Running Through the Paddy Fields of Shifnal

Here are reports from another two races that Kathy Ling completed over the weekend of 25th and 26th January, she has already completed 42 events in her 70 at 70 challenge. In undertaking this challenge Kathy is raising money for MacMillan Cancer Support, if can spare a few pennies you can donate via her justgiving page or she will happily collect donations at the events she is running in.

Telford parkrun - 25th January 2014

A very enjoyable 5k, the atmosphere is getting a lot better and I was pleased with the time of 37.58

Shifnal Gallop 10k or the Rice Paddy fields 10k

As everyone knew how awful the weather was going to be on Sunday but you've got to have a go. I asked Gareth if I could go earlier so that the marshals didn't have to wait too long in the bad weather so off I went  at 10am. The weather was quite cold but by the time I reached the first mile I had to start stripping off my outer layer. Already the first field was very muddy so I was pleased I went off first, it was definitely a slippy time, then up the road with deep water,across more muddy fields. It was great fun when I reached the road as the marshals were surprised to see me in the front. When I reached mile 3 the leader passed me just as if he was out on a jog  then up the famous gallop back on the road, through quite deep water. Many runners passed me saying well done , I should have got  permission to start earlier [like last night]
 
I love the Gallop and would love to do it again. My time was 1:29m and there were 151 entrants.
PS. I went to sweatshop to get my award  from parkrun, a lovely pair trainers, I was asked to go on the treadmill, the young girl pressed the buttons and all of a sudden it was a 10 minutes a mile pace, it was like something out of a carry on film, then she pressed another button it stopped suddenly and I was left high off the other end, we had a good laugh

but my trainers are lovely.



Event 1      StraLugano 5K     28/09/2013Event 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
Event 31    Wheaton Aston 10K 27/12/13  1:26:00
Event 32    Telford Town parkrun 28/12/13   41:48
Event 33    Coventry Godiva 5 mile 29/12/13  1:08:00 
Event 34    Vernon's Limp Wrist 5 mile  01/01/14  1:15:06
Event 35    Telford parkrun 04/01/14     0:59
Event 36    Shropshire Cross Country Championships  04/01/14  1:01:15
Event 37    MacMillan January Jog  05/01/14 0:42:00
Event 38    Llandudno Twin Piers 10K  11/01/14  1:21:00
Event 39    Telford parkrun 18/01/14  41:21
Event 40    Not the Roman IX  19/01/14  1:46:00
Event 41    Telford parkrun   25/01/14  37:58
Event 42    Shifnal Gallop  26/01/14  1:29:30

TO BE OR NOT TO BE THAT'S THE QUESTION?

Telford Town parkrun 18th January

Kathy completed her 34th parkrun in 40:21


Not the Roman IX (7.5 miles)   19th January 

[TO BE OR NOT TO BE THAT'S THE QUESTION?  Shakespeare's lot]

Before we left Fieryfields John had to change one of my tyres as it was flat  as a pancake making us late starting. Although it was a lovely sunshine morning unfortunately the sun was in my eyes and it took us longer than expected. Once we reached Stratford  and found the venue it still takes time to walk to HQ to pick up my number then by this time it was two minutes off the start. The marshall said you need to get a move on owing to the start line being 800 metres up the bleep hill so off I went trying my best to get there in time. Once I reached the top of the hill nearly all the runners had disappeared off down the road but was chip timed I thought I better keep running.

I had forgotten how hilly it was, it was about two and half miles of very steep hills on the main road but  I took one look and thought get your head down Kathy and get on with it.
Once on top there was a good view then we ran through a lovely village called Loxley with great support from not only marshalls  but villagers made you feel good, although it was held on the main road there was lots of marshalls with huge red flags. Every corner was  covered by marshalls  and everyone of them very cheerful and supportive. Comments were made that they could see me coming with my orange gloves! 

A great reception greeted me when I came in to the finish, one runner came in behind me as the four others dropped out which was a shame.  We had a nice T Shirt and there were 656 entrants  My time was 1:46 

Event 1      StraLugano 5K     28/09/2013Event 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
Event 31    Wheaton Aston 10K 27/12/13  1:26:00
Event 32    Telford Town parkrun 28/12/13   41:48
Event 33    Coventry Godiva 5 mile 29/12/13  1:08:00 
Event 34    Vernon's Limp Wrist 5 mile  01/01/14  1:15:06
Event 35    Telford parkrun 04/01/14     0:59
Event 36    Shropshire Cross Country Championships  04/01/14  1:01:15
Event 37    MacMillan January Jog  05/01/14 0:42:00
Event 38    Llandudno Twin Piers 10K  11/01/14  1:21:00
Event 39    Telford parkrun 18/01/14  41:21
Event 40    Not the Roman IX  19/01/14  1:46:00

Didn't We Have a Lovely Time The Day We Went To 'Llandudno'

Twin Piers  Llandudno 10k - Saturday 11th January

Jan,John and myself went up to Llandudno to take part in the 10k which goes from Llandudno pier to Colwyn Pier.  It was a beautiful blue sky, warm sun and not a cloud in the sky.

After we picked up our numbers we were bussed from Colwyn bay to Llandudno. We could not believe the lovely weather. The usual thing happened in that some runner came up to me and quoted "I'll be behind you Kathy as I have an injury." As it happened he took off leaving me after we reached the end of the prom then on to the main road up the little Orm. When the warm sun hit us it was really hot as we ran along the seafront of Penryhn Beach we could not believe what lovely weather it was. There were plenty of marshals with everybody shouting encouragement  not forgetting the lovely smell of the chip shops.

Once over the line we were given a goodie bag and we were thrilled with our time- faster than last time. Jan had a brilliant run.  We loved it and are hoping to do it again.
(didn't we have a lovely time the day we went to Llandudno - and had good journey home)

Kathy Ling 1.21
Jan Pugh  1.21


Event 1      StraLugano 5K     28/09/2013Event 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
Event 31    Wheaton Aston 10K 27/12/13  1:26:00
Event 32    Telford Town parkrun 28/12/13   41:48
Event 33    Coventry Godiva 5 mile 29/12/13  1:08:00 
Event 34    Vernon's Limp Wrist 5 mile  01/01/14  1:15:06
Event 35    Telford parkrun 04/01/14     0:59
Event 36    Shropshire Cross Country Championships  04/01/14  1:01:15
Event 37    MacMillan January Jog  05/01/14 0:42:00

January Jogging

Telford parkrun - 4th January (morning)
 
A lovely morning and enjoyed being the sweeper my time was 59 minutes.


Shropshire Cross Country Championships - 4th January (afternoon)
 
This year the county cross country championships was held at Lilleshall sports centre.
We were quite lucky with the weather and the mud and water was ok, it was one small lap
and three large laps. After a while I settled down and managed to finish before the men came in. I really enjoyed it. My time was time 1:01:15


January Jog (Newport) - 5th January

Leaving my second pair of trainers in a bucket soaking, I reached for my third pair ready for the Macmillan January Jog. I really enjoyed the 5k and it was lovely having our daughter running with me, it made my day. The weather was quite kind even though it looked threatening. As we came in at the finish Heather and I were given a nice bottle of wine. Heather commented that she would have to run with me more!  Then I changed my number and went round and did the 3k just to cool down. There was a great atmosphere and
I was informed £3000 was raised on the day. My time was 42 minutes.

 Kathy with the Newport Town Crier prior to the January Jog

 A Great turn out from the Wrekin Road Runners

 Kathy and her daughter Heather approaching the finish

Event 1      StraLugano 5K     28/09/2013Event 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
Event 31    Wheaton Aston 10K 27/12/13  1:26:00
Event 32    Telford Town parkrun 28/12/13   41:48
Event 33    Coventry Godiva 5 mile 29/12/13  1:08:00 
Event 34    Vernon's Limp Wrist 5 mile  01/01/14  1:15:06
Event 35    Telford parkrun 04/01/14     0:59
Event 36    Shropshire Cross Country Championships  04/01/14  1:01:15
Event 37    MacMillan January Jog  05/01/14 0:42:00

New Year's Day - No Time to Stop

Vernon's Limp Wrist - 1st January

I am lost for words for the awful weather on New Year's day race, but I do love this
race. This race is a no watch job, you tell the official your estimated time and hope you run nearest  to your time. I think there were about 112 entries. Now because the weather was so bad I asked if I could go off earlier than the rest, it saves the marshals waiting too long in this dreadful weather, well I must have mistaken the official starting time as I thought it was a 11am start and not 11.15. So off I went and as I ran round the first pool it was already very slippy,  with water already up to the ankle then along the old Stafford railway track, things were getting worse, deeper water and mud and the cruel wind was in full speed.
When I reached the return point the marshal who was on bike shouted well done Kathy but this felt very strange because nobody had caught me up yet , I was beginning to wonder if I was on the right track but all of a sudden along came the fast runners all shouting funny comments-"What have you been on, can I have some?" ha ha. After fighting the cold wet weather I finished the race.

My John refused to get out of the car as he clutched his hip flask muttering something about being raving mad. My time was 1:15:06, nowhere near my estimate.

Event 1      StraLugano 5K     28/09/2013Event 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
Event 31    Wheaton Aston 10K 27/12/13  1:26:00
Event 32    Telford Town parkrun 28/12/13   41:48
Event 33    Coventry Godiva 5 mile 29/12/13  1:08:00 
Event 34    Vernon's Limp Wrist 5 mile  01/01/14  1:15:06

 

Sent to Coventry

Many people will use the few days between Christmas and New Year to rest and recharge their batteries ready for another year, but not Kathy Ling, this year she did four races in races as she continues in her quest to complete 70 running events in her 70th year.

Wheaton Aston 10K - 27th December

Kathy took part in the Wheaton Aston 10K on a very windy day with the course very water logged I places. She completed the race in 1:26:00

Kathy at Wheaton Aston photo by Brian Smith

 

Telford Town parkrun - 28th December

Kathy completed her 31st parkrun at Telford on 28th December in a time of 41:48

Coventry Godiva 5 miles - 29th December

I love the sun but not when it's in your eyes all the way down the M6 and I was finding difficult to follow the signs out, anyway,after doing a few 'U' turns we arrived in plenty of time.136 entrants took part,after some sort of a pep talk, the race started.  This was one small lap and two large ones, it was quite interesting running through the University and through the park. There was plenty of icy patches but I still enjoyed the five miles being well looked after by Dave on his bike. Many runners waited for us last runners to come in.  Once back in the Harriers club room after a nice cup of tea and yes another mince pie, the atmosphere was great. Everybody was very friendly then I had a nice surprise that I had won the £20 voucher, although there was two of us in the 70+ I came first ,but I  picked up the over 65 so prize I am definitely confused .I loved it and would love to do it again.
We also enjoyed watching the wheelchair racers training around the track. I finished in 68 minutes.

 

Kathy Taking part in the Coventry Godiva 5 mile

 

 

Event 1      StraLugano 5K     28/09/2013Event 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
Event 31    Wheaton Aston 10K 27/12/13  1:26:00
Event 32    Telford Town parkrun 28/12/13   41:48
Event 33    Coventry Godiva 5 mile 29/12/13  1:08:00