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

Ding Dong - Races 6 and 7

Kathy completed the 6th of her 70 races in her 70th year at Telford Town parkrun on Saturday 12th October 2013. Below is her account of race 7, the Bells of Pattingham a seven mile multi-terrain event that was held on 13th October in South Staffordshire.

 Kathy with Other Wrekin Road Runners before the Bells of Pattingham Race

On Sunday 13th October, I had double porridge and honey,owing to the fact that this was going to be a hard slog.With so many runners that would have gone before me and with the weather been so wet I bound PVC tape around my
trainers. Once the gun went off I thought, well here we go, I have started and will finish. Because of the conditions, I
would allow myself 2 hours. I always find the first 3/4 mile hard going,when suddenly I heard this heavy breathing coming up behind me, this man informed me that he was getting on at 60 and was a very slow runner, could he run with me? After 1.5 miles, we met the front runners coming back home [at least you get to see the winners] When we reached the hilly part, he said he would have to walk up and could I wait for him at the top as he does not like running on his own, the problem with this is it spoils my running pattern and so it went on and on, making my way through the muddy fields and lovely puddles. Halfway round he asked where were we and will we make to the end, imagine what I said to him!!!! 

At 5 1/2  miles the backup man came on his bike,and said "has he talked me to death?" The marshalls were brilliant and of good cheer to which I thank them all for waiting for me. When I got over the line I thought if I have not got under 2 hours I'll thump him. This is my 7th race and it was 7 miles [I have a thing about numbers] I tried not to get too excited about the cake. Well done to everyone who finished the race, I did think it was a hard slog. My time was 1:49 so I let him off..

Kathy after the race with fellow Wrekin Road Runner Kim Bennett

.

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 

http://www.justgiving.com/70atSeventy4MacMillan

Oh I Do Like to Run Beside the Seaside

It's only week two of Kathy Lings 70 at Seventy Challenge and she has already completed five events. She makes me feel exhausted I have no idea where all her energy comes from maybe the secret in the bubbly, at this rate she will complete the challenge by Easter. If you feel inspired by Kathy's journey please share this blog and tell your friends about her, she has already received the first donation to her Just Giving page and has been, please if can spare a few pence or pounds sponsor Kathy as she continues to complete another 65 events and help her raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support.

I forgot to mention the wonderful banner made for Kathy by Wrekin Road Runner Linda Edmondson. Linda presented Kathy with the Banner made by sewing race medal ribbons onto a white piece of material on her birthday in Chester. I have a feeling that this banner is going to be seen at many of Kathy's 70 events it makes it first appearances in a couple of the photographs from Bournemouth below. So here is an account of Kathy's latest adventure.

 
John and I went down to Bournemouth by National Express coach as it is very cheap with our bus cards, when we arrived it was already warming  up even with the clouds. Our hotel was on the sea front, our daughter and son-in-law had treated us to three nights in a hotel for both our 70th birthdays.

On Saturday  5th October we made our way to the Bournemouth town park for the 5k parkrun.
This was a bit of a shock as we started the run in the middle of a very lumpy field, it was very uneven with its lumps and bumps, we then went through an uneven forest, not forgetting the hills only to find out we had to do it again. I did not want this sort of running as I was hoping to keep my little legs for later then I thought  I am here so get on with it, we are spoilt at Telford.

 Start of Bournemouth parkrun

Kathy on the parkrun with I think Jo

Afterwards John and I made our way back to the hotel and got organised for the next event which was the 10k. At 4pm the weather was beginning to get a bit warmer and there was great excitement while waiting for the start. We ran along the sea front to Boscombe  pier then back, still on the sea front then on to Bournemouth pier. There was no shelter from the sun and no breeze, the crowd were great making the atmosphere brilliant, I finished feeling quite happy.

Kathy and David with her banner (who is David? she didn't mention him)

A nice picture of the pier in Bournemouth

A fantastic picture of Kathy on the 10K run

Back to the hotel to rest a little and get changed again ready for 5k at 7pm, this we did again along the sea shore, although it was getting dark, it was lovely watching the golden sun setting , we were all given light up arm bands.On our return we could hear the cheering from the crowd, it made me feel on a real high, I was not last either. We were given excellent goodie bags for both races, lovely T Shirts and medals like manhole covers. 

Kathy about to finish the 5K race

Kathy draped in her banner after three races in one day

When I got over the finishing line I was asked to go back and give a interview about what our club was like, I said simply the best, we then went back to the hotel which was only 5 minutes walk, got changed and had a go at Bournemouth night life. 

Sunday started off with bright blue skies and the temperature was already 24, after breakfast we strolled down to the finish and watched the winner of the 1/2 marathon come in, a local lad won it. At 10 am the marathon started, it was hard work for them because the weather was again 28 and no breeze. We cheered and clapped and shouted for marathon runners, I was waiting for my friend Jo to come in. It made a change to be cheering on the runners.

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

http://www.justgiving.com/70atSeventy4MacMillan

The Challenge Has Started - 2 Down 68 To Go

I felt extremely honoured when Kathy Ling asked me if I could help her put together a blog and fundraising page for her to record details of her latest challenge. On September 26th Kathy celebrated her 70th birthday and went on a weekend break to Switzerland with her husband John, this was however no ordinary mini-break as Kathy ran in a 5K and a 10K road race whilst there, these races were events 1 and 2 of the 70 organised, timed running events that she plans to complete in the year of her being 70. 

Kathy is an amazing inspirational woman who was one of the first people to welcome me when I joined Wrekin Road Runners in 2006. She is a stalwart of Wrekin Road Runners and I would hazard a guess and suggest that she has probably represented the club in more races than any other member. Her schedule would make people more than half her age feel tired. If you want to know more about Kathy's amazing story so far read her profile on the Wrekin Road Runners website

Throughout the year of her 70@Seventy challenge Kathy will be fundraising for MacMillan Cancer Support I have set up a just giving page for her and ask you donate whatever you can afford to this great charity, every penny raised makes a real difference, please tell your friends about this incredible challenge and share the links to the blog and just giving page. 

After each event Kathy will be sending me reports and pictures that will make up her blog, please check back regularly to find out where she has been and what she has been doing. There is bound to be plenty of humour and dare I say champagne too hic hic.

Good luck Kathy

Stralugano [Switzerland] 5k &10k 28th/29th September 2013

John and I flew to Zurick, then changed to a small turbo prop plane flying through and over the top of the Swiss Alps through clouds, making it bit exciting and scary, landing at a little airport with a short runway, I had my feet nearly through the floor.

Our hotel was a new one and sound proof with all the latest gadgets,after we booked in we were asked to pay a tourist tax of 20 swiss francs.

Saturday was a lovely warm sunshine day,we made our way down to the old city where I found the booking hall, picked up my number and loads of goodies including a  waistcoat and a bag. There were lots of different food to try out in the next building. To register for the 5k which was to take part in the evening, I filled the form in, gave it to the young girl and on  reading it she gave me a strange look and asked was  the birth date right? I said yes and then she said "Will you be alright doing the 5k?"  I said well I'll have a go, I collected my T Shirt and goodies and went away muttering to myself.

Kathy with the Event Mascot

Saturday night the weather became very humid. At 8.15 we did some Zumba and at 8.30pm the 5k started in the big square leaving John to have light refreshments.  Everyone seemed to pass me at great speed but when I reached 3/4 of a mile they were walking. I just kept to my speed and passed them when all of a sudden this American women came up to me and asked if she could run with me,she said to her friend  "We'll catch this little old lady up in case she needs any company." I said I don't mind thinking she'll be gone as they do, but no she stuck to me like bluetack giving me the third degree asking how old I was,am I married, had I got any children etc etc. I tried speeding up to get rid of her but no such luck. Anyway I finished the 5k with a PB,  she was still shouting  and ranting  when just before the finish John gave me the club's flag and a great cheer went up.  Once over the line I was asked to wait because I had won a prize.  After about 45 minutes I was called to go up on the stage, well with my little legs there was no chance, even the very young ones were having to be helped. Once on the stage I was presented with a cup and asked questions in different languages so I then made use of my american friend. 

 Kathy and her American Friend Finishing the 5K

Kathy on Stage being presented with her prize

Time was getting late and I needed something to eat and drink and to prepare myself for the 10k next day. Next morning it was heavy rain and dustbin bags were the order of the day. At 10am the 30k races started and 10.45am the 10k started, the rain was easing off and the sun was trying to come out. Because I had pushed myself the night before I was wandering how I would be but once the gun went off I was quite happy to get going. It was  two laps along the Lugano lake and round the lovely old back streets,  in spite of the dull weather it was well supported and at the finish there was a great atmosphere.  Towards the end the Kenyans  came past me as if they were out for a jog.  The man on the mike shouted "Come on Kathy from the Wreckers in England", John gave me the club's flag and I was very pleased with my time of 1h.14m but then there was complete chaos.  I was grabbed by four reporters asking me many questions, I didn't know what they were on about as there were so many different languages, luckily Nadia the race director came to my rescue and was asking how I felt,how old I was, why are you doing it etc. and now what am I  going to do?  I said I am off to get some champagne!  We were given a lovely bright yellow towel and refreshments which were very nice, after a hour we made our way back to the hotel and my results were sent to my mobile.
Nadia said I am officially a Swiss oddball as there was no females over 55 years and would I go back next year?  

 Well into the 2nd Lap of the 10K

Post race refreshments

To me it was a brilliant experience to start my 70 races, 2 down and 68 to go
Times 5k 34 minutes 10 k 1:14

Kathy Ling

Event 1      StraLugano 5K     28/09/2013

Event 2      StraLugano 10K   29/09/2013

http://www.justgiving.com/70atSeventy4MacMillan