tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77295510596990051522024-03-13T14:29:04.668-07:00Running, running and other adventures...Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.comBlogger248125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-13854716824985810022023-12-27T05:54:00.000-08:002023-12-27T06:27:29.506-08:002024 plans<p>When deciding what my 2024 plans are going to be I feel a bit like what the organisers of Download festival had to face with their plans for 2024. Download festival is the biggest rock/metal music festival in the UK. And last year was their 20th anniversary where they went all out and made it a 4 day festival with Metallica playing 2 nights then Slipknot and Bring me the Horizon playing the other two nights. Basically they went all out. A bit like myself last year with parkruns going to argubly the biggest and to many best parkruns in the UK with Bushy, Bressay, Lews Castle and Mount Stuart to name a few. Then also completing a challenge which is seen by many as Scotland really as the biggest challenge there is in Scotland in terms of parkruns completed and outwith milestones. Download may not have the stadium rock sized line up this year but it is still a killer line up, a bit like I hope my year is going to pan out.</p><p>So with this all in mind what can I do to keep things going with parkrun. My long term goal is 500 parkruns. But as I am on 320 parkruns at the moment there is still a long way to go, and at the rate I am going at the moment that will be at least 4 years. But the key is here how do I get there. There are a variety of options here and I will go through them along with my thoughts on them.</p><p>Allbaloopy - This is where you do all the parkruns in Scotland again. I think so far I have done 12 Scottish parkruns at least 2 times. As much as I enjoyed doing it the first time, this would be a big ask to do again. I did rely on many people to get me to some of the more awkard to get to parkruns, I did take a fair amount of my annual leave for it and I also spent a fare whack of money on it. I'm not really sure completing it again will have the same sense of achievement than it did the first time. That said I wouldn't be adverse to doing certain parkruns again if they are accessible by public transport and have hotels near the start. Especially if other folk want to do them for their challenges. Also there will no doubt be new Scottish parkruns in the future so want to keep on top of them.</p><p>Complete North east England region/north west region - I have looked into both these regions quite a bit to see if this was feasible. There are only really a handful of people in Scotland that I know of who have either completed these regions or are working towards completing these regions. As far as I know most of them are done by early risers and drive down early morning. I wouldn't have that luxory and would be taking public transport down the day before and staying overnight. There are some straightfoward ones to do, for example in Newcastle. But there are many awkward ones which require a lot of half days off work. Not only that but a lot of treading on the same paths to get down to England. Whereas when I did Scotland I was going in all sorts of directions, making it more interesting. Also Scotland had a lot of easier ones to get to, too. So I don't think doing these regions are really feasible for me, the odd visit here and there is, but not completion.</p><p>Alphabeteer - This challenge is to complete a parkrun starting with each letter of the alphabet. The weird thing about this challenge is that by doing all the Scottish parkruns I have already done most of this challenge at the same time so I only have Y and Z to do. Making it seem like not much of a challenge. There are a couple of options for Y in England then the nearest Z is the Netherlands, then Germany then Poland. There are people who do this challenge multiple times with someone having done a record 8 alphabets with all different parkruns. But you get to the stage where you have to go to Australia and South Africa many times. Making it very, very expensive. So if I want to get to 500, this is not really the answer. I may get round to doing one alphabet but not top of my priorities.</p><p>Special days - A way parkrunners boost their parkrun count is back going to special parkrun days across the globe. Each country can decide when their day is held. Eg UK is Christmas, Poland is boxing day, Netherlands is Whit Monday etc. I'm in two minds about doing these. Yes they are great for adventures. But parkruns on these days have potential to be exceptionally busy due to all the Brits heading over for them too. And they actually had to make Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland host theirs on the same day in 2024 because of the business of the runs in 2023. This one I will keep an open mind about though it would be nice to visit another country and do a parkrun there at some point. Maybe on a special day or maybe on another weekend where its quieter.</p><p>p-index - This is where you complete x parkruns x number of times. eg 5 different parkruns 5 times, 6 different pakruns 6 times. Currently I have a p-index of 7 and I have done for quite a number of years. I used to be more interested in this as I saw it as a way of avoiding my home run. I am currently one off doing 8. The only thing that puts me off doing p-index now is that there are so many parkruns in central Scotland now p-index kind of restricts you into doing certain ones over and over again.</p><p>Wilson index - This is one I am quite proud to say I have a wilson index of 0. This is where you do an event number starting with 1, then 2 then 3. It doesnt matter what parkrun it's at. But having a wilson index of 0 basically means I have never been to an inaugral. This challenge is getting more difficult to start in Scotland too as less and less events are starting up, So you really need high numbers to keep this going. Just as well I have no plans on starting it.</p><p>Other challenges - There are other challenges too which I have done some of to some extent</p><p> - Compass - west, east, north and south in the name </p><p>- Stayin alive - 3 parkruns beginning with B, 3 parkruns beginning with G</p><p>- Pirates - 7 parkruns beginning with C, 1 beginning with R</p><p>- Snakes - 10 parkruns beginning with S</p><p>Obviously I have done all the parkruns in Scotland so have covered what I can in above challenges and some English too. But to complete the challenges I would need to go down to England to complete the rest.</p><p>So having discussed most of the challenges you may be getting the vibe that maybe going forward challenges aren't really for me. And yes you would be right. But thats not to say I won't be doing them at all. If there is a road trip with mates in there I would be up for it. But I don't think I will be doing these on my own. Also if there is another purpose involved - ie sporting events, gigs or visiting people and there happens to be a parkrun nearby I would be up for that too. But in terms of doing challenges for the sole purpose of parkrunning I think those days maybe over.</p><p>Queen's parkrun</p><p>Now then, so without these challenges, am I just going to do 180 runs at Queen's to get 500? This is something I have been thinking about too. The problem I have at Queen's at the moment is that I am just not fit enough to run it all and I have this mindset at the moment of approaching it exactly the same way every week. I'll run the first 2 hills on the first lap. Then will walk the third hill. Then I'll walk all the hills in the second and third lap. Doing this every week won't improve me. So I have been thinking I should really take up running at flatter courses next year. I'm not saying I'll never get back to Queen's as I really would like to get sub 30 there. But I think I need to run courses that are easier and faster to get back to running sub 30s on easier courses first. Whether that means adopting another home run for a while or alternating around the various flat courses I'll see as the year progresses. But that's the plan anyway.</p><p>In terms of milestones this will be a stepping stone year. I'm currently at 320 parkruns so even 400 won't be achiveable this year. 350 some may call a milestone but I'm not sure on that one. In terms of volunteering I will hit 300 volunteers early next year, then its a big jump to 400 and the next official milestone of 500. But I do hope to celebrate other people's milestones next year too. One in particular is my buddy Brian from Rouken Glen who should reach 500 volunteers all being well.</p><p>In terms of time goals next year I just want to go under sub 30 again, once I can do that I may consider entering the odd 10k. And I really want to get my average time from last year too which was far too close to 35 minutes.</p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-64300416013270991782023-12-26T08:17:00.000-08:002023-12-27T06:27:24.413-08:002023 - A year in review<p> The big goal for this year was to complete all the Scottish parkruns and as you will have seen from my previous post I did achieve this just last month. I did go into detail in that post about it so I won't say anything more about that in this post.</p><p>Instead I'm going to be analysing my actual running and other milestones. In terms of running parkruns I achieved my 300th parkrun in June, very appropriately at the home of parkrun, Bushy park. I also wanted to get nearer to 50 parkruns at Queen's, my home parkrun. Where I am now at 48, having started the year at 32. I was also looking to do more parkruns around Glasgow that I have not done in a while. This I didn't quite achieve as I really just did Pollok, Linwood and Drumchapel outside of Queen's. </p><p>What about times, well this is where it went a bit wrong you could argue. </p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">2017 - 31.04 (35 runs)</span></p><div><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2018 - 31.52 (46 runs)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2019 - 30.33 (44 runs)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2020 - 31.40 (64 runs) - (a lot of not parkruns)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2021 - 30.59 (16 runs) - (only included actual parkruns which started up half way through the year due to covid)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2022 - 33.21 (35 runs) - 2 tailwalks not included</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2023 - 34:48 (36 runs) - 1 tailwalk and 1 park walk not included</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The sub 30 minute run never came this year and in fact my fastest time came up in Shetland at 31.58. Obviously doing all the hilly courses back in Glasgow didn't really help the average.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">But where did it go wrong. Well I have been looking at my Strava for the year. There were actually only 4 weeks of the year where I didn't do any running at all. But I think the key is that there were only 4 weeks of the year where I did 3 runs in a week. In previous years I would do 3 runs a week most weeks fine. I also never went above 3 miles for any run where as previous years I would have done at least the odd 4 1/2, 6 mile run. I think one of the reasons is I'm kind of set to do runs on Monday's and Wednesdays after work and if I miss them I don't think oh I'll do it some other time. I just won't go out any other time. Somehow need to get some more flexibility and creativity in the schedule. Something I'll be thinking about more over the break. </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In terms of volunteering I reached the v250 milestone very early on the year. I did wonder if I would reach v300 but fell short at 297. So this should be one I can grab early next year. I also reached my 200th stint at Rouken Glen juniors and my 600th attendence day at any parkrun (Volunteering days and running days combined).</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Based on this year I think its clear I need to make changes to my running in order to improve. I also need a new challenge which is something I have been thinking a lot about too. I'll be going into this more in the next post about my 2024 plans.</p></div>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-21458691845707993302023-11-26T06:20:00.000-08:002023-11-26T06:20:15.393-08:00Scottish parkrun challenge complete 69/69<p></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"> It's been quite a while
since my last post. Things are not going the best running wise with my
times slower than they have ever been. But in terms of getting round the
Scottish parkruns it really has been the shining light of the year. I was
pretty much ticking off one a month up to July, then in July I did 4 new ones
and August 2 including trips up to Lews Castle in Stornoway and Bressay in
Shetland. Also, a trip to Bushy parkrun, which was the very first parkrun
thrown in for good measure. A couple of new ones started up in recent months,
one over in North Berwick - Whitekirk Hill parkrun and then one down in Castle
Douglas, Carlingwark Loch parkrun. And that was me finished them all :-)
It has been some journey and didn't come without its challenges but I feel so
fortunate to be able to have done this. And with the people I have met on the
way, seeing some amazing places and getting to get out and run.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><u><span style="color: black;">Background</span></u></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><u><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></u><span style="color: black;">So how did it all start?
As has been well documented on here my parkrun journey started way back at
Pollok in 2009 where it was the only event in Scotland at the time. But
as I was a longer distance runner at the time, although I got involved with
parkrun. My actual parkrun journey didn't really start proper till my return to
running till 2014. Between 2014 and 2019 I did do various different
parkruns but it was really just to mix things up instead of going to Pollok all
the time. In 2018, 2 chaps named Douglas and Craig set off on a challenge
to complete all the Scottish parkruns in 1 year and filmed each one for you
tube. There were about 33 when they started and 43 when they
finished. I didn't know them when they started but it turned out they
were local Glasgow southsiders too and I met them through Rouken Glen junior
parkrun.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">So the seed was planted through
them that I thought I'd give it a go too. But I thought I would start in
Spring to start the journey as winter is often prone to cancellations.
But in February I remember talking about it with my parents over tea and I
remember my dad saying why don't you just start the challenge now. Then suddenly,
the next week I headed up to Aberdeen to do Aberdeen parkrun. That was
the first time I had done an overnighter purposely to do a parkrun. That
year I had a lot of adventures and went up to Aberdeen 4 more times. While also
ticking off Thurso, Elgin, Kirkwall, Alness, Dumfries as well as other ones in
Fife and Edinburgh.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">In 2020 I did Fort William
parkrun and had booked others like Shetland but had to cancel because of course
when March came round, we were all confined to our homes and parkrun was
stopped due to COVID. It wasn't until August 2021 when things started up
again and I was able to get on the tourist path again. There were quite a
lot of new parkruns starting up in 2022 which meant it felt like when you
completed one you were never quite reaching the goal. But in 2023 only 3
have started up meaning it's been a lot easier to catch up.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><u><span style="color: black;">Challenges</span></u></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><u><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></u><span style="color: black;">Obviously Covid was a big
barrier to progression but that couldn't really be helped. But there were
various other challenges along the way too. For example, Crathes castle in
Aberdeen where I nearly didn't make it. As my bus "broke down" halfway
from Aberdeen to Crathes castle and had to get a replacement. The normal
bus was due in at 9am. So by the time they got the replacement I arrived
at Crathes at 9.26. With half a mile still to cover to get up to the
start. I literally got there just as the final announcements were
made. </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">There were other times I have
had to persevere to get to a parkrun due to having to call off for various
reasons. Stranraer (Agnew parkrun) took 3 attempts. The first time I was
meant to go down with group I used to go running with, but all the hotels were
booked out. The second time I booked and had a half day from work. Then I
got to Ayr and the train to Stranraer which I switched on to was cancelled and
the next one wasn't for 2 hours. So, I went and got a drink and a bite to
eat in Costa filling the time. Then went back to the station only to find
all trains to Stranraer for the rest of the day were cancelled. It wasn't
even due to weather it was staff shortages. Luckily Ayr isn't too far
from Glasgow, so I headed back up the rails on Friday night.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">I have also used work nights
out on Friday as an excuse to get a hotel in Edinburgh and do a parkrun the
next day. But even then, there was a time when that didn't go to
plan. And last December I woke up to snow where most of my targeted
parkruns were cancelled. And trains home to Glasgow had major delays so
ended up not completing parkrun and getting home mid-afternoon.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><u><span style="color: black;">Where it went right</span></u></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><u><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></u><span style="color: black;">But a lot of the time things
went right and there were a lot of memorable moments on the way. I
did go to many of the parkruns on my own. And most of the trips did go
like clockwork and my timings were usually spot on. I think the most
memorable trips though are the ones you meet people. And as welcoming as
parkruns are it's not always the easiest thing to do. Walking into a new
parkrun you haven't done before. And there are people there who see each
other every week and know each other well. And you're coming in really
just for a once maybe twice visit. But I've found the best trips are the
ones are the ones you do meet folk. For example, in Bressay, Shetland I
met Ibrahime, Erin and Wendy and they encouraged me to go to the cafe after
with them and I had a great morning. </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">Lews Castle in Stornaway I
ended up chatting away to a load of folk and I did actually walk this one with
the tail walker due to forgetting my shorts and had a great time. Girvan
is one of the smaller parkruns in terms of numbers and by the end of it you
feel like you knew everyone running. Meadowmill was another memorable one
as I got chatting to quite a few of the volunteers and to get to my train I had
to walk back up the course so got to speak more to the marshals too. I found
it easier to do this at the smaller events rather than the bigger events.
The bigger events were still good in their own way though.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><u><span style="color: black;">Parkrunning adventures with
folk</span></u></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><u><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></u><span style="color: black;">All the parkruns described
above have been adventures on my own. But there have been many adventures
with other folk too. My parents who have played a big part in letting me
reach parts of the country that are trickier to get to by public transport have
helped with 14 parkruns in Scotland. Then you get all those English trips
down to see family and other trips down south and you can nearly double that
count. The most adventurous one recently was Aviemore where most of Scotland
had an amber warning for rain. And it absolutely chucked it down for the
entire event. The trails were covered in puddles, and I think my shoes
are still not recovered yet. The journey home the rain persisted and
there were quite a few times we had to divert to avoid tailbacks due to
flooding at various points.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">I mentioned Craig W and Douglas
at the start, and I have had the pleasure of their company on a number of trips
too. Along with various members of a bigger gang - Jo (Craig's wife),
Susan, Mhairi, Jenn, Scott. Mix and match with these guys I covered -
Erskine Waterfront, Auldcathie District, Mount Stuart, Lochore Meadows,
Whitekirk Hill, Carlingwark Loch, Palace rigg A course and maybe more.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">The group I used to run with
during loch down, Blythe, Kirstin and Claire had a trip up to Faskally Forest,
Pitlochery to complete that incredibly scenic course. Ritche and
Caitlan who I met through volunteering at Queen's did Kirkcaldy parkrun
together and we also met Rob and Ann there who I've got to know at various
events. Ritchie, Stuart R and I also had a morning through in
Springburn. Campbell accompanied me to Plean and
him and his wife also came along to one of my visits to Falkirk too.
Craig P, a Stirling local went with me to University of Stirling parkrun and
did his first ever parkrun. And finally, my brother Ken where we went to
Drumpellier parkrun. I think that's all but hopefully not missed
anyone. So many memories, laughs and runs shared.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><u><span style="color: black;">My favourites</span></u></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><u><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></u><span style="color: black;">I mentioned above my favourite
experiences and the great people I have shared many of the parkruns with.
So, this is a list of my favourite courses.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">1. Alness<br /></span><span style="color: black;">2. Lews Castle<br /></span><span style="color: black;">3. Faskally Forest<br /></span><span style="color: black;">4. Hazlehead<br /></span><span style="color: black;">5. Whitekirk Hill</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><u><span style="color: black;">What's next?</span></u></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><u><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></u><span style="color: black;">That's a tricky one and I don't
have a definitive answer. Long term I would like to get to 500 parkruns
but it's deciding how to get there. There are folk who do another loop of
Scotland. While I don't mind repeating if there are other people up for
going places, I don't think I'll be actively chasing a second loop. The
other option is to do the Northeast or Northwest. Which I may chip away
at but no plans to fully complete them as that would involve a lot of time off
and there would be many that are awkward to get to. But this year I have
certainly been sharing the journey a bit more with folk and I do hope that
continues. </span></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-31766717535073445802023-08-20T05:24:00.002-07:002023-11-19T12:47:12.366-08:00Bressay parkrun the low down<p> There are 2 ways to get to Shetland - Plane or Ferry. Plane is more expensive but takes a lot less time. Loganair fly to Shetland from many cities in Scotland. For the ferry you have to go to Aberdeen and its an overnight ferry which does get you into Lerwick in plenty of time for the Bressay ferry although its not the same port and the Aberdeen ferry docks in the north of Lerwick. There is a bus which goes from Sumburgh airport to Lerwick but if you want to explore the island you are as well renting a car.</p><p>On parkrun day itself I would arrive at the ferry terminal in Lerwick 20 mins -25 mins before hand. The ferry was there waiting when I went. You pay when you go on the ferry. It was £2.90 I think and you only pay on the way out. They accept contactless, cash or chip and pin. I didn't need cash at all for buses either, used contactless for everything.</p><p>The ferry takes about 10 minutes and there is a muster area once you get to Bressay at the car park for the ferry terminal. From memory there are toilets here too as well as a waiting area. You can leave suitcases in the ferry waiting area at your own risk. They also have a white van which you can put your jackets/warm up gear in and they drive it to the finish. The first timer briefing and part of the main briefing also take place here before everyone walks over to the mayfield hotel where the parkrun starts. </p><p>The parkrun itself goes south about 3k. Turns round and comes back but not as far as the ferry. It finishes in the cafe car park. The cafe is run by parkrun volunteers and I think the money goes to charity. Well worth a visit. It is about 20 minute walk back from the cafe to the ferry. Or at least allow that time if you are walking. Then the ferry is at 10.30 or another at 11.30. 11.30 is not the last ferry though there are plenty more crossings throughout the day. You can take a car on the ferry but if you are just doing parkrun and not exploring its probably not worth it. I believe there was parking on the Lerwick side beside the port. </p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-24313070507696307252023-04-10T08:52:00.002-07:002023-04-10T08:52:32.740-07:00March parkruns<p> Just the 2 parkruns in March out of a possible 4. But volunteered once and then the other time wasn't feeling up for it. Too tired I think. But the 2 I did do were Scottish ones that I hadn't done yet. Auldcathie District and Holyrood</p><p>Auldcathie District</p><p>For this one I headed east with Craig W as he hadn't ticket this one off yet either. Auldcathie District parkrun is in Winchburgh near Linlithgow and is Scotland's newest parkrun at time of writing. At their inaugral they had 601 people turn up which is the highest inaugral attendence for a Scottish parkrun. Their numbers have settled to about 100 now. The route is on brand new paths built specifically with parkrun in mind as Winchburgh has seen a huge amount of housing built recently. And one of the asks was to have a parkrun to go with it. The course therefore goes round the outside of a housing estate and is quite undualting but I would describe it as gradual climbs. </p><p>I knew a few other people there too from work as this is actually very close to my work. I completed the course in just over 32 minutes and in my fastest time this year.</p><p>Holyrood</p><p>Holyrood is to me the easiest Edinburgh parkrun to get to if you are in the city centre without a car. I stayed in a Premier inn in between Waverley and the parkrun which is a circular route of Arthurs seat. I met Jonny who volunteers at Rouken glen who had the buggy with him. The first two hundred metres or so is all flat but the rest of the first mile is all uphill and quite leg sapping. I eventually had to take walking breaks. The second mile is mainly flat and the views really are stunning here and you can see for miles. But thing is its really not an easy flat mile as you already have all that up hill to deal with so I was struggling with the flat and had to take walk breaks again. But then the third mile is all downhill and this is where you make up the time. My last mile was 9 minutes. Compare that to 12 minutes which is what I did the first mile in. I was thinking this may be harder than Queen's despite being faster but then I went and did Queen's first week and April and errr, maybe not :-)</p><p>Thinking about the future</p><p>I have been thinking a bit about my parkrun goals and my running in general at the moment. It's not been the best start to the year in terms of midweek runs. I think the maximum I have done during the week is 1 run and often none. This has made parkruns more tough and the fact I have done Queen's 5 times doesn't really make things any easier. For Queen's I have got into a routine of running/walking the same sections to the point I don't think I can improve any. The old adage that if you keep doing the same thing your going to keep getting the same results. And I think that's where I'm at, at the moment.</p><p>So I am thinking of doing more flat parkruns instead. And looking at the 9 Scottish ones I have left to do, there are some undulating ones left, but none on paper, come close to Queen's and there are a number of flat ones. But for closer to home I think I will start looking at flat ones in the area. And there are plenty now: Strathclyde, Drumpellier, Linwood, Victoria, Erskine, Elder, Troon and Greenock. Basically tonnes. I'm just walking too much at Queen's and I feel by doing flat ones I'm more likely to run more and get my times down a bit. </p><p>That's the thought anyway.,........as long as I manage to get up for them or may just end up at Queen's lol</p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-23580905412203088292023-02-26T07:01:00.002-08:002023-02-26T07:01:30.237-08:00January and February parkruns<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Been a while since I
posted so thought I'd mix things up with a new format. Instead of
going week by week of which parkruns I've done, I'll go over the tourist ones,
then any others I have repeated/home runs.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><u><span style="color: black;">Erskine Waterfront
parkrun</span></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The first parkrun I
did this year was Erskine waterfront parkrun. This was the first time I
did this one and was very handy to get to being just outside of Glasgow so I
could drive there no problem and had no issues with parking having arrived
around 9am. I hung about in the car for a while before making my way over
to the start. This is where I met up with Craig, Douglas, Mhairi and
Susan. Got the first timers briefing which was good and lined up to
start. Craig and I started off together, but I prompted him just to go
for it as I am a lot slower than him. When I met him afterwards, he was
grateful as he ran his fastest time in a while getting under 25 minutes.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I settled into a nice
pace. The course runs along the Clyde and is two out and backs which is
perfectly flat. You get great views of the Clyde and the Erskine
bridge. There were 123 runners and although the path was narrow at times there
was no problem with overtaking or folk getting in the way each other. I
finished in 33.27, not a great time for me for a flat 5k but it did feel comfortable,
and I didn't have to walk. Afterwards I met up with the gang and their friend
Callum and headed over to Caulders for breakfast. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><u><span style="color: black;">Hay Lodge parkrun
(Peebles)</span></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">In the second week of
February, I headed to Peebles with the folks to tick off another parkrun.
This one was really easy to find heading from Glasgow as the car park is on the
same road you come in on, if coming from Glasgow direction. The park is
across the road. The course is basically 4 laps, but the two middle laps
are the only ones which are the same. The first lap is the flattest and
the gentle downhill start means you can go off too quickly and maybe I was
slightly guilty of. The second and third laps are the same and go up a
hill, which I just walked up. All three of the first laps go along beside
the river for parts which was nice and the fishermen were out in
force. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The final lap is a shortened
lap and the finish is uphill going on to the grass. Even though it was
hillier this was my fastest time of the year at that point coming in at
32.58. There were about 70 runners today which is one of the
smaller events I have been at recently which is not surprising given the
location but still a decent number, nevertheless.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><u><span style="color: black;">Keswick parkrun</span></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">As seems to be
tradition in February, my parents and I have a short break away in February and
this time the location was Keswick. There were 2 parkruns to choose from
in this area; Keswick or Whinlatter Forest. The latter known as being one
of the hilliest parkruns in the UK. I opted for the flatter Keswick
parkrun. The parkrun is an out and back along a disused railway which is
now an excellent walking/cycling path. And the start is at Keswick's disused
railway station which acts as a perfect meeting point and if it does get wet it
means the volunteers have cover.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">At the start their
was a special guest who was in town. He was Iranian and directed a
movie which was showing at the film festival in Keswick. He was given the
task of counting us down to start. But instead of 3,2, 1 go., He said 1, 2, 3
go. There were a few sniggers lol, but job done and off we went. I
settled into a slow pace at the start and noticed I was gradually overtaking
throughout the first half. The course is amazing; One minute you are going
over bridges, next through a tunnel. Then you have the river weaving its
way round and beneath you. It's quite a spectacular one really.
Instead of having marshals stood along the way, they let the marshals run with
the other runners and if they see something happening, they can phone
base. There is a marshal at the turn.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I finished in my
fastest time this year of 32.33 and enjoyed a nice sprint finish. This
was the busiest parkrun I have been to this year with 189 runners in attendance.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><u><span style="color: black;">Queen's parkrun</span></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">So overall in January
and February I did 7 parkruns. 3 above then 4 at my home parkrun
Queen's. These were back-to-back. I pretty much had the same
strategy for all of them. Run the first 2 hills on the first lap, then
walk the third hill on the first lap, then walk all the hills on 2nd and 3rd
lap. But try and be a bit more aggressive going down the big hill on each
lap and run all the flat bits. The result? 35.01, 34.40, 34.42,
34.19. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">So nearly a Groundhog
Day in there and improving gradually. My midweek runs have disappeared
again so need to try and get more of a routine going again. Pretty
pleased though to add 3 more locations and have no cancelations which can often
hit during winter. Long may that continue.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br />Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-16207453116510202322023-01-01T05:50:00.000-08:002023-01-01T05:50:50.392-08:002023 plans<p> This year will be centered around parkrun again as I continue my quest to complete all the Scottish parkruns. Although I'm doubtful I'll be able to complete them all this year as I think there will be quite a few starting this year. At time of writing I have 12 to do with one about to start. </p><p>Now last year my tactic was to try and complete the more difficult to get to ones further away. Which although proved tricky did work. And now, really only 3 out of those 12 parkruns I have still to do require me to take time off work. So I think I am going to try and focus on the 9 parkruns that don't need time off work.</p><p>For this I can split them into categories:</p><p>Edinburgh area - Holyrood, Meadowmill, Vogrie, Winchburgh</p><p>Borders - Hay Lodge (Peebles)</p><p>Fife - Lochore Meadows</p><p>Angus - Forfar, West Links</p><p>The West - Erskine, Mount Stuart (Bute)</p><p>The other 3 parkruns are Lews Castle (Stornaway), Bressay (Shetland) and Aviemore. I'll see in the second half of the year how I'm doing with the 9 whether I attempt these or not.</p><p>I also have two English ones booked, one in the Lake District and Bushy which both conincide with breaks.</p><p>In terms of time sub 30 will be the aim for flat ones. I would like to do it at Queen's too but I think I'll be happy to get under 32 there as I don't think I've done that since last January at Queen's.</p><p>In terms of 5k volunteering last year I aimed to do once a month which I think I'm going to try and stick to this year. I would also like to volunteer at Linwood as it's the only parkrun I have done more than 10 times that I haven't volunteered at.</p><p>In terms of milestones I should hit 300 runs in possibly July hopefully, as I have 18 to hit that target. In terms of volunteering I will hit 250 maybe even in the first full weekend of parkrun in the year as long as there are no cancellations. Who knows if all goes well I may even reach 300 volunteers by the end of the year. I would also like to get to 50 runs at Queen's. Currently on 32. But I was thinking I haven't done a load of the parkruns in Glasgow for a number of years now so may have trips to the likes of Drumchapel, Victoria, Ruchill and Strathclyde on the cards too.</p><p>Happy new year everyone and hope its a good one for you.</p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-47600888660782339272022-12-31T05:15:00.000-08:002022-12-31T05:15:03.677-08:002022 year in reviewReading back on my blogs I have done this year, it hasn't been the best of years running wise. But at the same time I have achieved quite a lot too. Both of which I will be going into in this blog.<div><br /></div><div><u>Completing every Scottish parkrun event</u></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div>This is a challenge I have been chipping away at for a few years now. I remember in 2019 where I decided to go for it I made a serious dent in it by completing 19 in one year. I started this year on 44 Scottish events done out of 59. I knew there would be more added around the country this year so aimed for 60 events. In total at the end of 2022 there are now 66 Scottish events with another one having had a test event and awaiting a start date.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 2019 I remember most things going to plan, with one incident which I thought may derail my attempt. Where on the way to Crathes Castle in Aberdeenshire my bus broke down and I litrally made it to the start with seconds to spare. I thought that day what would have happened if I didn't make it in time, would have I just given up the challenge. Well this year I have had to cancel about 9 trips and I am still chipping away at them. So I think the answer really comes back to yes I am more reslient than I thought as I certainly haven't given up. But why did I cancel all these trips? A real mixture. I was on the way to Stranraer, got to Ayr, then all trains to Stranraer were cancelled and I had to turn back. A few weeks ago I woke up in a Premier Inn in Edinburgh to snow and the trains all started to cancel due to signal failures. Theres been train strikes and reduced timetables meaning it's not been practical to get there. Then you have illness, being wiped out after drinking too much caffine and also the Queen sadly passing away which meant I had to cancel another trip.</div><div><br /></div><div>But on a positive note I did still manage to do 10 Scottish parkruns I haven't done before. Notably Wallaceneuk (Kelso), Loch Leven, Largs Prom, Palacerigg (Cumbernauld), Torvean (Inverness) and Ganavan Sands (Oban). I pick out these ones as I have to thank my Mum and Dad for driving me to these, some of which we did make a weekend break out of. Some of these in particular are quite tricky to get to by public transport so it helped a lot and allowed me to progress with the challenge. Another one I ticked off was Kirkcaldy where I had a wee road trip with Richie and Caitlinn. Then I had solo trips to Agnew (Stranraer) and Ury Riverside (Inverurie) as well as a very short trip to Elder park in the southdside of Glasgow.</div><div><br /></div><div>I do find it quite amusing that I started the year with 15 Scottish parkruns to do and even though I have done 10, ended up with 12 still. But there we go. Some other positves is that with Ury done I have now ran every parkrun in Aberdeenshire. Another parkrun I did, not in Scotland was Jesmond Dene in Newcastle. This was done as part of a holiday with half an eye on the Alphabeteer challege. I just have 3 letters to do now, B, Y and Z. But at the moment Albateer takes priority.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Times</u></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div>I have targetted quite a while of having an average parkrun time for a year of under 30 minutes. As you can see below this year has been the worst year since I started recording average time for the year. But maybe it doesn't give the entire picture too. 20 of these I have been at Queen's my home parkrun which is of course one of the hilliest in Scotland. Another 3 have been at Pollok which is not far behind. Then the other repeats have been once at Linwood, once at Tollcross and once at Springburn. I did get under the 30 minute mark twice this year, once at Largs Prom and once at Linwood but again it's probably the least amount of sub 30s I have in one year. But I don't help myself doing hilly courses so much. It's always nice to have the aim of doing a sub 30 at Queen's though. It feels like a more than reachable target if I can get some consistent training.</div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">2017 - 31.04 (35 runs)</span></p><div><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2018 - 31.52 (46 runs)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2019 - 30.33 (44 runs)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2020 - 31.40 (64 runs)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2021 - 30.59 (16 runs)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2022 - 33.21 (35 runs) - 2 tailwalks not included</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u>Milestones</u></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I did reach quite a big parkrun milestone this year reaching 250 runs. 100 was the previous official milestone and 500 is the next one so because they are getting few and far between now I also look at unofficial milestones too. I finished the year on 282 parkruns.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Something I don't really talk about or aim for is volunteering milestones. Truthfully I didn't even have a goal for volunteering as because I volunteer down at Rouken glen mainly you don't know how often they are going to cancel throughout the year and some years its quite a lot. But this year it felt that we didn't cancel nearly as much as previous years. In fact there was times during the year I felt I had quite long stretches of volunteering where I felt I needed to take a week off every now and then. I actually nearly ended up hitting 250 for volunterring where I am now sitting on 248. I did 51 stints this year with 9 at 5ks and 42 at juniors which is my most amount in a year ever by far. </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I also hit another few unoffical milestones. My 150th volunteering stint at Rouken Glen as well as my 100th tail walk at Rouken Glen. Another stat which is new to the 5k app this year is total attendence days at parkrun, so counts volunteering and running. This one surprised me a lot as this year I reached my 500th day at parkrun, currently on 517.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u>Total Miles</u></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Total miles for this year was 331 miles, which is over 100 miles down from last years 468 miles. Right there is another reason my parkrun times have got slower. One of the big differences this year was that the running group I was in disintegrated this year which definitley helped constantly getting out last year. </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">But all in all I'm still getting out there and that's the most important thing</p></div>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-83226088705627769442022-10-08T05:09:00.001-07:002022-10-08T05:09:09.559-07:00September parkruns<p></p><p><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> I did have plans to do a
lot of touristing this month but as this year is going, didn't quite fulfil my
goals.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Week 1 - The first week of the
month I was back at Queen's for a volunteering stint. But got a run
credit too as I was tailwalker. The last 2 girls gave a good effort
getting round in around 42 minutes. The thing was they were running quite
a bit of the uphills then walking on the flat bits, so it was actually a bit of
a workout. The thing is the marshals were encouraging them to run up the
hills so can't blame them. In my head if you think you’re going to have
to walk bits of Queen's always do it on the uphill’s and you can make up more
time on the downs and flat bits. But I don't generally say this to people
at the back as you don't want to come across like you’re telling them what to
do, especially when you don't know them, and you don't want to put them off
coming again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Week 2 - This week I was all
booked up to go to Aviemore then things started to happen. On the
Thursday during the day, they had closed the train line at Perth meaning all
trains cancelled up to Inverness. At this point I was thinking would it
be cleared by the next day. Later on, that day sadly the Queen
died. That night things like football were cancelling all the matches for
that weekend. But there were no signs of what parkrun would do that
night. I had a hotel booked but hadn't booked any trains. So, since
my hotel I could get a full refund if I cancelled then, that's what I
did. As it turned out parkrun sent out a communication on the Friday
lunchtime saying they would leave it to event teams to decide whether to go
ahead or not. I think about 6 in Scotland cancelled but Aviemore didn't
announce they were on till 5pm so it would have been a bit of a gamble going
there as I would have had to leave before then.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">After all that I didn't even
make it to Queen's in the morning. As much as I enjoy a run there. When
you have got all set on doing a parkrun further away its more difficult to
motivate you to do a local one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Week 3 - So to get myself back
in gear I booked up to go to Stranraer. Those that have been reading my
blog will know I have tried to get to Stranraer many times to do the parkrun
this year and last. Last year I tried, and the hotels were fully booked
up when I was trying to go. April, I had booked but was ill. May I
got to Ayr and then Scotrail cancelled all the trains to Stranraer and I had to
turn back.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">and September............. I
made it! And what a trip. I stayed in North West hotel which
was right next to the station and 10 minute walk to Agnew park. I didn't
get a good sleep as per normal when I'm away but still got round the 3 lap
course in just over 30 minutes. It's one of those courses that they
really do use every inch of it and you get to see all the runners a lot due to
the out and backs. It's quite nice running up and down the pier too for
part of it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Week 4 - I was due to go up to
Oban but I was off work sick during the week so took the decision to cancel the
trip. As it turned out I was feeling a lot better on the Saturday and went
along to Queen's. Not only that but actually did an alright time for me
for Queen's in about 33 minutes. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><br /><p></p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-10565428411840248092022-09-11T07:39:00.004-07:002022-09-11T07:39:54.065-07:00August parkruns<p> Week 1 - Number checking at Queen's parkrun</p><p>Week 2 - The week prior I was down in Southport with my parents on holiday and they said the plan was to go back via Newcastle and can do a parkrun there. So since I have a lot of the parkrun alphabet challenge complete and needed a J, I selected Jesmond dene as the selected parkrun for that week. It was a great course in a nice park which was set in a big valley. Needless to say the course had some very steep ups and downs but also some flat parts too. I thought it was a very interesting course. I think it was the first one I'd been to that they said they would have to cancel during the event if a helicopter had to land in the field bit they used. I had a pretty good run too coming in around 32 minutes.</p><p>Week 3 - Back at Queen's, this time for a celebration as some of my Rouken glen buddies were celebrating milestones. Kirsty with her 50th run on her 50th birthday and Morag with her 50th volunteering stint. Another run for me at the high end of 32 minutes but feeling a bit fitter.</p><p>Week 4 - This was proved when I went to Largs prom parkrun with my parents. Nearly 2 months since my last new Scottish parkrun. This was another one where they could have to cancel during the event if the lifeboat had to be used. I paced this one well and ended up under 30 minutes for only the second time this year. </p><p>For a change this month actually went to plan and good to have ticked off another couple of venues. For the alphabet challenge I just need a B, Y and Z now. I say just but they are all decent journeys especially the Z which has to be done in Netherlands or Poland. At the moment though my focus is still the Scottish parkruns and hopefully tick off a few more by the end of the year. Largs was my 51st out of now 65 as Palacerigg in Cumbernauld has just started. I initially set a target of 60 Scottish ones which I should have really reached but due to everything which has gone on this year I have accepted it's not going to be possible. But that just leaves more fun for next year :-)</p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-39252989992333182892022-07-30T06:39:00.003-07:002022-07-30T06:39:26.419-07:00July parkruns<p></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"> This month I had planned to
do different parkruns starting off with Oban on the 2nd July. However, the
trains were still dodgy with a reduced timetable so I cut my losses and left
it.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">2nd July – So, instead I headed
to Elder park for the first time. This is a pancake flat course on the
southside of Glasgow in Govan. It's three and a half loop, almost 4 loop
course. Which takes a bit of time to get your head round as you go
around. As the half loop to the finish line starts first. Then you do 3
laps from there. I ran all the laps till the last lap where I had a wee
walk. Finishing in just over 31 minutes. Amazing the amount of folk,
I knew there. A lot more than I usually see at Queen's. Must be the
flatness luring them in. </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">9th July - I did plan maybe a
parkrun in Glasgow I hadn't done for a while. But with my parents and
brother on holiday I didn't want to go too far away in case of any car troubles
or something else which would leave me too far from home. So, Queen's was
back on the agenda today. I ran the first couple of hills but after that
I was walking most of them. I hadn't run much during the week so couldn't
really expect a good time and ended up with a time just over 36 minutes.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">16th July. Back at
Queen's again. This time I was going in having had a few good runs during
the week and felt a lot better on the hills. In fact, it wasn't till the last
lap that I had to walk a few. So managed to take 3 minutes off last
weeks’ time and finished in 33 minutes<br /></span><span style="color: black;">23rd July - I was undecided
whether to run or volunteer today and, in the end, I did neither. I
hadn't run during the week due to the heatwave. Then I was out on Friday
night and when I woke on Saturday morning my body just didn't feel like
running.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">30th July - I got out for a
quick mile loop on the Wednesday but due to having to wait in on parcels didn't
get much done apart from that. Plus spent the week in quite a bit of
discomfort which I won't go in to. But I managed to make it to parkrun
which was an achievement in itself. I changed my tactics this week due to
the discomfort and walked pretty much all of every hill right front the
start. This meant a lot slower time coming in at 38 minutes and I was
overtaken early than ever by 4 speedies coming down the big hill on the first
hill. It's amazing though that I felt way worse than last week, where I
didn't make it to parkrun then I go when I probably had every right to miss
it. I was meant to go to Aviemore today but due to the week I was having
cancelled that. And it was absolutely the right decision, as being on a train
for all that time with what I have been going through would have been hell.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">But every cloud, I have now run
25 parkruns at Queen's park. I can't tell by stats who has run the most overall,
but I can tell you that in my age group I'm now sitting joint top with another
guy.</span></span></div>
<br /><p></p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-3649074179908704532022-06-26T11:33:00.002-07:002022-06-26T11:33:17.012-07:00June parkrun update<p></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> 4/6 - Today I was planning
on going to Drumchapel with some buddies from Rouken Glen but I did not get
a good night sleep the night before due to worrying about something not parkrun
related. So, I didn't fancy the drive over to Drumchapel and opted for
Queen's instead. When I got to the start, I recognised more volunteers
than runners. Turns out there were 100 runners and 49 were first
timers. Seems everyone has gone away for the weekend with lots getting
their Q for the alphabet challenge. I was not expecting a good run today
due to my tiredness and I was going very slow pace. But surprisingly I
didn't have to walk till the 3rd lap and that was only on the 1st and 2nd hill,
the third one I was ok on. So, I finished in just over 34 minutes but
really the achievement was just turning up today.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">11/6 - My parents were up for a
trip today and offered to take me down to Stranraer to do Agnew parkrun after
the fun I had last month trying to get there. But as it should be doable
by train when the trains do sort themselves out, I thought it would be a good
opportunity to do a parkrun that is a bit harder to get to. And that
parkrun believe it or not is Loch Leven parkrun. It feels like it should
be easy, but you can't get public transport to it from my flat in the morning
and it's even a bit complex getting somewhere to stay overnight and get there
in the morning despite their being a bus stop next to Loch Leven Larder where
the parkrun is. So, my parents made it easy for me and gave me a lift in
the morning. Which I am very much grateful for.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">We arrived in plenty of time
and made our way to the start. I started quite near the back and went off
on the small loop. It goes up a hill and when it comes back down the hill
you can see the people behind you. This is when I realised there was only the
tail walker behind me to my surprise. Usually there at least some walkers
but not today. Once you do the small loop you do two big laps. The
first big lap I ran it all and managed to pick a few people off. The
second lap I had to walk jog as was feeling it a bit. It was very tough
conditions today as it was very windy and the course is very exposed. But
I did enjoy it all the same and got round in just under 34 minutes.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">18/06 - Today I was meant to be
number checker at Queen's but due to a few dropouts in the morning I was moved
to marshal point 2. A fun morning all the same.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">25/06 - Today was my parkrun
buddy Stuart's last RD stint at Queen's park so a couple of my Rouken Glen
buddies and I decided to go down for it. It was nice because after Stuart
had done the pre-run briefing, he said if the timekeepers were ready.
Craig one of the timers and another run director at Queen's said no and
continued to thank Stuart for all he has done for Queen's and at parkrun. I
think he and we all know Stuart will continue volunteering in some capacity,
but this was his last RD stint. And he deserves all the plaudits for all
he has done for parkrun over the years.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">In terms of the run itself I
started walking in the second hill of the first lap and I was lapped earlier
than ever before just coming round the last bend of the first lap. So, I
didn't think I was doing too well. But turned out the guy only went and smashed
the course record. I continued running the flats and downs and walking the ups
round the last 2 laps. On the last lap the new course record holder was
now doing some hill reps to warm down while supporting folk like me who were
still busting a gut to get round. I was going faster down the hills so
came in just under 34 minutes again.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">I look back at my average time
for the last few months and it's been pretty consistent at around the 34-minute
mark. This is a lot higher than I usually am for this time of year.
And in the first 6 months of this year, I've only managed one sub 30-minute 5k
which is unusual for me too. I have been doing Queen's a lot though. I
think that is what I am going to change going into July as Queen's is one of
the toughest parkruns in Scotland. With Largs Prom and Elder park started
up which are both flat I think I'll try and get them done in July and take
things from there.</span></span></div>
<br /><p></p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-19100122048449058182022-06-10T06:50:00.002-07:002022-06-10T06:59:03.525-07:00Volunteering at parkrun - My own experience and thoughts<p></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> Volunteering at parkrun is
probably one of the most talked about topics at parkrun. Mainly because
without volunteers parkruns across the globe cannot go ahead. There are
also many different opinions on how often you should volunteer and in some
cases whether you need to volunteer at all. As some folk point out, the
term "volunteer" implies it is totally up to the individual whether
they want to or not. Personally, I have had all sorts of opinions on the
matter over the years and that is what this blog is going to be about along
with my own journey with volunteering at parkruns over the years.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><u><b><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">2009-2011</span></b></u></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">My first stint at parkrun
started in June 2009. I got the whole setup straight away during my first
parkrun and volunteered the very next week. Back then I hadn't even
thought to do a 5k as I was more of a long-distance runner so volunteering at
parkrun made perfect sense. During my first volunteer stint I was put on finish
token support being paired off with a chap called Ralph, someone I still come
across at parkruns to this day. </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">That's the first thing I would
like to point out about volunteering. It puts you in a situation where
you basically have to talk to people, it is extremely social. Even
marshalling where some people think they are put out in positions round the
course by themselves. You still go to the positions and come back from
the positions with marshals who are near to your location, so still get to chat. </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">In those days although a few
parkruns did open up in Scotland other than Pollok, Pollok was the only parkrun
I attended in this period. In my head I thought I volunteered a lot but
actually I didn't volunteer as much as I thought because over that 2-year
period I only volunteered 38 times. It would have been more if I didn't
have the attitude that volunteering every week wasn't really the done thing so
I did skip quite a few weeks, sometimes due to races as well and others
where I was running parkrun which I only did 16 times over the 2 years.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">But the thing is back then you
did get people like today who volunteered a lot. But the general rule of
thumb was to volunteer 3 times a year. And if everyone did that then Run
Directors wouldn't have a problem getting volunteers every week.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">I was also always a very last-minute
volunteer in those days. I'm not sure why but usually if an email came out on
the Friday, the day before the event, I would volunteer then rather than
nowadays where I usually volunteer a week in advance. On top of that I
would do any task and would more often than not be found token sorting in the
cafe. Token sorting is something I have always found fun. Mainly
because I like having something to do when socialising.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;"><b><u>August 2014 to early 2017</u></b></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">I took an extended break from
running from June 2011 to August 2014. There were points I tried to get
back into it but those attempts were short lived. I had put on weight
which is something I am still to this day not succeeded in shifting. But in
August 2014 my running journey started up again and I decided to make running
parkruns more regular to get fitter. This meant putting the volunteering
on the back foot. But that wasn't the only reason I didn't volunteer as
much. My shaking had also got worse which my doctor had said is because
of the medication I was on. So, that made me a bit embarrassed to
volunteer having gone from being able to do everything to having to say I can't do this job or this job. Things like barcode scanning, timing and
finish tokens do require a steady hand and I just didn't have that anymore.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">I still did volunteer sometimes
though once I had got some of my confidence up. One time I think they put
me on finish tokens accidently and I did it anyway. I managed but I did
find it difficult with the shaking. In that 3 year period between 2014
and early 2017 I probably only volunteered about 7 times. The thing is you
would have thought the number of parkruns I would have been a lot. But
especially in 2016 where I was trying to up the distance, I only did 26 that
year. Then I did 35 in 2015. But most important thing about this
period was that I was into running again, a lot more than before.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;"><b><u>2017-2019</u></b></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">In about April 2017 I
volunteered at Rouken Glen junior parkrun for the first time. I had
previously visited in November 2016 with my brother and niece as I ran round
with my niece marking her first parkrun. I can't remember why I
volunteered that day, but I went back time and time again. In fact, it
became part of my Sunday routine. The thing is like when I started
volunteering at Pollok, I didn't know anyone. But week by week, you
gradually get to know more and more people.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">In October 2017 I went on the
Rouken Glen night out to celebrate their first birthday. This is where I
was asked to become a member of the core team. A team I am still a member of to
this day. Meanwhile in parkrun 5k land I wasn't volunteering that much
still and, in my head, because I was volunteering a lot at the juniors I didn't
need to volunteer at the 5ks that much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhere
during this time the tail walker job began to become unpopular due to generally
their being at least one kid crying at the back and eventually having to drop out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I started doing it and all of a sudden
they started to give me the job on a regular basis. To be honest I didn’t
really mind the crying kids, obviously I’d rather see them happy but I usually
their parents would be their to deal with them so all I had to do was ask the
question of whether they were continuing or not.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><u><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">2019 to present</span></u></b></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">In 2019 I began touring a lot
more and I think by the time October came around I had only volunteered at a 5k
once and that was Drumchapel in June. I was still volunteering at Rouken
glen a lot though. In October though I did think I should be volunteering
a bit more at 5ks and when I did go back and volunteer at Pollok it was noticed
that I hadn't volunteered there for quite a while. So, I decided that really,
I should be volunteering at 5ks once a month and that would be a good
ratio. Queen's parkrun didn't start long after this and for a time I
couldn't decide which would be my home run, Queen's or Pollok before settling
on Queen's. Mainly because it's closer to my flat. I still try and
keep up my volunteering at Queen’s to this day.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;"><b><u>Thoughts</u></b></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">It's very difficult to know how
much you should volunteer. Mainly because some people don't run parkrun as much
as others. Some say, every 10 runs, some say every 20, 30. Some still say
3 times a year. Some say only when you feel comfortable. Then
there's the argument about volunteering where you can still run. Does that still
count? I.e. token sorting, pre-event setup, first timers briefing. Should you
be giving up your run? Is it really giving up your run when it is so rewarding?</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">I don't have the answer. All I
know is that when I do run my home run, I know I will know at least some else
running. And when I am running round, more often than not I will know many of
the volunteers. There is no way I would know nearly as many people in the
running community if it wasn't for volunteering at parkrun. It is environment
which makes socialising and meeting new people easy. </span></div>
<br /><p></p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-11101654172408044062022-06-04T06:48:00.001-07:002022-06-04T06:48:13.686-07:00May update<p> Bit of a different update this month. It started off ok then fell off the rails.</p><p>7th May - For the first parkrun of the month I was volunteering at Queen's as number checker. Really enjoyed it. Mainly hanging out with the timekeepers for the day Tim and Derek and it was great.</p><p>14th May - My sole parkrun actually running of the month was back at Queen's. Had my usual walking breaks and plodded round in 33.41. Quite a few people I knew were there so got chatting to them before and after. Craig, Jo, Lisa and Kirstin. They were all way ahead of me for most of the run but I did catch Lisa just before the last hill. But on the final downhill she went for it and I couldn't actually go any faster (or I can say I let her win lol.)</p><p>21st May - I had the day off on the Friday to head down to Stranraer by train and had a hotel booked not too far from the start. I left at 1pm got the train in to towm. Then I headed for Ayr where I had to change. But that was to be the turning point, literally. I got to Ayr at 3pm and saw my connection was cancelled and the next one wasn't till 5.30. I was considering turning round then and heading back. But I thought if I turned back I would end up getting in at 6 and I would still get to Stranraer at 7 so not that much difference. So I found a Costa, told the hotel to put my dinner reservation back to 7.30. Then at 5pm I headed for the station. Only to find that the 5.30 Stranraer train had disappeared from the board. And it was only going to Girvan. Then the final train of the day was also cancelled. So I had no choice but to cancel the hotel, turn round and go home. I couldn't really believe it. I have nearly missed parkrun starts by a fraction before but have always completed them. It took me off guard and the next day I ended up not going to parkrun. I had already decided not to do juniors that week either just to give myself a day off.</p><p>With the problems with the trains looking set to continue it has put me in two minds whether to continue the challenge of trying to tick off all the parkruns in Scotland. Half of me thinks this may just be bad luck. The other half thinks maybe I need a new challenge that doesn't rely on public transport. Even trying to go sub 30 at Queen's.</p><p>28th May - This one I was thinking of running somewhere but Richie, one of the run directors at Queen's, said he was going travelling and this would be his last RD stint at Queen's for quite a while. So I stepped up to volunteer. Then Thursday came and about half way through the morning I had to log off as I was feeling unwell and unforetuaneltey had to miss all parkrun activity that weekend.</p><p>So, not the best of months but still need to document to see where I can learn and improve. I'll get to Stranraer one day lol.</p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-4451586060449024082022-04-30T05:35:00.000-07:002022-04-30T05:35:42.306-07:00April parkrun update<p> 2nd April - Today I was volunteering at Quuen's where I was marshaling. There are 9 marshaling points at Queen's and I think I've now volunteered at 6 of the points which includes the new point I did today. This one is arguably the best one as it's at the highest point of the course and everyone is relieved to see you as it means once they reach me they get a big section of downhill/flat part.</p><p>9th April - I headed up to Inverurie in Aberdeenshire for Ury Riverside parkrun. This was the last Aberdeenshire parkrun I had to complete to knock off all 6 in the region. It's one of those ones I had booked on various occasions but never made it. I stayed in Inverurie on Friday night, so in the morning it was less than a 10 minute walk to the start, or so I thought. I met Allen, a fellow tourist in the car park and had a good chat before he went with his kids on a warm up. Then I realised the start was not where the finish was so had to walk about 400 metre to get to the start. It's about 1 and a half small loops then one big loop. And it's really flat. I had a good run but did find I was out on my own for some of the big lap as it was so spread out and it was quite low numbers. But it was my first sub 30 of the year coming in at 29.29 which I was pleased about.</p><p>16th April - I was back at Queen's this time to run it, or should I say attempt to run it. I don't remember a lot about the run but I do remember I had to walk most of the hills and I think my time reflects that as I came in at 35.52.</p><p>23rd April. I had it in my mind to get a hotel in Edinburgh on Friday and do Meadowmill parkrun. But when my parents came over for tea on the Thursday they suggested looking up hotels for Kelso which we had planned to do for a while. They were happy to help me with this one as it's not really straight forward to get to by public transport from Glasgow. Hotels were a bit pricey for all of us so in the end my Dad offered to drive us down in the morning which worked out well and saved us all a bit. They recommend parking in the Sainsburys car park but my Dad dropped my mum and I off at the entrance to the path then he went and parked the car in the car park as it's a bit of a walk.</p><p>So once we had walked up the path to the start area we had a chat to the run director and a few of the volunteers. The course itself starts off downhill, on quite a narrow path but it widens out and flattens out once you get on the disused railway line. Although you do need to watch your footing on the terrain as I imagine it's quite easy to roll your ankle. I had an ok run. Managed to run most of it and was overtaking quite a bit on the way back. I did have to walk for about 30 seconds after 4k and the uphill finish is tough and came in at 31.00. But it's a good parkrun and it's great that there is a parkrun in Kelso given it's quite far to the nearest one for them.</p><p>30th April - Once I found out it was one of the run director's from Rouken glen's 300th today, it was an easy choice for a change on what parkrun to do. And the chosen parkrun for Pauline was Pollok which is her regular. Good turn out from the core team too. I had my best run for a hilly course this year as I managed the whole course without stopping coming in at 32.01</p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-33578251758130969182022-04-02T06:22:00.001-07:002022-04-02T06:22:13.062-07:00March parkrun update<p> March was my worst running month in a while. Mainly due to a lack of midweek runs and my health not being 100% especially toward the tail end of the month. But on the positive side thing I did make my presence felt at all parkrun opportunities available.</p><p>5/3 - On the first Saturday I volunteered as a marshal at Queen's. This was actually my first 5k volunteering since December last year. Due to Queen's being cancelled for the one I had my name for in Jaunary. Then in February I wanted to get my 250th out the way and then had plans to go further a field.</p><p>12/3 - After talking to one of the run directors at Queen's the previous week, Richie. He was keen to do some touristing this week and fancied some company so I happily obliged. We decided on Kirkcaldy as we both hadn't done that before. Catelyn who was also volunteering the previous week at Queen's came along too so it was like a proper road trip. To be honest I was delighted by the whole arrangement. As I don't drive long distances, particuarly motorways, I would have to do overnights even to go to parkruns in Edinburgh. So having company and getting my own bed to sleep in really was a win win.</p><p>So we drove through to Kirkcaldy and arrived in plenty of time for Richie to do a good warm up. While Catelyn and myself met up with Rob and Anne who conincidently chose today to get their K for the alphabet challenge. I enjoyed the run and it was the first time this year I had managed to run a parkrun without stopping. It's a nice two loop course with a fair bit of a hill to run up each lap, then you have a nice diversion round the pond on the second lap to make up the distance. Finished in 30.32 which is my fastest time this year.</p><p>19/3 - Today I was back at Queen's and this time running. Not a great run as had to walk the hills from the 2nd lap. But at Queen's now I kind of go in expecting that I'm going to have to walk bits so no big deal. Didn't feel that fit today and finished in 34 minutes, which is only 3 and half minutes off my PB for the course so still doing not too bad.</p><p>26/3 - Unexpected visit to Springburn today as Richie texted me the day before saying Stuart who is another Run Director at Queen's and who I know well and him were heading to Springburn. I was happy to tag along having not been there in years. It was very busy, well compared to how I remembered Springburn. It's a nice rolling course and can be fast. But due to my lack of running in the previous weeks it showed and I came in just under 32 minutes. 2 minutes faster than Queen's the previous week mind. Stuart and Richie had great runs and all in all another great wee road trip.</p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-28309015266537157992022-03-05T03:49:00.003-08:002022-03-05T03:49:27.835-08:00February parkrun update<p></p><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> For February this was a pretty eventful month parkrun wise.
Going into the month I was on 248 parkruns so I was determined to get to 250 as
soon as I could. Especially because you don't know if cancellations are going
to hit given the unpredictable weather this time of year. I also had a
planned trip to Inverness at the end of the month, so I knew I needed to do 2
out 3 runs to get to 250 before I went to Inverness. Usually, I would try and
volunteer at a 5k once a month but due to the various factors that it wasn't
really plausible.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">5th Feb - For parkrun 249 I was back at Queen's. This was my worst
Queen's run in quite a while as I had to start walking the hills on the 3rd
hill of the first lap, then walk all the hills on the 2nd and 3rd lap. I
say worse but I don't beat myself up about it. I think it was being
slightly out of practice with hills having missed the previous Saturday. My
time on my watch was around 35 minutes but when I got my result it was at the
higher end of 33 minutes. No point in giving the director extra work in this
instance though as no PB and averages out when I got a time higher than
expected last month.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">12th Feb - Then suddenly it was my 250th parkrun. People celebrate
milestones in different ways. Some make it public, inviting lots of people,
having cake etc. Others just keep it quiet and just treat it like another
run. Both ways both perfectly acceptable. I ended up being the
latter. While I do know a lot more people at parkrun now that I could
have said to, I just didn't really fancy the attention. (well till afterwards
lol). But my Mum and Dad knew about it as we'd been counting down for
months so they came along and my Dad told the run director who is a fellow
Stuart who I know well so I got a shout out at the start. I also was
quite indecisive as to whether to do Queen's or Pollok. Obviously, I
started at Pollok and spent a lot of time there but more recently I have been
at Queen's a lot more. In the end I opted for Queen's. That's the
thing though. as I know quite a lot of folks now, there is always someone you
know when you turn up to Queen's or Pollok and that happened today too. With
the likes of Ian, Rodger, Jennifer, Martin and I'm sure there were others too.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">In terms of the run itself I dipped just below the 33-minute mark, a
good 2 minutes faster than the previous week. This time I didn't start walking
bits of the hills till the second hill on the 2nd lap so gradually getting
better again. Then on the Sunday at Juniors word got around about my
250th and got a shout out from Finola who I run with on a Wednesday quite often
and was run director. And got cake in the cafe after which was very
nice. So, all in all a very enjoyable couple of days.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">19th Feb - I can't really remember what I was planning to do for this
one originally, but I got text on the Monday from my Dad saying he had tested
positive for covid which meant I had to do a test every day for 10 days. I know
I wasn't planning to do any trips anyway but meant I couldn't commit to
volunteering either on the Saturday or Sunday. But I did test negative
all week, so I was good to go to Queen's on the Saturday. This run I
paced it a bit better and ran slightly faster than my 250 and only had to walk
a bit of the last hill on the 3rd lap.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">26th Feb - My Dad's isolation period finished with a few days to spare
before our trip up to Inverness. I had done Inverness parkrun a few years
back, but they moved location of the parkrun to a purpose-built course last
year and changed the name of it to Torvean parkrun. This meant that it is
basically a new parkrun and event count started at 0. I really liked the
course. It was basically two horseshoes linked together. One outer horseshoe
and one inner horseshoe which you alter between. So, you end up doing the
inner one 3 times and the outer one 2 times. It was quite windy at points
making it quite hard and the outer loop had some short steep hills. One of
which had an escape route for buggies to go round it. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I had to walk bits of this but generally it was a good run and good to
be on the tourist trail again. I was just over 32 minutes for this one
although the actual result is over 33 minutes. Again, not impacting my
PBs so no problem there.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Overall though a great month. I now have my 250 t-shirt, 250 pin badge
and 250 barcode strap. Very proud of what I have achieved.</span></span></div>
<br /><p></p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-90030433764915382362022-01-30T07:51:00.001-08:002022-01-30T07:51:07.404-08:00January update<p> January has been a very mixed month for parkrunning. It was a five parkrun month and I had planned on 4 runs and one volunteer on the Saturday's and came out with 3 runs and 0 volunteers.</p><p>1st January - New Year's day was a bit different this year and I not talking about the fact that parkrun was actually on this year as covid stopped it going ahead in 2021. But the other difference was that you can no longer do 2 parkruns on New Year's day. This was always fun but obviously meant events were a lot busier so probably wise decision. I decided on Pollok as Queen's weren't running an event. The great thing about New years day is you get to see folk who wouldn't usually be at parkrun so it was good catching up with a few Giffnock North folk as well as various other faces from the Pollok parkrun world. For the run itself I wasn't having the best of days and had to have a fair amount of walk breaks finishing in 35.27. The thing is though it set the bar nice and low for my seasons best so better things were to come.</p><p>8th January - On this day I was down to marshal at Queen's but unfortunately it got called off due to ice. I was actually quite relived as I had a bad night sleep on Thursday night and really needed a weekend to recouperate. Tollcross was on but I decided just to go back to my bed instead and catch up on some sleep.</p><p>15th January - This would be my first visit to Queen's of the year but this time I would be running it. After the first lap, just turning the corner up the first hill after the long flat section I actually got lapped which I was quite surprised about. Usually this happens on my second lap but not quite that early and I hadn't had a bad first lap. But the second lap I started walking the hills which I don't often do, then the 3rd lap was the same. I was quite surprised to look my watch at the end to see 32.06 as I thought the walking would make me slower than that. So that was a nice boost. When I got my actual result it was actually 32.46. They did put up a post saying if your time was wildly out to contact them but for me it wasn't PB territory and 40 seconds isn't wildly out so I was happy to keep it as it is. Plus the next week I knew I could comeback and have a bigger improvement.</p><p>22nd January - And that is exactly what happened. On this run I didn't get lapped till the top of the second hill on the second lap. And I didn't start walking till the 3rd hill on the 3rd lap. In general I just felt better all the way round and ended up finishing in 31.21</p><p>29th January - This was the 3rd Saturday of the winter which the weather was to make its impact on parkruns in Scotland. 38 got cancelled. Mostly in the east as their was amber warning for wind there but there was still a yellow warning in the west. Meaning the likes of Ruchill and Linwood both called off as well as various coastal ones. I was all over facebook in the morning waiting to see if there was going to be news and Queen's did post saying they were on but may have to cancel last minute. So I headed to Queen's and parked up. As I waited the wind was absolutley wild and I did question myself doing this. In fact at 9.15 I just drove off and back home. Quite unusual for me to do this but and the run did go ahead fine. Great to know in hindsight but I just didn't feel comfortable at the time so know I made the right decision.</p><p>Overall not the perfect start to the year but I still got out a fair bit. In fact i ran 44 miles this month which means I am on course for my 500 mile annual target.</p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-44196162294592008232021-12-30T03:07:00.000-08:002021-12-30T03:07:05.067-08:002022 plans<p> For 2022 my plan is to have another parkrun year. Here are the aims:</p><p><b><u>Milage</u></b></p><p>This year aiming for 500 miles for the first time in a long time. This works out at 41 miles per month or just over 10 miles per week.</p><p><b><u>Not parkruns</u></b></p><p>I will still keep recording these when I do 5ks outside actual parkruns but no aims.</p><p><b><u>parkrun events</u></b></p><p>This is a tricky one as I have 15 events left to do in Scotland but it has been ages since a new event in Scotland started. So I think it could be a year where a lot start and I have certainly heard of quite a few in the works. I think a more realistic target would be to reach 60 different Scottish events and anything above that is a bonus.</p><p><b><u>No of parkruns</u></b></p><p>In total I finished last year on 245 parkruns so all being well I should hit 250 in early February.</p><p><b><u>Time</u></b></p><p>Usual target of trying to get under 30 minutes as much as possible. Particulary at Queen's where I haven't done it yet. </p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-76180660526060338352021-12-29T06:24:00.005-08:002021-12-29T08:11:04.081-08:002021 Summary<p> I realised I have not posted in a few months and all of a sudden its the 29th December. So time to look back on the year.</p><p><b><u>Not parkruns</u></b></p><p>Not parkruns are still a thing and even though parkrun came back in July I have still been doing them throughout the year. Not to the same degree though as 2020 where I did 100 not parkruns in 6 months. One of the reasons for this is that a lot of those 100 were walks and I when I have been going for walks I haven't been doing 3 miles. Also when going out for runs with the Wednesday gang, if it wasn't bang on 3.1 miles I would just not bother recording as a not parkrun. Nevertheless I still did 81 thoughout the year meaning I am now on 181 not parkruns total.</p><p><b><u>Total Miles</u></b></p><p>This year I managed 468 miles which is the most I have managed in a year since 2016 where I did 472 miles. So the second highest total milage since I joined Strava.</p><p><b><u>parkruns</u></b></p><p>This year I managed 18 live events, broken down as follows</p><p>8 x Queen's (inc 2 tailwalks, fastest 30.48, slowest 31.58)</p><p>1x Pollok</p><p>1 x Tollcross</p><p>Then the new events, 2 in England </p><p>Preston</p><p>Pontefract</p><p>6 new ones in Scotland taking my total Scottish events tally upto 44 Scottish events done and 54 overall</p><p>University of Stirling</p><p>Montrose</p><p>Faskally Forest</p><p>Polkemment</p><p>Levengrove</p><p>Perth</p><p>Out of the 6 new ones I did 4 were under 30, Levengrove was just over 30 by seconds. Then Faskally was a chatty 33 minutes.</p><p><b><u>Average parkrun time</u></b></p><p>I decided to just do the parkrun live events for average parkrun time this year. So pleased that this is my 2nd fastest average year on record, especially with all those runs at Queen's.</p><p>2017 - 31.04 (35 runs)</p><p>2018 - 31.52 (46 runs)</p><p>2019 - 30.33 (44 runs)</p><p>2020 - 31.40 (64 runs)</p><p>2021 - 30.59 (16 runs)</p><p><b><u>Gernerally speaking</u></b></p><p>In general, I have been pretty happy with my running this year. I have been a lot more consistent at getting out 3 times a week. One of the reasons for that is running with the Wednesday night gang and also had my brother to run with on Monday nights for part of the year. Also delighted parkrun is back and fingers crossed next year that it stay's back. </p><p>Plans for next year in the next post.</p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-38002709200495513482021-09-26T07:20:00.000-07:002021-09-26T07:20:00.076-07:00parkrun update for September<p> 4/9/21 - First up was my home run Queen's. I didn't really know what I was aiming for today but started off at a decent pace considering the course. I managed the first 2 laps ok but duing the 2nd and 3rd hill of the final lap I had to take some walk breaks so maybe didn't pace it as well as I could. I was yo yoing with folk quite a lot for the whole thing as people would fly past me on the downhill and I would catch up on the ups barring the last lap. On the final downhill I let go a bit and actually felt pretty comfortable which made me think I might have been braking too much going down the hill on the first couple of laps. I finished in a time of 30.48 which is nearly a minute off my PB at Queen's. So pleased with that.</p><p>11/9/21 - Today was my volunteering for the month and I was given tailwalker so got a run credit too. Two ladies were at the back who didn't come together. I always try and work out whether they want to chat or not when I'm tailwalking. While they didn't run it completley running together all the time. They did chat on occasion. So I joined in and chatted with either or both of them most of the way round. From memory one was from Hereford and the other Penrith area. Although they were at the back, both didn't walk once so was actually quite a quick tail walk at just over 42 minutes.</p><p>18/9/21 - Today I wasn't really sure where I was going till quite late. A few folk from the Wednesday group were heading to Stranraer to do a 10 mile trail race. In the middle of the week they found out the start time had been made later so they realised they could do the parkrun too. But by the time I got round to looking into it, all the hotel rooms had gone. So I then looked at Perth but again the Premier Inn there had no rooms left. So I then looked at Stirling and the Travelodge had rooms so I booked up there. It was about 2 mile walk to the start and when I got there a bus was pulling up which made me realise I should have investigated that option. I remembered the previous day that my gig buddy Craig was always talking about doing a parkrun so I put a message on the gig chat seeing if anyone fancied it. And Craig was up for it since he lives in Stirling so we met up at the start and I explained the ins and outs of parkrun. We then went to the first timers briefing followed by the actual briefing and we were off.</p><p>As expected Craig went off ahead and I settled into a decent pace. Its slightly undulating but generally flat, 2 loop course round a lake. There are points going round you think you are further on than you are due to the shape of the lake and this messed with my head a bit. But its a really nice course. On the second loop I did have to walk bits but was still inside 30 minutes at the finish coming in at 28.37. Craig was about 25 minutes.</p><p>25/9 - Today's run was in Pitlochery on the north side of the town in Faskally forest with the Wednesday social crew. I stayed in the southern end of Pitlochry as I think due to September weekend a lot of the hotels had sold out. But the hotel I did stay at was very nice. Blythe offered to give me a lift in the morning to save the 2 mile walk to the start. When we got there, there was lots of recognisable faces at this relatively new parkrun event as it was their 9th one. We found the start and you could see instantly the course started with quite a hill. I had heard it was a tough course so I just planned to take it easy today. When we started Kirstin had obviously decided the same and we spent the parkrun chatting all the way round. It is a really nice setting for a parkrun in the forest with all the lakes and its all trails. Yes the course is tough if you "go for it" as the hills are steep but if you just jog round its an enjoyable experience. Still managed 33 minutes and its nice to have a long downhill to finish. Although I still felt fresh at the finish. I have to say it does take a few minutes to get my breath back at the top of each hill. Afterwards we headed to Pitlochery golf club for a roll before I headed back on the train.</p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-79425977510061132312021-08-28T06:23:00.003-07:002021-08-28T06:23:27.495-07:00The return of parkrun! End of July, August update<p></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Yes, finally! After 18 months
parkrun is back, and it feels great. Parkrun in England started up 3
weeks before Scotland on the 24th of July. I was very tempted to go down and
knew some folk from Scotland were making the trip down, but I was a bit
concerned they’re maybe a reaction to folk travelling south for parkruns so I
thought I would wait to see what the reaction was like and if it was fine or
not. </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">31st July - Preston parkrun</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">As it happens there was no
negative reaction that I could tell so I booked up a hotel in Preston and
headed down on the train on Friday night which just took a couple of
hours. Preston parkrun is right in the middle of the town beside the
river and was only 20-minute walk from my hotel, so it worked out well.
The course is 3 laps, starting off going along beside the river then turning up
a steep hill. then you have a long gradual downhill which runs parallel to the
river, just further away from it before heading down towards the river
again. The steep uphill really slows you down but because of the long,
gradual downhills I wouldn't call it a slow course and I managed to get sub 30
on my return to parkrun with a 29.15.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">7th August - Pontefract parkrun</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">I was on holiday with my
parents in the run up to this one down in Harrogate for the week and it
finished on the Friday. So, we booked a Premier in, in Pontefract. Mainly
because it was cheap, and the parkrun was handy for heading home. Another
nice course. It goes in a small lap of the lake to start off which was about
half a mile. Then a big lap going on a forest track type road which runs
inside the racecourse. Then another small lap of the lake to
finish. It was quite busy initially but spread out after about half a lap
of the lake. I got a bit carried away on this one and my second mile was
around 8.30. There are a few hills on the racecourse and the one coming
back towards the lake really caught me out. Before I reached the lake again,
I did take a short walking break just to give myself a breather. And then
continued round the lake to finish in 28.44.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">14th August - Queens parkrun</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">This was the return of parkrun
in Scotland where I spent the morning marshalling at my local parkrun,
Queens. It was great morning and good to see folk I hadn't seen in a long
time.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">21st August - Montrose parkrun</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">I decided to get back trying to
get round the Scottish parkruns so headed up to Montrose. My hotel was
about a 20-minute walk from the start which was ideal. I got chatting to
a few folks who are setting up the new Arbroath parkrun, as well as a chap Bob
whose home run is Victoria. The course is very flat as you go up an old
air strip before going in a loop which is almost a square. It's weird I
kept on getting a bit disorientated about where I was on the loop due to the gradual
turns. I kept thinking it was going to be the last one before returning
to the air strip and eventually of course it was. I pushed it quite a bit
on this one and paced it pretty well finishing in 28.20.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">28th August - Queens parkrun</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">I actually booked off a half
day holiday to head up to Aberdeen on the Friday for Ury Riverside but I ended
up not booking anything as with the rising covid cases in Scotland it didn't
seem like the best idea especially travelling on public transport. So, I
decided to do my home run Queen's today. I got there about 9.20 and there
were very few people about but then Joe appeared, and I got chatting to him as
more and more people appeared. Once it started Kirstin who I run with quite
often on a Wednesday popped up, so we spent the run chatting all the way
round. I was a bit concerned about the hills today as I haven't really
done any hilly runs in a while (well none like Queen's park) but I think we
paced it well and ended up only about 20 seconds off my course best with 31.58.
Would love to get below 30 here which is my goal now.</span></span></div>
<br /><p></p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-39531159055756948792021-07-10T06:55:00.000-07:002021-07-10T06:55:01.549-07:00May, June and a little bit of July update<p></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> So, April was my last
update. I missed out May's update as I wasn't really that encouraged by
my running during May as I missed a few runs. 2 Saturday runs in
fact. I was always looking forward to these runs during the week but when
it came to Saturday, I just never felt great when I woke up. In June
things improved on Saturdays and I got out every Saturday bar 1. But
Monday and Wednesday runs have been good. On Monday's I have been running with
my brother quite a lot. Making up new routes each week. On these runs we
are running the whole way and slowly getting quicker. With the last one we did
together being under 30 minutes.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Meanwhile the gang I run with
Wednesday's is much more of a social run. Where they intensity of the run
can vary depending on who shows up but generally about 30-33 minutes for a 5k
so it suits me. We do stop more to chat and if in Pollok park watch the
cows. These kind of runs suit me after work as Wednesdays at work I can go
through periods where I working from home and not speaking to anyone so it’s
good to get that chat at night. <br /></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Now that June has come and gone,
I can tell you that I have done around 220 miles for the first half of the
year. I don’t think I reached 400 miles for the year in 2020. In 2019 I
did but in 2017 and 2018 I was in the 300 mile range. So, it would be good
if I can keep this going and get over 400 again this year.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">In July I have started to
increase the distance a bit, doing a few 5 milers and a 10k. All very easy. I
have half an eye on doing the Great Scottish run in October. But I reckon
it will depend on when parkruns start back up as I imagine I'll be more drawn
to them if I do. Currently England parkruns are due to start up on 24th
of July and Scotland on the 14th August. But who knows.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">In the meantime I'll just keep
trying to keep with my 3 runs a week and maybe even try and stretch it to 4.</span></span></div>
<br /><p></p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-22783751291134001402021-05-03T05:00:00.004-07:002021-05-03T05:00:39.804-07:00April Update<p><u> What I said I would do last month</u></p><p>I hoped to get up to running a 10k by the end of this month</p><p><u>What I actually did</u></p><p>Well I didn't make it to 6 miles. In fact all bar 1 of my runs were roughly 5k. This wasn't planned its just I never really felt confident enough to take it to 4 miles this month despite not missing a run. I have been getting in a good routine of running 3 times a week. And also the last 3 Wednesday's I have been running with a group of folk I know from parkrun which has been good. It's been nice having company on the run which is something I haven't really done for a long time.</p><p><u>What I plan to do </u></p><p>Hopefully this month I can up the distance a bit. But if not it is important for me just to keep getting out there and at least doing something.</p>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729551059699005152.post-1223655212346749922021-04-02T05:39:00.011-07:002021-04-02T05:39:55.011-07:00March update<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><u><span style="color: black;"> What I said I would do</span></u></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><u><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></u><span style="color: black;">The aim this month was to try
and increase my runs to 6 miles.<br /></span><u><span style="color: black;">What I actually did</span></u></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><u><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></u><span style="color: black;">Well, it didn't go to plan and
although it wasn't the best month it certainly wasn't the worst either. I
did get out for 3, 4 1/2 milers in the first 2 weeks of the month alongside
some shorter runs. I wasn't planning to do the shorter runs and hoped to
do 4 1/2 milers, but I was either in the wrong frame of mind or just wasn't
happening.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">Then in the third week I got my
first dose of the vaccine which I was surprised to get but reassuring at the
same time. The volunteer who did it told me to take paracetamol that
night which pretty much prepared me for being ill. So I took it easy and missed
out on a couple of runs for the next few days. I would say I had mild flu
symptoms. Not enough to miss work but enough to miss runs as I felt slightly lightheaded
at times. </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">After that I gradually built
things up again and now back up to doing 5ks again. While my times are
slower now, I am not really trying that hard. I'm just enjoying running easy
and having plenty left in the tank when I finish.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">So overall despite all the dips
this month I only missed out on 3 runs and completed 11.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><u><span style="color: black;">Where’s my head at and a
look ahead</span></u></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><u><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></u><span style="color: black;">I know last month I talked
about races and various distances I wanted to aim for. Right now, I am just
enjoying the fact that running does lift me out of bad days and down
periods. I still think about doing marathons again from time to time, but
those thoughts only really last a few days at a time till I remember what an undertaking
they are. A half marathon seems more achievable, but I reckon when
parkruns start up I might just slip into 5k mode again. </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">But in terms of what I want to
do for April, hopefully I'll manage to get up to 6 mile runs by the end of the
month.</span></div>
Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649822926490891476noreply@blogger.com0