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