9/11/13
Event 12   Shrewsbury parkrun 37:08  02/11/2013
Event 13   Cannock Rotary 10K  1:24:01  03/11/2013
Event 14    Mad Jack Five Mile Attingham)  1:22:00 9/11/13
Event 15    Kingsbury Water Park 10k  1:29:00 ish 10/11/13
Event 16    Telford Town parkrun 0:42:48 16/11/2013
Event 17    Coventry War Memorial Park 10K 1:17:00 17/11/2013
Event 18    Telford Town parkrun 48:37 23/11/2013
Event 19    City of Salford Womens 5.5 mile race 1:06:54 24/11/2013
Event 20    Telford Town parkrun 34:54 30/11/13
Event 21    Cheddleton Pudding Race 1:23:00 30/11/13
Event 22    Turkey Trot (Aldersley) 1:06:31 1/12/13
Event 23    Telford Town parkrun  49:40 7/12/13
Event 24    Telford Santa Run 42:29 8/12/13
Event 25    Telford Town parkrun 37:36 14/12/13
Event 26    Telford 10K  1:20:00 15/12/13

Running for Christmas Lunch

This week Kathy ran three events and in doing so won a Christmas Pudding, a Turkey fillet and a bottle of wine. There are easier ways to get your Christmas Lunch Kathy.

If you are enjoying following Kathy's adventures please share the link to this blog with your friends and also remember Kathy is doing these 70 events to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support. You can sponsor her via her just giving page or giving her a donation if you see her at any of her events. As her banner says 'Go Kathy Go'

Telford Town parkrun Saturday 30th November

I did the town parkrun 5k with Janet Pugh, it was a lovely morning. I did not see my man friend so I don't know whether I have frightened him off, so we went for it and got new PBs, our time was 34.54.

Cheddleton Christmas Pudding Race Saturday 30^th November

After Janet and I finished the town parkrun, we went home and picked our bags up ready for Cheddleton Pudding Race. The weather was great as we arrived at 1pm ready for a 2pm start. We enjoyed a scone and a cup of tea before we made our way to the start along with the other 342 entrants. 

Jan and Kathy before the start of the Cheddleton Puding Race

This race has three laps and includes a very steep hill, the sun was shining and when you reached the top the view was awesome. The weather remain good throughout and we were treated to a brilliant red sky towards the end of the afternoon. Janet had a very good run and we were both very pleased with our times. Every participant received a lovely big Christmas pudding. All the money raised through this event is given to cancer research, it has been running for thirty years, I love it in spite of the nasty hill. We then headed back to Shropshire so we could get ready for the Wrekin Road Runner Christmas bash.

Janet Pugh 1h.23m  Kathy Ling  1h.24m

Kathy and Jan with their Christmas Puddings

Turkey Trot   5 mile- Sunday 1st December

Once again I picked Janet up this time to travel to Aldersley for the Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletic Club's Turkey Trot  5 mile race. In keeping with the Christmas theme of the event we decided to dress in our Father Christmas outfits.

Kathy and Jan Prior to the Tukey trott

With 200 entrants the atmosphere at the Aldersley Leisure Centre where the race started was great. We ran round the main street and got good support from passers by, and good banter from the marshals like 'hi Kath keep going and you could make it back for Christmas'. 

Taking part in their third race of the weekend

Because the weather was good by the time we reached two miles we were boiling hot in our Santa suits. We were very well looked after by two men on motorbikes. The atmosphere was lovely when we arrived back in at the leisure Centre.

Celebrating as they near the finish line

I was very pleased with my time which was another PB. Fellow Wrekin Road Runner Paul Williams won the male over 60 category and Janine Felton had a brilliant run, well done both. Then I had a surprise by winning a nice bottle of wine for the over 65 category. Well done to Janet on completing her third race in two days.

Janet, Janine and Kathy after the finish

A big thank you to my back up team, Janet who ran all three races with me and John for changing my numbers etc.

Paul Williams              33.13

Janine Felton              54.48

Janet Pugh                 1:06:31  pb

Kathy Ling                  1:06:31  pb

Kathy showing how many events she has completed so far

Event 1      StraLugano 5K     28/09/2013

Event 2      StraLugano 10K   29/09/2013

Event 3      Bournemouth parkrun   39.48    05/10/2013

Event 4      Supersonic 10k (Bournemouth)   1:22:00    05/10/2013
Event 5      Speed of light 5k  (Bournemouth)    0:46:15   05/10/2013
Event 6      Telford parkrun  38:45 12/10/2013
Event 7      The Bells of Pattingham, Seven Miles 1:49:00 13/10/2013 

Event 8      Shresbury parkrun 38:40 19/10/2013
Event 9      Birmingham Half Marathon  3:20:37  20/10/2013
Event 10    Bupa Great South Run (Portsmouth) 2:38:18
Event 11    Telford Town parkrun 45:36 9/11/13
Event 12   Shrewsbury parkrun 37:08  02/11/2013
Event 13   Cannock Rotary 10K  1:24:01  03/11/2013
Event 14    Mad Jack Five Mile Attingham)  1:22:00 9/11/13
Event 15    Kingsbury Water Park 10k  1:29:00 ish 10/11/13
Event 16    Telford Town parkrun 0:42:48 16/11/2013
Event 17    Coventry War Memorial Park 10K 1:17:00 17/11/2013
Event 18    Telford Town parkrun 48:37 23/11/2013
Event 19    City of Salford Womens 5.5 mile race 1:06:54 24/11/2013
Event 20    Telford Town parkrun 34:54 30/11/13
Event 21    Cheddleton Pudding Race 1:23:00 30/11/13
Event 22    Turkey Trot (Aldersley) 1:06:31 1/12/13

Not Flagging Yet

I apologise for the title of this weeks post it is the best I could come up. It is a reference to the both the amazing energy Kathy is showing in completing 19 events already and the fact that on 24th she took part in the City of Salford Womens Race in the company of Linda Edmondson who created Kathy's wonderful 70 @ 70 banner. GO KATHY!

Telford Town parkrun 23rd November 2013

A lovely cold frosty morning with a little bit of ice under foot which I enjoyed. The only problem was with my friend Dave who thought he only had one lap to do so as we approached the end of the first lap he was just about to go into the finishing area. I asked him where was he going and he was shocked when I said oh no you don't, you've got to do another lap. It completely knocked him for six and I then  had to nag him all the way round. Although one or two dropped out just in front of us I made it quite clear he was not and this week he was going to complete the 5k,we might see him again hopefully. 

City of Salford Womens 5.5 mile Race, Sunday 24th November

On Saturday John and I stayed the night with Linda and Neil Edmondson who fed and watered us well. Sunday weather was quite good. There was 145 who took part in this ladies only race.
The course was  a nice run around the streets with its lightly graded uphill, atmosphere was good with plenty of encouragement from the public, we had a very good sweeper who will be running in the Telford 10k next month. It was nice to see Gillian Fowles and Fiona Dillon from the Whitchurch Whippets, when I came in my usual place I had such a cheer from everyone, and a big thank you to Linda Edmondson who very patiently ran round with me.  Although it said mementos to all finisher we didn't mind as the money was going to the local childrens hospice. 

Event 1      StraLugano 5K     28/09/2013

Event 2      StraLugano 10K   29/09/2013

Event 3      Bournemouth parkrun   39.48    05/10/2013

Event 4      Supersonic 10k (Bournemouth)   1:22:00    05/10/2013
Event 5      Speed of light 5k  (Bournemouth)    0:46:15   05/10/2013
Event 6      Telford parkrun  38:45 12/10/2013
Event 7      The Bells of Pattingham, Seven Miles 1:49:00 13/10/2013 

Event 8      Shresbury parkrun 38:40 19/10/2013
Event 9      Birmingham Half Marathon  3:20:37  20/10/2013
Event 10    Bupa Great South Run (Portsmouth) 2:38:18
Event 11    Telford Town parkrun 45:36 9/11/13
Event 12   Shrewsbury parkrun 37:08  02/11/2013
Event 13   Cannock Rotary 10K  1:24:01  03/11/2013
Event 14    Mad Jack Five Mile Attingham)  1:22:00 9/11/13
Event 15    Kingsbury Water Park 10k  1:29:00 ish 10/11/13
Event 16    Telford Town parkrun 0:42:48 16/11/2013
Event 17    Coventry War Memorial Park 10K 1:17:00 17/11/2013
Event 18    Telford Town parkrun 48:37 23/11/2013
Event 19    City of Salford Womens 5.5 mile race 1:06:54 24/11/2013

Sent to Coventry

Telford Town Park Saturday 16th November.
Although it was a cool morning I still enjoyed the 5k running with Maria Beers who produced a PB 
My time was 42.48

Kathy att the start of the parkrun, the number 15 on her back recording the number of events she has completed in her 70@70 Challenge

Coventry War Memorial Park 10K 17th  November
As I was enjoying my porridge and honey, listening to 5live on the radio every road and motorway was closed for one reason or another but I was not just going to give up so I rang the AA for any information but they knew less than we did so I  packed a food parcel and away we went. When we reached the M6 at Brownhills the fog had lifted and sun came out. After John had been panicking we reached Coventry in plenty of time to collect my number.


This race was organised by a sport company  MCC and at 10.30 the race director guided us across the common which was a good 3/4 of a mile. John gave up halfway and turned back to go in to the cafe, eventually after a pep talk the race started.

It was 3 laps  and one of the loveliest parks I have ever run in, the autumn colours was awesome. There were a few hills and great support from the public. I really was enjoying myself and towards the end there was lots of support from many fellow runners who waited for the last few to come. I was not last, the only problem was that there was no back up and on the third lap marshalls had disappeared.

I jumped the queue to get my T Shirt and insisted I had a medal because people had entered on the day they ran out of T Shirts and medals but I stood my ground. The official asked if I was entering next year as he was going to look out for my entry and gave me a very stern look.
In spite of that I loved the race and would do it again.

Event 1      StraLugano 5K     28/09/2013

Event 2      StraLugano 10K   29/09/2013

Event 3      Bournemouth parkrun   39.48    05/10/2013

Event 4      Supersonic 10k (Bournemouth)   1:22:00    05/10/2013
Event 5      Speed of light 5k  (Bournemouth)    0:46:15   05/10/2013
Event 6      Telford parkrun  38:45 12/10/2013
Event 7      The Bells of Pattingham, Seven Miles 1:49:00 13/10/2013 

Event 8      Shresbury parkrun 38:40 19/10/2013
Event 9      Birmingham Half Marathon  3:20:37  20/10/2013
Event 10    Bupa Great South Run (Portsmouth) 2:38:18
Event 11    Telford Town parkrun 45:36 9/11/13
Event 12   Shrewsbury parkrun 37:08  02/11/2013
Event 13   Cannock Rotary 10K  1:24:01  03/11/2013
Event 14    Mad Jack Five Mile Attingham)  1:22:00 9/11/13
Event 15    Kingsbury Water Park 10k  1:29:00 ish 10/11/13
Event 16    Telford Town parkrun 0:42:48 16/11/2013
Event 17    Coventry War Memorial Park 10K 1:17:00 17/11/2013

Another Weekend and Three More Events

Telford Town park 9th November

Maria Beers had been coming to theWrekin Road runners beginners group and I had promised her that if she turned up to do the parkrun I would stay with her and nag her across the line and she did it, well done Maria. Our time was 45.36  

Mad Jack 5 miles 9th November

Time was marching on because I was going to do the Mad Jack 5 mile, with my back up team  Janet Pugh who changed my number and John taped my trainers on. Away we went to Attingham on a lovely sunny morning where starting time was 11am. There were 353 entries and after a pep talk the race started, I never heard the start and realising they were off I thought I had better get going. Across the very wet and soggy fields until I reached the big tree on the ground, I had a couple of goes then decided to go round it but managed the other two. 

I loved running around the River Tern, back into the woods with all the lovely autumn colours when I was met by this young man who insisted on running with me and helping me through the pool.  I felt very restricted and I felt I wanted to do my own thing but I was very good and kept my mouth shut.I had a lovely welcome from Wrekin Road Runner members and was pleased with my time of 1:22. I loved it and would do it again, I had  a nice bottle of red for the 0/70.
 

Kingsbury Water Park 10k   10th November

John and I arrived at Kingsbury water park with a lovely blue sky and sunshine. There were about 200 entries. We had two minutes silence and we were off, straight into heavy mud and it was like this all the way round. This race was a two lap and had everything - dogs on long leads, excitable horses, deep water and hills. I had just got to two miles when the winner passed me - at least I knew I was on the right trail. The second time round it was quite heavy going owing to the amount of runners going before me, not to worry I knew I could finish it, now I came across this very grumpy man who insisted on giving me some verbal. I was very tempted to push him into the mud . As usual  the marshalls had gone off so I just kept going to the end. I was pleased with my time as I wanted to do it under 1:30 and managed this with a minute to spare.

There was a  lovely medal, plenty of bananas and chocolate goodies. After the race a very big motorbike  man came over to me and gave me a donation for Macmillan which I thought was very kind of him. I loved it and would do it again. [if only to find that grumpy man and have a go at him]

If Kathy's exploit inspire you please consider making a donation to MacMillan via her just giving page or she is more than happy accept donations in person if you see her at an event somewhere.


Event 1      StraLugano 5K     28/09/2013

Event 2      StraLugano 10K   29/09/2013

Event 3      Bournemouth parkrun   39.48    05/10/2013

Event 4      Supersonic 10k (Bournemouth)   1:22:00    05/10/2013
Event 5      Speed of light 5k  (Bournemouth)    0:46:15   05/10/2013
Event 6      Telford parkrun  38:45 12/10/2013
Event 7      The Bells of Pattingham, Seven Miles 1:49:00 13/10/2013 

Event 8      Shresbury parkrun 38:40 19/10/2013
Event 9      Birmingham Half Marathon  3:20:37  20/10/2013
Event 10    Bupa Great South Run (Portsmouth) 2:38:18
Event 11    Telford Town parkrun 45:36 9/11/13
Event 12   Shrewsbury parkrun 37:08  02/11/2013
Event 13   Cannock Rotary 10K  1:24:01  03/11/2013
Event 14    Mad Jack Five Mile Attingham)  1:22:00 9/11/13
Event 15    Kingsbury Water Park 10k  1:29:00 ish 10/11/13

Kathy's Committment

Shrewsbury parkrun 2nd November 2013

I was at Shrewsbury Quarry on Saturday, the weather was great when the sun came out. I really enjoyed the run and got used to the hills in the quarry. There was a good atmosphere and thanks to Janet Pugh for coming with me. I finished in 37.08    
 
Cannock Rotary 10k  3rd November 2013

 Kathy and Sam Jones at the Cannock Rotary 10K

Although it was a cold morning the sun came out and made me feel good and raring to go.
It's one of those races where you start at a cross roads. As 11am approached Richard  the starter  came along and gathered us all up and as soon it was safe he gets us on the main road. There was no messing about, the horn goes and off we go. The first half mile is downhill and that's it, it's mainly all  hills.  We were to always keep to the left because of the amount of heavy traffic. I had done about half a mile when these three young lads came and overtook me and then suddenly stopped in front of me. The pattern was repeated three times so I got a bit fed up with this and made an extra effort to pass them and keep running, not letting them catch me up, then I caught another three young ladies up who had suddenly realised this is no fun run, so I had to get going to pass the. At last I now could get in to my rhythm, nice and steady,  past another man,he was no problem. When I passed mile 4 a marshal on a bike came up to me and asked if I was OK? I gave him such a look  as to what's going on ??  No it's OK love he said,the three lads had dropped out after the mile and sat down and had a fag, the girls were walking as they had had enough and he was wondering if I was going to finish. No commitment I thought to myself so I just kept going up the hills, I really enjoyed this race as there was very good marshalling with their flags. The heavy traffic never bothers me because of the good marshalling. We had a very nice goodie bag.

Kathy on the road

Event 1      StraLugano 5K     28/09/2013

Event 2      StraLugano 10K   29/09/2013

Event 3      Bournemouth parkrun   39.48    05/10/2013

Event 4      Supersonic 10k (Bournemouth)   1:22:00    05/10/2013
Event 5      Speed of light 5k  (Bournemouth)    0:46:15   05/10/2013
Event 6      Telford parkrun  38:45 12/10/2013
Event 7      The Bells of Pattingham, Seven Miles 1:49:00 13/10/2013 

Event 8      Shrewsbury parkrun 38:40 19/10/2013
Event 9      Birmingham Half Marathon  3:20:37  20/10/2013
Event 10    Bupa Great South Run (Portsmouth) 2:38:18
Event 11   Shrewsbury parkrun 37:08  02/11/2013
Event 12   Cannock Rotary 10K  1:24:01  03/11/2013

The Battle of Portaloo or Great South Run 2013

Over 25,000 took part in the race, we were aware of the stormy weather coming in so the marquee had been taken down, also the  flags even the starting bridge had been lowered. I kept my jacket and dustbin bag on as the wind was so cold and we slower runners had to wait till 11.15 before we could start.  

At last we were off, I and many others had to be very careful owing to the amount of dustbin bags and rubbish flying around and under our feet,for the first 1 mile I found myself being buffeted around by the wind. Other runners were having the same problem after, the first mile runners had spread out a bit, making it easier to get into my rhythm. 

As we approached the docks the wind still met us in the face. when I reached mile 4 I had to do a pit stop and trying to get out of the portaloo was not easy because the lock was stuck I had to do a lot of shoving and pushing. Eventually I managed to escape, now I had to really get going to catch up with the runner I had been with in the first place.

On reaching the first water station the wind was whipping up anything light e.g. empty water bottles and wrappings . At mile 5 the wind was now getting serious I just had to get my head down,  for once my short stumpy body was doing me a favour. It did not matter which corner or street you ran the wind was in your face as we met the faster runners most of them seem to be struggling against the wind. 

After mile 7 and into the 8th the wind had gathered momentum and I and many others just had to walk and run whenever we could  but no way was I giving in. With two steps forward and one back I just hung in there thinking I will finish this race.I have never seen so many casualties and runners just dropping out on the side of the road.

At 200 metres to go I saw John waiting for me with the banner and I was so pleased to see the finishing line,this was one of the hardest races I have ever done even the Kenyans complained. I did not feel so tired after the Birmingham half as I did at this race.

My time was 2:38 and I completed 10 miles for my tenth race.

Kathy finished 10th in her age category and completed the the first 5K in 40:55 and reached the 10K point in 1:28:51. Where will Kathy be next? A but nearer to home we think. Kathy is using this challenge to complete 70 running events in her 70th year to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support. If you would like to sponsor Kathy she is often seen at Telford parkrun where she will gladly accept donations or you can visit and donate online at her justgiving page

Event 1      StraLugano 5K     28/09/2013

Event 2      StraLugano 10K   29/09/2013

Event 3      Bournemouth parkrun   39.48    05/10/2013

Event 4      Supersonic 10k (Bournemouth)   1:22:00    05/10/2013
Event 5      Speed of light 5k  (Bournemouth)    0:46:15   05/10/2013
Event 6      Telford parkrun  38:45 12/10/2013
Event 7      The Bells of Pattingham, Seven Miles 1:49:00 13/10/2013 

Event 8      Shresbury parkrun 38:40 19/10/2013
Event 9      Birmingham Half Marathon  3:20:37  20/10/2013
Event 10    Bupa Great South Run (Portsmouth) 2:38:18

Race 8 Shrewsbury Park 19th October

Because I had an appointment at Shrewsbury for my ear at 10 35, I thought maybe I could get a parkrun at Shrewsbury at 9am. Janet Pugh came with me to do the run , it had a little nasty surprise of two hills to contend with (I still think Telford is the best.) Although it was cloudy it was quite humid however we did a time of 38.40.


Race 9 Birmingham Half Marathon 20th October

After fighting for a seat on the fully packed train, I got to New Street Station and joined the crowd of runners all chatting away with excitement for a nice little walk to the baggage hall, all marked out with numbers. 

The pink zone was the largest and while I was waiting for the warm up I looked down at my trainers and realised I had forgotten my chip so I had to do a hasty retreat back to my bag. One of the marshalls put my chip on for me and I hastily got back to the starting line,excitement was building up and away we went keeping a sharp eye for any dustbin bags etc on the floor.

By this time the sun was coming out and warming up very nicely so I was taking it steadily.
When I reached mile 5  I suddenly felt down with no energy so I got some sweeties down me and was soon on the go, weather was heating up but there were plenty of water stops which I took on board. When I reached mile 10 as you know I'll talk to anyone so while checking on a young lady runner I asked her if she was ok. No she said she was not **** ok. I asked her if she had an injury, no she said she **** hadn't, she was just fed up and didn't want to do anymore. I told her she couldn't just give up and there was only 2 and a bit miles and that I would stay with her and make sure she crossed the line. After a lot of bad language she made it and said thank you in the nicest possible way. In the last 3/4 mile it started to rain but this didn't bother me. It's not a easy course but I enjoyed the run, I had a nice chat to the mayor whoever he was.
Congratulations to all Wrekin road runners who finished the half marathon.

My time was 3:20.
9 down 61 to go.

Event 1      StraLugano 5K     28/09/2013

Event 2      StraLugano 10K   29/09/2013

Event 3      Bournemouth parkrun   39.48    05/10/2013

Event 4      Supersonic 10k (Bournemouth)   1:22:00    05/10/2013
Event 5      Speed of light 5k  (Bournemouth)    0:46:15   05/10/2013
Event 6      Telford parkrun  38:45 12/10/2013
Event 7      The Bells of Pattingham, Seven Miles 1:49:00 13/10/2013 

Event 8      Shresbury parkrun 38:40 19/10/2013
Event 9      Birmingham Half Marathon  3:20:37  20/10/2013