Date: 25th September 2007
Location: Haytor upper car park
Weather: BRRRR
I remembered my shoes, I remembered my head torch. I forgot my thermal underwear, scarves, hat and gloves and I forgot to keep my hand down when Grasshopper asked for a volunteer to do the words. I think it must have been down to the freezing wind blowing through my ears and affecting my brain. Who knows anyway that's what happened before we'd even started running and i'd just sorted with Maverick and Hatrack that I was going to be sticking with them tonight in my apprenticeship of the Shortcut masters.
We had arrived in the car park and sat inside waiting until Leaking Boots decided to get out and leave all the doors open to let us freeze inside. I ventured out to sign out and then we were called to order by Rick O'Shea. We stood about shivering and quivering like flies that had landed on one of those sunflowers that you can stick to your windows to kill them. I prefer the long sticky things that hang down and get caught up in people's hair and faces but that's a completely different story all together.
Where was I , oh yes we all stood there shivering and hopping up and down, all that is except Starsky who was well equipped for the cold and had even brought his brolly in case it rained! Several virgins were introduced very quickly as they were starting to turn blue at this point I think. Grasshopper told us about the two long/short splits and the regroup in shelter. We set off heading towards Haytor Rock and Vindaloo passed me saying Haytor Heller. I had to grin as i'd been thinking the same thing myself, only this time running up the hill didn't seem half as arduous. Am I really getting fitter or is it just that I've been tucking into my go faster juice too much. I did have to give in and walk as we got closer to the top and although i'd not seen any flour I was informed that indeed we were on the right track. No Rush rushed downhill in hot pursuit of Callum shouting that they were supposed to be going uphill not down. I watched as most of the hash started to disappear over the top out of sight then Grasshopper bellowed from down below and to the left that it was On On over there. Dolittle and I shouted and hollered but nobody could hear with the driving wind so we gave up and headed after the hare, safer that way. We set off downhill with Sweep being knocked over by the Doberman which was careering about. She was alright though thankfully. It was at this point that I realised that there were several little groups forming in different directions all shouting On On, I headed towards the bigger of the groups and had to cut through some gorse and heather. There were shouts of "Are You?" "on on" and "where's the hare?", suddenly Grasshopper appeared and we all got back on track again. It was very pretty though seeing so many twinkly lights, put me in mind of Christmas....how many more shopping days are there now? The long/short split sent two trails of light off in different directions and for a while the shorts soldiered on, heading back towards well where we'd just come from. Wandering aimlessly looking for some inspiration we finally found some in Grasshopper as he shouted back to check, oops we missed that one, I seemed to get to the front, not sure how well maybe it was the little voice telling me to go that way...definitely not any hints from any hares i'm sure. Then round we ran and up into a gully, a rest from the wind, a jelly baby or two, a dog fight and a good regroup. Then it was on up to the second long/short split. Again surprisingly I found myself at the front of the pack, note to self go and buy more of that go faster juice from BIKUS! Talking of which they are now my favourite most friendly bike shop around...when I can find their details i'll get them on my links.
Right where was I? Oh yes on Haytor chewing jelly babies. Windy was up ahead and Dolittle as we headed towards Haytor rock, I thought it would soon be over, how wrong could I be, the trail went off to the left towards Haytor Down and down we went. We kept running until we came to a cross and back up the hill we went only to find that a cheeky cow had been hiding the check from us. The trail sent us round the back of the quarry then through it, Doris telling me she'd been in there swimming. It was a lovely sight with the moonlight falling on the water. Through the quarry out of the gate and back to where the cross had been, cheeky Grasshopper. I luckily spotted a blob of flour off to the right and we were soon heading back to the cars. A quick change in the cold and it was off to Ashburton and The Exeter Inn for the On Down. Alice was the RA and he awarded down downs to Sweep for her altercation with the doberman, I think the down down should have gone to the man with the dog, or the dog myself. Then Foxy Dog got one for falling last week and for it being his last hash for a while as he's off to University. Other down downs could have been awarded to Brassic for running in his trousers as he'd forgotten to bring his shorts and to Misshap for losing a shoe.
It was a great hash, very nice to see the moon and to actually see haytor this time round even though it was dark.
Till next week, On On xx
Friday, September 28, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Need a new washing machine or fridge?
Then look no further than https://www.whitebox.co.uk/Main/Home.aspx. My washing machine recently packed up, it was 15 years old bless it and had done me good service. I had a browse on the internet as I don't like shops and came across several reviews for a particular washing machine which was a Hotpoint like my old one. I also noticed someone had recommended whitebox.co.uk as a place to get it so off I typed to whitebox.co.uk and placed an order, I had an email straight back saying my delivery times etc would be confirmed in the morning.
I had a very pleasant email back from someone called George telling me that there would be a delay on that particular model, he also gave me two suggestions for washing machine with the same or very similar specifications. I browsed the net again and chose which one and hey presto half an hour later I have a washing machine on order and to be delivered on Friday. What a pleasant way to do business. The last time I purchased white goods I had to deal with someone in a shop who really didn't have the time to be standing there discussing the pros and cons of fridge freezers versus fridges on their own. I have added whitebox to my favourites and am recommending them here. So if you need any appliances then give them a go. Such friendly, professional people and a pretty good looking bunch by the pictures on their website too!!
Thanks to whitebox and to you George and looking forward to getting my new washing machine now.......:)
I had a very pleasant email back from someone called George telling me that there would be a delay on that particular model, he also gave me two suggestions for washing machine with the same or very similar specifications. I browsed the net again and chose which one and hey presto half an hour later I have a washing machine on order and to be delivered on Friday. What a pleasant way to do business. The last time I purchased white goods I had to deal with someone in a shop who really didn't have the time to be standing there discussing the pros and cons of fridge freezers versus fridges on their own. I have added whitebox to my favourites and am recommending them here. So if you need any appliances then give them a go. Such friendly, professional people and a pretty good looking bunch by the pictures on their website too!!
Thanks to whitebox and to you George and looking forward to getting my new washing machine now.......:)
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Hypnotherapy
A few months ago I went to see a hypnotherapist, and cutting a very long story very short he has done wonders with how I am feeling today. I lost my Dad 5 days after giving birth to my first son and when my second son was born, I ended up with depression. I had several months of counselling to help me through some very low times and thought I was out the other end. I still had my low times and with sleep being a big issue I started getting quite low again. A friend recommended Chris Fleet to me and I would like to thank Chris for all his help by putting his name on my blog and letting everyone else know about him and his brilliant work.
http://www.fleethypnosis.com/
He is a very kind, caring and professional man and I feel completely safe and secure with him even though at times I am discussing very private and personal issues. I cannot recommend him highly enough. If you are thinking about having hypnotherapy then visit his website and contact him.
Thanks Chris for all your help!
http://www.fleethypnosis.com/
He is a very kind, caring and professional man and I feel completely safe and secure with him even though at times I am discussing very private and personal issues. I cannot recommend him highly enough. If you are thinking about having hypnotherapy then visit his website and contact him.
Thanks Chris for all your help!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Newton Abbot Gymnastics Club in their bid to secure new premises
Newton Abbot Gymnastics Club in their bid to secure new premises
Newton Abbot Gymnastics Club (Somersaults) have been trying for the past year to get the premises which were formerly the Indoor Bowling Club in Kingsteignton. The bowling club got into financial difficulty and they originally said they would take on half of the property to help the Bowling Club continue. As I understand the situation at the moment, Teignbridge District Council have put this building on the market either to sell or lease. The land itself belongs to the Race Course and Teignbridge District Council bought the lease and used public money to build the premises which were to be used for the community in a sport capacity.
Newton Abbot Gymnastics Club is used by children from the age of approximately 18months upwards. There are 450 members of the club and 500 more children on the waiting list. If they are successful in securing the new premises then those 500 children would be able to become members and join in.
I am a parent of two children who use the gym, they are aged nearly 2 and 3. We go every week and they love the activities which range from climbing, swinging and jumping. There is also an educational aspect brought into the gym session with children being taught numbers and colours. The gym has a very positive feel about it and both my children love going there. At the moment the car parking isn't particularly good and the new premises would also mean that the car parking problems would be resolved.
Please go to the petition and sign it to help them in their bid, it won't take long and you are under no obligation to buy anything or give any money, they just need signatures to take to the Teignbridge District Council to show that the community want the premises to stay as community premises and not to be sold to someone to build offices, or to be opened up as a bingo hall or even worse a casino?
Children tend to get a raw deal in this world with not being able to play outside as it's not safe. There is lots of publicity about the increase in obesity and facilities like Newton Abbot Gymnastics allow children the chance to exercise, learn about their bodies, socialise with other children and who knows they may even go on to win in the Olympics.
I know which use I'd rather have the building go to and i've already signed the petition. PLEASE
do your bit and help too.
many thanks for taking the time to read this, all the opinions expressed here are my own and are not the opinions of anyone else.
Newton Abbot Gymnastics Club (Somersaults) have been trying for the past year to get the premises which were formerly the Indoor Bowling Club in Kingsteignton. The bowling club got into financial difficulty and they originally said they would take on half of the property to help the Bowling Club continue. As I understand the situation at the moment, Teignbridge District Council have put this building on the market either to sell or lease. The land itself belongs to the Race Course and Teignbridge District Council bought the lease and used public money to build the premises which were to be used for the community in a sport capacity.
Newton Abbot Gymnastics Club is used by children from the age of approximately 18months upwards. There are 450 members of the club and 500 more children on the waiting list. If they are successful in securing the new premises then those 500 children would be able to become members and join in.
I am a parent of two children who use the gym, they are aged nearly 2 and 3. We go every week and they love the activities which range from climbing, swinging and jumping. There is also an educational aspect brought into the gym session with children being taught numbers and colours. The gym has a very positive feel about it and both my children love going there. At the moment the car parking isn't particularly good and the new premises would also mean that the car parking problems would be resolved.
Please go to the petition and sign it to help them in their bid, it won't take long and you are under no obligation to buy anything or give any money, they just need signatures to take to the Teignbridge District Council to show that the community want the premises to stay as community premises and not to be sold to someone to build offices, or to be opened up as a bingo hall or even worse a casino?
Children tend to get a raw deal in this world with not being able to play outside as it's not safe. There is lots of publicity about the increase in obesity and facilities like Newton Abbot Gymnastics allow children the chance to exercise, learn about their bodies, socialise with other children and who knows they may even go on to win in the Olympics.
I know which use I'd rather have the building go to and i've already signed the petition. PLEASE
do your bit and help too.
many thanks for taking the time to read this, all the opinions expressed here are my own and are not the opinions of anyone else.
Monday, September 17, 2007
New Forest Half Marathon 2007
Date: Sunday 16th September 2007
Location: New Milton
weather: sunny, cool breeze thankfully....
So the day has arrived, after another sleepless night in the spider's haven of Acres Down Bunkhouse I woke to the sun shining in under the curtain and C's patter patter next door. I felt nervous and yet excited that the day had finally arrived. I pulled out my running gear from my bag and spent a few minutes deciding whether to wear the bra under my vest top or whether to risk my boobs falling out halfway round...I decided on the bra...safer that way and less embarrassing too. Then it was the big decision of how much drink to make, how many gels to carry and what to eat for breakfast. With getting Theo and Oli dressed I was running out of time so bread and butter and a banana had to suffice. I was soon ready and needing to sit on the loo for a long wee and other! Unfortunately the toilet had blocked again so we had to cross our legs until we got to New Milton. Luckily for us Four Sips was driving so we got there fairly quickly. We bade farewell to our husbands and children who looked vaguely amused and wondering. (that was just the husbands..but with TomToms, Satnavs and PDA's at the ready they were ready to find their spots to cheer us on.)
We arrived in New Milton and saw the Start and then were directed to the car park for runners which seemed like miles away from the Start. Corrr!tina was getting a tad desperate for the loo so she headed off to the portaloos while we got organised with our bags, then Four Sips forgot her water carrier so Dolittle and I were left together. I grabbed her arm and warned her not to leave me as well!! It was getting scarier. We queued in the portaloo queue and then decided to get closer to the start. Corr!Tina and Four Sips at the risk of disqualification used a hedge...TUT TUT. Dolittle and I did the decent thing and found the toilet queue in the leisure centre. Three toilets in such a huge place.....madness. Anyway we finally got there and then the tanoy announced that the half marathon was going to set off in ten minutes and we were fifteen minutes from the Start and no sign of Corr!Tina who had decided to visit the loo once more.
We jogged towards the start and lined up with lots of other people. The tension was building and we all gave each other hugs and wished each other good luck, we heard a noise and I thought it was the start and starting clapping only to find that it was the elite going off....then we were off. I watched as the others disappeared out of sight and off I went. I tried to take in the atmosphere and clapped at the steel band on the street. I was determined to run for at least the first mile without stopping and joined a couple of other women who seemed to be running at a similar pace. Then I started to go a little faster as we headed out of New Milton and towards Bashley. There were still people hanging round outside houses cheering us on and a little girl was giving out jelly babies. That was worth a detour over the road for. I made 1 mile so I decided to run for at least 3 miles.
I started running with a girl called Catherine who also had a little girl and was slightly amused that here I was running the longest run i've ever run in my life and I was having a full blown conversation with a stranger about all sorts of things. We came towards the pub the Rising Sun and I saw the fire engine and said this would be a good time to faint, you'd be rescued by the firemen, but Catherine was wise and said see what they look like first and when I decided that they weren't that good looking and i'd continue, I looked up and saw Mark, Theo and Oli and his parents and auntie and uncle over the other side of the road. As i was feeling quite fit and happy I went over and gave the boys a kiss en route. I heard Theo starting to cry as he obviously thought I should have finished the race, but I had to continue and did hear that he'd stopped. We had a few hills not too steep and we were out on moorland. Is it moorland in the New Forest? No idea well whatever it was it was looking more inviting as a toilet than anything else. I needed to have a poo, i'm sorry but this is no time to be polite about it, i needed one and I started to panic. I was wearing lycra shorts and there was no way I could do a poo on the go and get away with it, I wasn't going to do a Paula Radcliffe so I put mind over matter and told my poo that it wasn't allowed to come out for at least another 9miles, I'd reached 5 miles at this point. I tried to sing songs to get rid of the uncomfortable feeling below and starting running in a most peculiar fashion...but note I was still running!! I wanted now to run to the 6 mile mark as I was feeling ok. The poo issue seemed to get worse then at the top of the hill, across the road I saw the First Aid point, I shouted to the lady "have you got a toilet?" She hollered to the St Johns ambulance people to point me in the right direction and there were about 6 of them come rushing out of a tent just to point me to the portaloos past the caravans, past the 4x4 car and onwards. I sat on the loo and felt relief (no more information required on that score!) then I felt my legs just tingling and burning and thought i'm never going to able to get going now....I pulled my big pants up and my shorts which were all soggy with sweat by now and after taking the other half of one of my gels I set off. With St Johns people cheering me on, bless them I take back everything i've said about you and your mints!! I set off down towards the next village, don't ask me to remember what they were called. I saw flashing lights out of the corner of my eye and thought oh no it's the sweeper lorry but it wasn't it was the time keeping car for the marathon....1hr 58 minutes it said. I couldn't believe it I've taken 2 hours to do 6 miles!!! Then I remembered that the marathon had set off before us and actually I'd managed to do 6 miles faster than i'd ever done it before. With this good news under my belt and feeling much lighter I trotted merrily on my way with a nice smile for the cameraman as I went past. There were some more supporters by the pub and I gave them my cup to put in a bin, thank you kind sir whoever you were. Then it was on and upwards out of that village and then a right turn down a country lane, at least it was quieter with traffic but it was a darn sight warmer. There were more marathon runners passing me and although I had two half marathon runners in sight I wasn't gaining on them, mainly because they were walking faster than I could run! Gutted.
Up to the top then left with some lady on a horse trotting along completely ignoring everyone else. I came into Tiptoe and for some strange reason starting to run on my toes....what was that all about? I saw my family and the others up ahead and Lucy and Jack came running towards me and telling me how the others were doing. That gave me another boost but no energy left to give the boys a kiss, which Theo missed. Then it was left out of Tiptoe and onwards. I started to feel a bit low at this point and was trying all sorts of distraction techniques to keep me going, my legs weren't really hurting and my feet felt fine but I did feel that I didn't have much control over them and that they were just automatically going without my brain having any control. I spotted some conkers on the floor and thought i'd pick a couple up for the boys as a memento of my run, I put them down my shorts first but they started sliding downwards which would have been as embarrassing as not getting to the loo on time so I removed them and had a ponder about what to do with them, I was just going to throw them away when I thought about putting them down my bra, which I did then forgot all about them.
I continued on my way and came to a roundabout which was signposted to New Milton and Tina's mum and Dad were there shouting me on so that gave me another spurt of energy. Only 3 miles to go now and I hadn't stopped, well only for the loo break but apart from that i'd been running the whole way even up the hills. I started to feel quite tired at this point and thought i'll get to 11 miles then i'll have my last bit of energy gel. Then two ambulances came past with lights flashing and sirens on and my heart sank, but I thought at least i'm feeling ok in that respect, I did have a bit of a stitch but it might have just been bouncy boob pain from having to keep them squashed up in my top for so long. I was thinking about having my last gel pack when I felt something move on my waist band and just watched in desperation as the gel pack fell to the floor....NNNOOOOOO I shouted inwardly, I was too tired to turn round and get it so I tried to get my head round the fact I was running on water now. I started the run towards the industrial estates which was on a path and not on the road and thought hopefully soon i'm going to see the 12 mile mark and some more people.
Lots of marathon runners were passing me at this point and I tried to pick up my pace but my feet felt very heavy and when I had to come out onto the road and get into the coned area I was feeling very tired. I had a slug of water and started concentrating on getting to the finish line without walking. People were cheering me on and telling me it wasn't far but I couldn't see the finish and didn't want to run faster in case it was miles away....well figuratively speaking as I was down to the last mile so it couldn't be miles away really.
I heard to my left people cheering for Ruth but I had to stay focussed on the finish or I felt like my legs wouldn't have gone on. I heard my name mentioned on the tanoy and thought i'd finished, I asked the marshall if I could stop running and he said no the finish is round the corner....GOOOD GRIEF...HOW MUCH FURTHER COULD IT BE....At last I turned the corner and saw the big blue blow up FINISH. I ran across and was told by someone to go over to the benches and put my foot up and they would take my chip off.....excuse me did you say lift my leg up to the bench? Do you realise I have just run the furthest I've ever run in my life in one go and now you are asking me to lift my leg onto a bench???? I did manage to get my leg up and a kind lady took my chip off, said well done and told me what the time was. 1.30pm oh well I was quite chuffed with that. I thought i'd heard the others cheering but I wandered off to retrieve my bag first and came back outside to the cool air. Dolittle was first to find me and in a somewhat dazed state I talked to her, I can't really remember what I said or who I saw next, I remember seeing mark and giving him a hug and kiss and the boys being asleep. I borrowed a towel and shower gel of Corr!Tina as i'd forgotten to bring mine....DOH! I thought a shower might help bring my brain back to life.
Dolittle had gone on ahead and was in the shower when I got there I put my things down and just took all my kit off, there were a few bemused faces when I took my bra off....remember....9 miles...ah yes...the conkers had nestled themselves nicely in my bra and i'd completely forgotten about them until they came boinging out and bounced all over the floor. I gathered them and put them in the bag and muttered something like "it's a long story" I had a nice refreshing cold shower and started to feel a little more human. I rubbed some oil on my legs to help my aching limbs and went off to find everyone else. My feet were hurting but not too badly, I just really needed something to eat.
We all drove to the pub and had a lovely meal to celebrate our achievements.
What can I say...would i do it all again? Yes I would, I felt very proud of myself going that far, I felt quite special for people to come out of their homes and stand there cheering even though they didn't have a clue who I was and believe me that cheering went a very long way to give me the impetus to carry on, especially that last few miles. But I did it and good fun it was.
Thank you to Dolittle, Four Sips and Corr!tina for being patient with me and waiting for me at the end....to all my family for the support and to Dolittle's family and Corr!Tina's family for their support and thanks to My Mum who looked after the dogs so we could go away. I had a lovely weekend, spent in top class accomodation (ahem) spent with top class people and well done to you all and your fab times.... pictures to follow...hopefully...
Till the next one...On On xxx
http://www.nfma.org.uk/ If you go here to the website and look up the results you can see all our times and maybe in the future there may be piccies on there too....
Location: New Milton
weather: sunny, cool breeze thankfully....
So the day has arrived, after another sleepless night in the spider's haven of Acres Down Bunkhouse I woke to the sun shining in under the curtain and C's patter patter next door. I felt nervous and yet excited that the day had finally arrived. I pulled out my running gear from my bag and spent a few minutes deciding whether to wear the bra under my vest top or whether to risk my boobs falling out halfway round...I decided on the bra...safer that way and less embarrassing too. Then it was the big decision of how much drink to make, how many gels to carry and what to eat for breakfast. With getting Theo and Oli dressed I was running out of time so bread and butter and a banana had to suffice. I was soon ready and needing to sit on the loo for a long wee and other! Unfortunately the toilet had blocked again so we had to cross our legs until we got to New Milton. Luckily for us Four Sips was driving so we got there fairly quickly. We bade farewell to our husbands and children who looked vaguely amused and wondering. (that was just the husbands..but with TomToms, Satnavs and PDA's at the ready they were ready to find their spots to cheer us on.)
We arrived in New Milton and saw the Start and then were directed to the car park for runners which seemed like miles away from the Start. Corrr!tina was getting a tad desperate for the loo so she headed off to the portaloos while we got organised with our bags, then Four Sips forgot her water carrier so Dolittle and I were left together. I grabbed her arm and warned her not to leave me as well!! It was getting scarier. We queued in the portaloo queue and then decided to get closer to the start. Corr!Tina and Four Sips at the risk of disqualification used a hedge...TUT TUT. Dolittle and I did the decent thing and found the toilet queue in the leisure centre. Three toilets in such a huge place.....madness. Anyway we finally got there and then the tanoy announced that the half marathon was going to set off in ten minutes and we were fifteen minutes from the Start and no sign of Corr!Tina who had decided to visit the loo once more.
We jogged towards the start and lined up with lots of other people. The tension was building and we all gave each other hugs and wished each other good luck, we heard a noise and I thought it was the start and starting clapping only to find that it was the elite going off....then we were off. I watched as the others disappeared out of sight and off I went. I tried to take in the atmosphere and clapped at the steel band on the street. I was determined to run for at least the first mile without stopping and joined a couple of other women who seemed to be running at a similar pace. Then I started to go a little faster as we headed out of New Milton and towards Bashley. There were still people hanging round outside houses cheering us on and a little girl was giving out jelly babies. That was worth a detour over the road for. I made 1 mile so I decided to run for at least 3 miles.
I started running with a girl called Catherine who also had a little girl and was slightly amused that here I was running the longest run i've ever run in my life and I was having a full blown conversation with a stranger about all sorts of things. We came towards the pub the Rising Sun and I saw the fire engine and said this would be a good time to faint, you'd be rescued by the firemen, but Catherine was wise and said see what they look like first and when I decided that they weren't that good looking and i'd continue, I looked up and saw Mark, Theo and Oli and his parents and auntie and uncle over the other side of the road. As i was feeling quite fit and happy I went over and gave the boys a kiss en route. I heard Theo starting to cry as he obviously thought I should have finished the race, but I had to continue and did hear that he'd stopped. We had a few hills not too steep and we were out on moorland. Is it moorland in the New Forest? No idea well whatever it was it was looking more inviting as a toilet than anything else. I needed to have a poo, i'm sorry but this is no time to be polite about it, i needed one and I started to panic. I was wearing lycra shorts and there was no way I could do a poo on the go and get away with it, I wasn't going to do a Paula Radcliffe so I put mind over matter and told my poo that it wasn't allowed to come out for at least another 9miles, I'd reached 5 miles at this point. I tried to sing songs to get rid of the uncomfortable feeling below and starting running in a most peculiar fashion...but note I was still running!! I wanted now to run to the 6 mile mark as I was feeling ok. The poo issue seemed to get worse then at the top of the hill, across the road I saw the First Aid point, I shouted to the lady "have you got a toilet?" She hollered to the St Johns ambulance people to point me in the right direction and there were about 6 of them come rushing out of a tent just to point me to the portaloos past the caravans, past the 4x4 car and onwards. I sat on the loo and felt relief (no more information required on that score!) then I felt my legs just tingling and burning and thought i'm never going to able to get going now....I pulled my big pants up and my shorts which were all soggy with sweat by now and after taking the other half of one of my gels I set off. With St Johns people cheering me on, bless them I take back everything i've said about you and your mints!! I set off down towards the next village, don't ask me to remember what they were called. I saw flashing lights out of the corner of my eye and thought oh no it's the sweeper lorry but it wasn't it was the time keeping car for the marathon....1hr 58 minutes it said. I couldn't believe it I've taken 2 hours to do 6 miles!!! Then I remembered that the marathon had set off before us and actually I'd managed to do 6 miles faster than i'd ever done it before. With this good news under my belt and feeling much lighter I trotted merrily on my way with a nice smile for the cameraman as I went past. There were some more supporters by the pub and I gave them my cup to put in a bin, thank you kind sir whoever you were. Then it was on and upwards out of that village and then a right turn down a country lane, at least it was quieter with traffic but it was a darn sight warmer. There were more marathon runners passing me and although I had two half marathon runners in sight I wasn't gaining on them, mainly because they were walking faster than I could run! Gutted.
Up to the top then left with some lady on a horse trotting along completely ignoring everyone else. I came into Tiptoe and for some strange reason starting to run on my toes....what was that all about? I saw my family and the others up ahead and Lucy and Jack came running towards me and telling me how the others were doing. That gave me another boost but no energy left to give the boys a kiss, which Theo missed. Then it was left out of Tiptoe and onwards. I started to feel a bit low at this point and was trying all sorts of distraction techniques to keep me going, my legs weren't really hurting and my feet felt fine but I did feel that I didn't have much control over them and that they were just automatically going without my brain having any control. I spotted some conkers on the floor and thought i'd pick a couple up for the boys as a memento of my run, I put them down my shorts first but they started sliding downwards which would have been as embarrassing as not getting to the loo on time so I removed them and had a ponder about what to do with them, I was just going to throw them away when I thought about putting them down my bra, which I did then forgot all about them.
I continued on my way and came to a roundabout which was signposted to New Milton and Tina's mum and Dad were there shouting me on so that gave me another spurt of energy. Only 3 miles to go now and I hadn't stopped, well only for the loo break but apart from that i'd been running the whole way even up the hills. I started to feel quite tired at this point and thought i'll get to 11 miles then i'll have my last bit of energy gel. Then two ambulances came past with lights flashing and sirens on and my heart sank, but I thought at least i'm feeling ok in that respect, I did have a bit of a stitch but it might have just been bouncy boob pain from having to keep them squashed up in my top for so long. I was thinking about having my last gel pack when I felt something move on my waist band and just watched in desperation as the gel pack fell to the floor....NNNOOOOOO I shouted inwardly, I was too tired to turn round and get it so I tried to get my head round the fact I was running on water now. I started the run towards the industrial estates which was on a path and not on the road and thought hopefully soon i'm going to see the 12 mile mark and some more people.
Lots of marathon runners were passing me at this point and I tried to pick up my pace but my feet felt very heavy and when I had to come out onto the road and get into the coned area I was feeling very tired. I had a slug of water and started concentrating on getting to the finish line without walking. People were cheering me on and telling me it wasn't far but I couldn't see the finish and didn't want to run faster in case it was miles away....well figuratively speaking as I was down to the last mile so it couldn't be miles away really.
I heard to my left people cheering for Ruth but I had to stay focussed on the finish or I felt like my legs wouldn't have gone on. I heard my name mentioned on the tanoy and thought i'd finished, I asked the marshall if I could stop running and he said no the finish is round the corner....GOOOD GRIEF...HOW MUCH FURTHER COULD IT BE....At last I turned the corner and saw the big blue blow up FINISH. I ran across and was told by someone to go over to the benches and put my foot up and they would take my chip off.....excuse me did you say lift my leg up to the bench? Do you realise I have just run the furthest I've ever run in my life in one go and now you are asking me to lift my leg onto a bench???? I did manage to get my leg up and a kind lady took my chip off, said well done and told me what the time was. 1.30pm oh well I was quite chuffed with that. I thought i'd heard the others cheering but I wandered off to retrieve my bag first and came back outside to the cool air. Dolittle was first to find me and in a somewhat dazed state I talked to her, I can't really remember what I said or who I saw next, I remember seeing mark and giving him a hug and kiss and the boys being asleep. I borrowed a towel and shower gel of Corr!Tina as i'd forgotten to bring mine....DOH! I thought a shower might help bring my brain back to life.
Dolittle had gone on ahead and was in the shower when I got there I put my things down and just took all my kit off, there were a few bemused faces when I took my bra off....remember....9 miles...ah yes...the conkers had nestled themselves nicely in my bra and i'd completely forgotten about them until they came boinging out and bounced all over the floor. I gathered them and put them in the bag and muttered something like "it's a long story" I had a nice refreshing cold shower and started to feel a little more human. I rubbed some oil on my legs to help my aching limbs and went off to find everyone else. My feet were hurting but not too badly, I just really needed something to eat.
We all drove to the pub and had a lovely meal to celebrate our achievements.
What can I say...would i do it all again? Yes I would, I felt very proud of myself going that far, I felt quite special for people to come out of their homes and stand there cheering even though they didn't have a clue who I was and believe me that cheering went a very long way to give me the impetus to carry on, especially that last few miles. But I did it and good fun it was.
Thank you to Dolittle, Four Sips and Corr!tina for being patient with me and waiting for me at the end....to all my family for the support and to Dolittle's family and Corr!Tina's family for their support and thanks to My Mum who looked after the dogs so we could go away. I had a lovely weekend, spent in top class accomodation (ahem) spent with top class people and well done to you all and your fab times.... pictures to follow...hopefully...
Till the next one...On On xxx
http://www.nfma.org.uk/ If you go here to the website and look up the results you can see all our times and maybe in the future there may be piccies on there too....
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Hash #34
Date: Tuesday 11th September 2007
Location: Torbryan
Weather: sunny but cool
It was full complement tonight as we headed towards Torbryan. We arrived early, keen to get our food ordered before we set off as we were having our last supper before the half marathon on Sunday! After ordering the food and giggling our way through we went outside to rejoin the rest of the group and find out what was what. Hatrack had left as he had a prior engagement but we had Maverick to let us know there were two long/short splits and no regroup. Off we went, I felt slightly more enthusiastic than i did last week and with my go faster juice courtesy of Almost Lightening and "Bikus" I was in the mood for moving.
We headed off out of Torbryan on the road and soon came onto farm fields and cows a plenty. I was relieved to see queues at the stiles as it gave me time to sort my breathing out and I couldn't walk away when No Rush was having trouble getting Callum to climb a stile, it wasn't all his fault, whoever had built it had put the steps in the wrong way. Maverick returned and eventually Callum relented to being manhandled over the stile and on we went. I do hope he is ok as he did land with a bit of a thump.
I must be honest, with everything going on I forget where we went then, up a road I think and then into some more farm fields, I do remember thinking that it was starting to feel chillier and that autumn was on it's way. Head torch on I continued with Maverick, a little disappointed not to have been given an adventure trail to follow but hungry now I needed to get my food.
Corrr!Tina passed me, then Leaking Boots and I was wondering where Dolittle was when she appeared behind me relieved to have found someone with a torch. We had a chat and I slowed her down with a bit of a walk (sorry) then it was On Home and back to the pub. We went past some lovely scenery and quaint houses and buildings.
After getting changed, and it always makes me wonder what the locals think of it all, people just getting their kit off in the pub car park and then singing strange songs in the pub afterwards. The meal was ok, a little bit burnt round the edges but edible nonetheless. The down downs went to, now who did they go to, Stinkhorn for sending Puffball the wrong way, someone whose name I can't remember a visitor for putting her top on inside out and was it Maverick? Sneezy nearly got one for losing his car key which Head Down found but he was driving so missed out on that one.
It was a lovely hash with just a tinge of anxiety lapping in that it was the last training/running we would be doing before Sunday. So till next week when I may well be hobbling round...take care, and On On xx
Location: Torbryan
Weather: sunny but cool
It was full complement tonight as we headed towards Torbryan. We arrived early, keen to get our food ordered before we set off as we were having our last supper before the half marathon on Sunday! After ordering the food and giggling our way through we went outside to rejoin the rest of the group and find out what was what. Hatrack had left as he had a prior engagement but we had Maverick to let us know there were two long/short splits and no regroup. Off we went, I felt slightly more enthusiastic than i did last week and with my go faster juice courtesy of Almost Lightening and "Bikus" I was in the mood for moving.
We headed off out of Torbryan on the road and soon came onto farm fields and cows a plenty. I was relieved to see queues at the stiles as it gave me time to sort my breathing out and I couldn't walk away when No Rush was having trouble getting Callum to climb a stile, it wasn't all his fault, whoever had built it had put the steps in the wrong way. Maverick returned and eventually Callum relented to being manhandled over the stile and on we went. I do hope he is ok as he did land with a bit of a thump.
I must be honest, with everything going on I forget where we went then, up a road I think and then into some more farm fields, I do remember thinking that it was starting to feel chillier and that autumn was on it's way. Head torch on I continued with Maverick, a little disappointed not to have been given an adventure trail to follow but hungry now I needed to get my food.
Corrr!Tina passed me, then Leaking Boots and I was wondering where Dolittle was when she appeared behind me relieved to have found someone with a torch. We had a chat and I slowed her down with a bit of a walk (sorry) then it was On Home and back to the pub. We went past some lovely scenery and quaint houses and buildings.
After getting changed, and it always makes me wonder what the locals think of it all, people just getting their kit off in the pub car park and then singing strange songs in the pub afterwards. The meal was ok, a little bit burnt round the edges but edible nonetheless. The down downs went to, now who did they go to, Stinkhorn for sending Puffball the wrong way, someone whose name I can't remember a visitor for putting her top on inside out and was it Maverick? Sneezy nearly got one for losing his car key which Head Down found but he was driving so missed out on that one.
It was a lovely hash with just a tinge of anxiety lapping in that it was the last training/running we would be doing before Sunday. So till next week when I may well be hobbling round...take care, and On On xx
Monday, September 10, 2007
Hash #33
Date: Tuesday 4th September 2007
Location: Venford Reservoir, Dartmoor
Weather: Sunny, bit cold
We eventually arrived at Venford Reservoir after a death defying drive by myself, Dolittle, Corrr!Tina, Jo were hiding in the seats as we raced the scenic way to Venford Reservoir cutting up Sixpack and Cinderfella in the process. I'm not sure why they think my driving is that bad, I am normally safe and slow maybe it's just the excitement of going hashing and being released for the night...who knows?
We listened to instructions from Doris, basically no long/short splits and no regroup. I must admit after running 11 1/2 miles on Sunday I didn't feel up to doing much running so I lagged very quickly to the back of the pack. I was introduced to Growbag's new friend en route and managed a quick handshake and then they were gone.
I spotted Maverick ahead and thought i'd stick close by as I was sure that he wouldn't be going too far. Sure enough Hatrack was soon in view as well and as we headed past the reservior (how do you spell reservoir that's it...) and up my legs started getting heavier and slower and I was soon shortcutting with a few others. We joined up with some of the group and then it was clear that the front runners had gone miles ahead and we could hear them hollering in the distance and when we saw their tiny bodies disappearing Maverick called a meeting with Hatrack and decided on the next plan of action. We said our farewells to Doris and set off back towards the reservoir.
'I'm looking for a gate' Hatrack said, 'it's this way' Off we set downwards (phew) through a herd of bemused cows and on towards the rusty fence that encompasses the reservoir. 'Here's the gate' Hatrack says gleefully pointing towards an even rustier gate that doesn't look as though it's been moved in decades. He struggles to open it and says the path is down here somewhere. I start giggling more with fear I think....and struggle to close the gate behind me. Hatrack has already disappeared into the 5ft high bracken and Maverick is nearly out of sight so I quickly follow the trampled down bracken and keep close. Down we go, we hear water and then eeuurrghhh wet muddy feet as we nearly disappear into a bog. 'Let's go to higher ground' says Hatrack.
We eventually find the path we need and find the gate we should have taken and set off anti clockwise round the reservoir. I need a wee so finally manage to stop and have one with comments from Hatrack about a mini tsunami in the reservoir. We finally emerge onto the road and meet up with some of the other hashers who were sensible enough to follow the trail laid by the hare. I finished with a bit of jogging up the road and back to the car to discuss big pants with Jo.
We arrive safely at the pub, The Tradesmans in Scorriton for a change! The down downs went to Jo, at last she has been named, Leaking Boots.....I like that one, to Doris for the trail and to Dancing Queen for some reason or other. Thankfully noone seemed to remember my driving but I won't hold my breath i'll probably get one next month for that one!
Maybe next week i'll have my go faster juice and feel less tired and do the full trail, or maybe Maverick and Hatrack who are the hares next week will lay a trail all of my very own complete with brambles, no pathway and bogs....only time will tell, till next week, take care and happy hashing....On On xxx
Location: Venford Reservoir, Dartmoor
Weather: Sunny, bit cold
We eventually arrived at Venford Reservoir after a death defying drive by myself, Dolittle, Corrr!Tina, Jo were hiding in the seats as we raced the scenic way to Venford Reservoir cutting up Sixpack and Cinderfella in the process. I'm not sure why they think my driving is that bad, I am normally safe and slow maybe it's just the excitement of going hashing and being released for the night...who knows?
We listened to instructions from Doris, basically no long/short splits and no regroup. I must admit after running 11 1/2 miles on Sunday I didn't feel up to doing much running so I lagged very quickly to the back of the pack. I was introduced to Growbag's new friend en route and managed a quick handshake and then they were gone.
I spotted Maverick ahead and thought i'd stick close by as I was sure that he wouldn't be going too far. Sure enough Hatrack was soon in view as well and as we headed past the reservior (how do you spell reservoir that's it...) and up my legs started getting heavier and slower and I was soon shortcutting with a few others. We joined up with some of the group and then it was clear that the front runners had gone miles ahead and we could hear them hollering in the distance and when we saw their tiny bodies disappearing Maverick called a meeting with Hatrack and decided on the next plan of action. We said our farewells to Doris and set off back towards the reservoir.
'I'm looking for a gate' Hatrack said, 'it's this way' Off we set downwards (phew) through a herd of bemused cows and on towards the rusty fence that encompasses the reservoir. 'Here's the gate' Hatrack says gleefully pointing towards an even rustier gate that doesn't look as though it's been moved in decades. He struggles to open it and says the path is down here somewhere. I start giggling more with fear I think....and struggle to close the gate behind me. Hatrack has already disappeared into the 5ft high bracken and Maverick is nearly out of sight so I quickly follow the trampled down bracken and keep close. Down we go, we hear water and then eeuurrghhh wet muddy feet as we nearly disappear into a bog. 'Let's go to higher ground' says Hatrack.
We eventually find the path we need and find the gate we should have taken and set off anti clockwise round the reservoir. I need a wee so finally manage to stop and have one with comments from Hatrack about a mini tsunami in the reservoir. We finally emerge onto the road and meet up with some of the other hashers who were sensible enough to follow the trail laid by the hare. I finished with a bit of jogging up the road and back to the car to discuss big pants with Jo.
We arrive safely at the pub, The Tradesmans in Scorriton for a change! The down downs went to Jo, at last she has been named, Leaking Boots.....I like that one, to Doris for the trail and to Dancing Queen for some reason or other. Thankfully noone seemed to remember my driving but I won't hold my breath i'll probably get one next month for that one!
Maybe next week i'll have my go faster juice and feel less tired and do the full trail, or maybe Maverick and Hatrack who are the hares next week will lay a trail all of my very own complete with brambles, no pathway and bogs....only time will tell, till next week, take care and happy hashing....On On xxx
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