Race For Life 2007

Date: Sunday 29th July 2007
Location: Westpoint
After being dropped off by Mark and the boys, Dolittle and I headed for the start and did the warm up with everyone else. We bumped into Doris, Shortie and Vindaloo so stood with them while the Nivea boys were doing their bit on stage.
The runners and walkers were divided and thinking I must be mad I followed Dolittle to where the runners were gathering. The countdown began with my phone ringing in my water sack and off we went. Very slowly to start with as everyone filed out through the start, the race went round Westpoint and as a very good friend informed me before the race, it wasn't very inspiring but it wasn't too hilly. The sun came out and was very hot which wasn't too wonderful as I got hotter and hotter. I did manage to run most of the way round though with just one moment when i stopped and walked. We had a jelly baby given to us by a lady on the halfway mark which went down a treat then we could see that we had to back track on ourselves and pass the walkers and runners on the way back.
The last 1km there were people standing and cheering on the sidelines which always gives me goosebumps and reading people's signs on their backs brings a tear to my eye as I remember what i'm there for and the extent to how people are affected by cancer.
I ran over the finish line, was given the medal, my goody bag and a bottle of water and went to wait for Dolittle where we'd said we would meet. I phoned her eventually to find that she and the others had been waiting for me to finish and hadn't seen me come through the staggered finish!

I listened to the messages left on my phone while i'd been running and Mark rang to see if he should head back towards Westpoint. J, had also advised me that getting out of Westpoint was a nightmare so Mark had gone to the beach with the boys and then came over and picked us up down the road so as not to get caught up in the congestion.

It was a good day, and I was very happy to have done it in 42 minutes and to have had the opportunity to have raised some money for such a good cause.

This one was for my Dad! xx

Haytor Heller 2007

Date: Sunday 15th July 2007
Location: Haytor
Weather: rain and rain and a bit more rain oh and then it cleared up for a bit.
It would have been good to have been able to have my first race ever as the 5km Race for Life at Killerton house, but due to the rain that had been cancelled. So my first race ever ended up being the 6miler known as The Haytor Heller!
We arrived early and went to the toilet and put our numbers on then went and sat back in the car. We watched as various athletic looking people did practise runs and stretches, then we saw Shortie and Vindaloo heading up towards Haytor so we got out and joined them. The start was halfway up the hill, phew I thought that's some of the work out of the way already then. We had a briefing by someone from Teignbridge Trotters and then BMMOPPPPm....not sure how you write the sound that comes out of a horn thing! And we were off. I gradually took my place towards the back and up we went then off over to Haytor Down which was a bit more flat but very wet and muddy and after a hundred or so people had run the race I found that it was pretty squelchy all the way round. I felt pretty good with myself at this point and was thinking about all the people who would be thinking about me and also thought about my Dad and knew that he would have been proud of me had he been here still.
Then it was down towards the woods and over some very large rocks and still I felt good, I did take some glucose gel at that point as I remembered the steep hill to come that would eventually bring me to Hound Tor and I did remember the chap at the beginning saying that Hound Tor was 2/3rds of the way round. I was still feeling pretty good and being cheered on by the marshalls. I knew there was one person behind me and thought that's good i'm not the last, I could see Shorty up ahead and at one point got within talking distance but she went ahead again as we were getting under Hound Tor. I heard one of the marshalls talking in his radio saying that number 70 was in trouble and had decided to walk back and didn't need someone to walk with her....that was Dolittle, I worried wondering what could have happened but looking up the hill towards Hound Tor I could see her and Four Sips moving quite quickly so thought I must have misheard the number.
My legs did feel a bit wobbly as I got to the top of Hound Tor but stopping for a drink I knew I had one person behind, I turned and found out that the runner behind me was a marshall!!! He was called Will and was older than me. Oh well, I had a brief moment of despondency and then I thought about what Four Sips had said in the car on the way over about a friend who had come last and got the biggest cheer so I thought that's what i've got to think about, the cheer and how well I was doing. It was down hill for a bit then across the stream which was deeper than when Dolittle and I had crossed it the other week.
I must admit to feeling quite tired at this point, I didn't ever feel like giving up, I just felt like going a little slower but I didn't want to be too far behind Shorty so keeping her in my sights as best I could I tried to jog a bit uphill.
I came to the railway line and was told to carry on uphill, Will behind me was there and it gave me some comfort knowing he was there so thankyou Will whoever you were. I saw a massive black cloud through the mist and panicked thinking that I was going to be running into a thunder storm, but blaming it on the rain on my glasses I realised it was actually Haytor.
Haytor....yippee i'm nearly there, i'm nearly there. Will quietly behind me said, it's all downhill from this point here and that gave me the incentive to run again, and even though I wasn't probably going that fast I did try to sprint the finish as well as trying not to slip over in the mud. I was shouting myself on and felt like I was wetting myself, but am thankful to say I think it was just the sensation of having my legs open wider and the cold air getting into places that shouldn't be talked about!! TMI TMI! (too much information) I spotted my car which meant Daddy and the boys were there and I started to feel all emotional, I spotted the others waiting for me at the end and sprinted well ran very quickly over the finish line, then started to cry like a complete wally. It was good to be home and I felt exhilerated, I saw my family waiting on the other side of the road and wanted to go and hug them which I did, Theo and Oli both looked really pleased to see me, although Theo was more concerned that they were taking the finish line down and the St Johns Ambulance crew had a little laugh when I said that was because Mummy was last....
After a lukewarm shower but very nice it was too, I got changed and saw the presentations, I was a tad disappointed not to get a wooden spoon for coming last but i've got my memories and when I can get hold of Mark's phone i'll also have a piccie to remember the event by.
Just talking to Corrr!Tina and someone in Chudleigh who had been marshalling at Haytor said it had been a fast race and even the person in last did it in good time!! WOOOOO that was me.....I was last in the 2007 Haytor Heller.....BUT I DID IT!! and i'm happy...can you tell?
Thankyou to Dolittle, Four Sips, Shorty and Vindaloo and all the marshalls who urged me on and to Dartmoor Rescue who were there just in case and go on i'll say it St Johns Ambulance crew as well. Special thanks go to my boys and my mum for coming and supporting me and for other friends who couldn't be there but were thinking about us!!
Till next time Friday in Chudleigh ...help there's more hills...On On x


At the finish with our "mementos"...Nobody said it was going to be easy!

Race Analysis for Ruth Hall (Unattached)Race organised by: Teignbridge Trotters Race:
Haytor Heller
Date: 15/07/2007
Race Distance: 10k
Race Winner's Time: 00:42:12
Time: 01:35:14
Category: F35
Position in Race: 158 out of 158
Fastest Time in F35 Category: 00:51:31
Position in Category: 14 out of 14
Age Graded Position: 158
Average Time per Mile: 15:19 minutes
Age Graded Percentage: 31.74
Average Time per Km: 09:31 minutes
Average Speed: 3.92mph / 6.3kph

Hash #21

Date: Tuesday 12th June
Location: Ivybridge
Weather: Sunny/cloudy/nice!
Tina, Dolittle and I arrived at Ivybridge and set off to find the car park. We found a car park and no hashers. Then Ruff Puff arrived along with a few others and he went to find the rest of the hash. He found them in a car park just through a gap so we left the cars and joined the group to find out what was in store for us tonight. Two long/short splits, one regroup the trail is laid on the right and On On was up the road. We went through Ivybridge for a little way before finding the path that went up and up and up and up a bit more and up a bit more. Most of the hash had long since passed me and I was a little relieved to see a few up ahead. I ended up having a lovely chat with Bogdown as we walked up and up and up. We finally reached the top and had some lovely views all around. We entered a big cow meadow and saw the Long/Short split. I chose the short as I was pretty puffed from coming uphill and following a ridge in the field and the flour, I even followed a few sheep's wool markings, (I must get my eyes tested again!) Then it was on right and the longs caught us up. Growbag and Ruff puff whizzed past me and said a quick hello. Seeing them go past always seems to give me my second wind and I go a little bit faster. I like that moment just before they pass because for just a few seconds I'm at the front of the pack. It wasn't long though before most of the hash had passed me again. Going through boggy areas and over stiles meant the hash stayed reasonably close together. Sneezy commented on my new camelbak water pack and asked if I was a camel at the front as well, I turned round to show him my "two front humps" Hmm nuff said guvnor!
On we went to the second long/short split and I found out that Tina and Dolittle had missed the long/short split the first time and taken the long. There was me thinking they were just getting in a bit of extra training. So through the woods to the regroup, which was very pleasant setting and we had a paddle in the river. Ruff Puff and Cinderfella were having a swim with Rambo snapping away on his camera. Can you snap on a digital camera? It would probably be more of a chip than a snap I suppose. Glass Eye and Sneezy got in and started a water fight at which point, I chickened out and got myself out onto dry land. Then it was on on through more woodland and over some hurdles and jumps to the On Home. I got my third wind and managed to run nearly all the way back, but then it was down hill.
Into the car park and getting changed in front of the bemused youth of Ivybridge who obviously haven't ever seen adults getting their kit off in car parks before. Then it was on to The Bridge Inn for the On Downs. The down downs were plentiful tonight. The first went to Tina who was named not as No Show which was classed as boring and too dull, (that had been my poor attempt at a name) Cinderfella came up with Corrrtina and someone else shouted Concertina. Corrrtina won the day so from now on Tina is Corrrtina, with 3 r's for good measure! Elmo got one for having a wee in what he thought was a good place only to find that it was where the longs were returning so several of the longs got more than they bargained for and poor Elmo gets another down down for attempting to relieve himself in private, Twilight who was a visiting hasher from Yorkshire had a down down but as she was driving she nominated Ruff Puff for dobbing Elmo in. Hullaballoo had one for a great hash. I think that was it but there might have been one more, so apologies but I was sitting in the corner and couldn't see round it to remember.
Then it was home time, we walked back to the car, I had a little race with Growbag but with his very long legs and my very short ones it wasn't much of a competition and I of course won! NOT! Thanks Hullaballoo for a good hash. Till next time....On On

Hash #19

Date: Tuesday 29th May 2007
Location: Lustleigh
Weather: sunny, threatening to rain but didn't!

This was our virgin lay this one. Dolittle and Four Sips had been doing it since 9.30 and I arrived at 12 after doing the gym with my two little ones.
I met up with them halfway round the long trail and started blobbing away, too many times for Four Sips liking, but I like to see lots of blobs on a hash. We had good fun laying the trail and got worried about how many injuries we would see at the end of the night.

So to the hash itself. I was very nervous when we were waiting to be called to order. Four Sips explained procedures, it was laid on the right except for where Gurnie had blobbed on the left! Two long/short splits and one regroup. Then we were off. I followed at the back, nothing unusual for me there then. Four Sips had gone back to the pub with the food order so I was left in charge of Syd. He quite happily followed me though wasn't sure where to go on the long/short split. It was funny to see people going off on the checks to see which way people would go and already knowing, but I wasn't letting on, I just stood back and watched and got my breath back. We came to a check and I had to go and do a bit of a short cut to get to the regroup before anyone else. Elmo met me going up as he was coming down and told me that that wasn't the right way, but then he realised who I was and ignored my speeding past him. I raced up the hill as fast as I could, listening to the other hashers shouting Are You? and On On and hoping that they wouldn't beat me. I sped down the road and opened the gate to retrieve the hidden rucksack. I laid out the strawberries, melon and cream and waited for the hash to arrive.
The bugs arrived first and I was fending ants and beetles and midges by the swarmful.
The first hashers arrived and soon the feeding frenzy started....that was the midges not the hashers. Not many people hung around at the regroup and it wasn't long before the plates were depleted of provisions and a very tired looking Dolittle appeared, not that far behind everyone. I think she did amazingly well to keep up like she did, i'd have been about an hour behind I think if I'd tried it.
We packed up the pots and kicked out the regroup leaving the area more or less as we'd found it and then set off to try and get back home. We mulled over how it was going so far and were pleasantly pleased (can you be such a thing) at having the overgrown path beaten down for us. We stopped at the car to get changed and headed off to the pub. We'd decided to treat ourselves to a meal but I could only face soup as I'd been so nervous about it all.
The down downs (we could have guessed it really!) were given to us for laying the trail, I think it was for the Brambles, to Growbag for his 100th hash...well done Growbag and many apologies for the state of your legs, although mine were pretty bad as well having done the laying of the trail in shorts....picture to follow.... the other one was awarded to Zambeze for running so quickly..
Everyone seemed to enjoy it and we did gets lots of thank yous so we can't have done too badly, thank you Four Sips for your guidance and help with this one, we couldn't have done it without you, next time we'll choose the venue but you can still tell us off if we blob too much!!
Till next time, keep safe, remember to pack the cream for next week's rub down and On On.....

Marathon Training #1

Date: Sunday 20th May 2007
Location: Stover park
Participants: Gurnie, Dolittle, Four Sips, Syd and Tilly
We met at 8pm at the back of Stover and did a nice brisk walk while chatting about knitting and various other things. Then a few stretches and we were off at breakneck speed...or was that gentle jog. Yes that was more like it, through the woods, over the bridges and then onto the pathway towards the lake. I stopped to admire the view! Then slowly caught up with the others. We passed a few people who were strolling round the lake in the slowly decreasing light, the sun's reflection on the lake was breathtaking and Dolittle commented that we could have had our cameras with us..I was happy carrying my pedometer that isn't working because I can't work out what stride length I need to put in.
Round the wooden walkway and on round the lake, Syd looking longingly at the water and the ducks but he behaved and we continued. Down the children's trail and through the woods again until we were heading back to the car, we had a mini pitstop while we dropped Tilly off who was struggling a bit with our pace. Then off we went again to do the circuit..Dolittle's measurement said we'd done just over 2 miles, mine said we'd done 5!! oh well I was close. We ran past a couple walking arm in arm and a quick hello darling from the chap and we were on our way. We arrived back at the cars feeling quite happy with ourselves, well I was feeling a tad under the weather but not too bad with the running. We decided to make a date when we met on Tuesday at the hashing. (mental note to self, email Tina, i'm sure she'd love to go for a run the night before her holidays!)
So good start to the training...till next time...On On
ps yes Four Sips, I was hoping to blog it all time permitting.....see how fast I can type when under pressure.......cleaning , what cleaning? who said my house was dirty? I can't see any dirt :)

Wet through running!

I, along with three friends have decided to participate in a marathon. Not just yet but I am doing the Race for Life 5km run in July, may be doing a 5 mile run in July and a 10km race in August then the half marathon in September, heading for the marathon.
With the others busy working or helping at cycle events, I decided that i'd do a sneaky practice run.
I had been shopping with my husband and two sons, had got my running shorts on and we went to Teigngrace and i got out of the car with Buster. The idea being that my husband in the warmth of the car would drive for 3miles and stop and wait for me, while I ran or jogged or plodded or dragged myself to him.
I set off well and was quite pleased with my efforts, we had to stop for Buster to relieve himself as he was attached to me with the lead round my waist jobbie. I saw the car and thought 'wow that was quick' only to be told that i'd only done 2 miles and he'd just stopped to check out where I wanted to go as he was heading for the A38 and didn't want me running down there.
So we turned down a lane and I continued running, I had to stop to let a lorry past but kept on jogging and did really well, I even tackled the flooded road which was about 3 inches deep, splash splosh splash. I did get a bit worried because I thought i'd done the extra mile and still no sign of the car, but finally it appeared and glad I was too, for it was raining quite heavily at this point.
Wet, bedraggled, muddy and tired I came home, happy in the fact that I might be able to keep up with the others on our first official training next weekend.

Pedal bash #1

Date: Sunday 8th April
Location: Butcher's Arms, Abbotskerswell

We arrived early, the we being myself, my husband and my two sons. We started to unpack the car and Dolittle and family arrived. We got on our bikes with a little excitement, a little nervousness and some soreness for some of us!
A bugle summoned us to the centre of the field and we listened to someone (sorry don't know who you were) telling us the proceedings for the morning and after being given a quiz to do while we were cycling, (well not quite) we set off.
Dolittle and I did our usual sprint start and ended up right at the front of the back of the pack!! It was uphill to start with and with the weighty Oli I had to push after a little way as the bike wasn't wanting to be ridden, well that's my excuse and i'm sticking to it.
Shorty took pity on us and escorted us most of the way through the worst bit of hills and downs, I would have caught up a bit but Oli decided that going mega fast down the hills wasn't good for his breathing so I could only go downhill so fast which meant my momentum for going back up the hills wasn't so good. Never the less, we cycled through the back of Ipplepen and onto Staverton and had a lovely surprise of ending up at the beer festival on the Staverton steam railway platform, Theo was highly delighted with the prospect of seeing trains.
We were given some eggs that had been hidden which Oli and Theo ate with great relish. We stopped for a rest then it was On On for home. It was harder work going back but the sun was shining the birds were singing and the peace in the countryside was wonderful. Oli decided he was going to help push me home so every five minutes I had two little hands on my bottom pushing with a little voice giggling, then he started doing his wiggle wiggle, which wasn't too helpful for the control of the bike.
We arrived back at the pub, worn out, sore bums but happy. We queued to get drinks which refreshed us nicely. Theo, Oli and C and D all won an Easter egg which was lovely. We had a quick go on the slide before heading home.
A wonderful cycle ride, thanks for Shorty and Bigfoot.
till next time.....On On