a double dose of Bristol parkrun on New Year's Day, followed by a swift chaser at Hull 3 days later . .

Little Stoke parkrun 60 and Ashton Court parkrun 135 New Year's Day, Hull parkrun 200, 4 January 2014

The New Year began pretty much as it seems to have continued for the past week . . wet, wild and windy . . and cold . . a complete contrast to the final day of last year.

New Year's Day is the one day of the year when, if you're fortunate enough to live close to more than one parkrun, you might be able to run two in a day. Here in Bristol, for the first time ever, we were amongst those fortunate folk, as there was a Little Stoke parkrun at 9am, and one at Ashton Court at 10.30, with an easy 20ish minute drive between the two (despite which, Rich Cranswick and Ian Shepherd just kept on running, from the first finish to the second start line).

Little Stoke parkrun gets the New Year off to a great start . .

And so, in really vile weather, 143 of us took part in the 60th Little Stoke parkrun. We couldn't have done it without the wonderful volunteers, who as always ensured that yet another parkrun took place without a hitch. I found the run hard work . . despite the course being flat I struggled with my breathing yet again and was slower than I wanted to be. I spent a lot of the run wondering if I'd be able to cope with a second 5k, up and down Ashton Court's big hill. My cameras were in the car, in case I decided that one parkrun was enough and wanted to take the soft option and record the morning's second run. But I'd been looking forward to running two parkruns for the first time for so long and I wasn't going to pass up on the opportunity . . and besides, it really wasn't good photography weather.

how would we ever manage without our wonderful volunteers?

Geoff sets a new pb for a quick pre-parkrun briefing . .

Having completed one parkrun in a disappointing time . . but nevertheless having loved that warm parkrun feeling, I made my way over to Ashton Court where the weather hadn't got any better. There were 152 of us who listened to Geoff rattle through his pre-run briefing quicker than ever before, in the rain and wind and cold. 77 of us had run at Little Stoke, so we were already soaked to the skin. I can't praise the volunteers enough, they were simply amazing, enabling us to run in such awful conditions.

the start of the second leg of Bristol's first parkrun double . .

The run started and once again, I soon became breathless. The field seemed to spread out quite quickly, and as I crossed the golf course near the top of our parkrun, with the leading runners already charging down the hill, I looked around and it seemed to me to be as bleak a running experience as I could recall. I've been running for almost 30 years, in all sorts of weather, in all sorts of places. One of the worst occasions was the Taunton Marathon in 1998, where we ran all 26.2 miles in heavy driving rain, it just never let up and completing the race was a triumph over the weather as much as the distance.

the Taunton Marathon 1998 . . quite possibly the wettest event yet . . until today . .

I reckon that this 5k parkrun was as bleak and as testing a run as any I've ever done. I made it to the turn around point, wished Dave Engledew who was marshalling there a Happy New Year, turned round and just as I had the previous Saturday, whizzed down the hill to the finish almost as fast as I've ever done. Still a bit slow, mind you.

So that was two parkruns in one day. Hard work for everyone in any conditions but especially on the first day of 2014. Looking back though, extremely rewarding,

3 days later, on a regular parkrunday, and I was at my birth town parkrun, at East Park in Hull. I've run there 16 times before, but had somehow not visited at all during 2013, and it was good to be back, despite having brought the wind, the cold and the rain along with me.

It was a special occasion too, being the 200th Hull parkrun, Di's 150th parkrun, and the morning when, for the first time, one of Hull's under 14 parkrunners took part in their 100th event. Congratulations to all!

Much to my surprise I ran well this day. I set off faster than I'd intended, I managed to keep my breathing in order, and not only did I not slow down very much but I ran the final kilometre in the same time as the first. And finished in under 30 minutes for the first time in a long while. Almost a week later, and I still can't quite believe that I managed to run as I did. One thing perturbed me though . . the large number of male runners with their legs wrapped up warm. I of course wore shorts. I realise that it's no longer Grim, but are they getting soft up north?

Finally, after a brief warm down, it seemed that most of the 285 parkrunners found their way to the cafe, for a hot drink, plenty of cake, and much laughter and amusing conversation. I'm looking forward to returning in a couple of parkrundays' time . .

where there's a parkrun there are smiling faces . .

5k x 365 + 365 x 10k = very tired . . Tuesday 31 December 2013

That was a busy week, the one when we crossed from the old year to the new, with work, an extra day off, more work and then a weekend 234 miles from home . .

Monday and Tuesday were routine until suddenly in the middle of a telephone conversation with my boss, he said I could take the rest of the day off. It was "only" 2pm. Like a fool I asked if he was quite sure, and when he told me he was I switched everything off and bolted for the door before he could change his mind!

This was great. It was a gorgeous day, full of sunshine and blue sky. I'd missed the culmination of Big Kev's year of 5ks at Ashton Court, but I could still share the finale of Jim and Neil's year of 10ks, round the corner from Ashton Court at the Dovecote pub.

Dashed home, got changed, sorted out my cameras and jumped in the car. As I drove under the Suspension Bridge it dawned on me that Jim and his tribe would be crossing the Bridge . . a unique photo opportunity. So I turned round, went back up the hill, and parked close to the bridge.

 

I didn't have long to wait for the first group of runners, those intent on completing the entire 46 mile circuit of Bristol. By the time Jim and his entourage reached me it had begun to get dark (and cold) but Jim looked great as he led his friends across the bridge, and there were plenty of smiles on the faces of the runners behind him.

A little while later, it was a privilege to witness those first few runners complete their ultra . . and then, soon afterwards, be there to see Jim and Neil complete their amazing "minimum of 10k a day for 2013" challenge. Once we got into the pub, Jim soon found his way to the fire to thaw out, and many of us enjoyed a drink and a chat before we made our way home, or to a pub, or a party, to see the New Year in . .

more about Big Kev

more about Jim, Neil and Alfonso

Nick Rose said I was going well! The Clevedon 4 mile Boxing Day Race, 2013

I wasn't, of course, not really, but I was there and taking part. And because I was wearing my Bristol & West AC vest, Nick Rose called out and encouraged me. It may not seem important to many, but when someone of a similar age to you, who's run in every event you can think of, from the Olympics and Commonwealths down, calls out with some words of encouragement,it doesn't half give you a lift. I needed it too, right then, with the supplementary hill just around the corner. I'd hoped to post a photo of Mr Rose taking part in the Olympics, or the Commonwealths, but they're extremely hard to find, so I can't.

As you'll see from the table below, I've taken part in this event at least 8 times in 25 years. I say "at least" because I'm certain that I took part 1 or 2 more times in the 90s, but astonishingly, my records are incomplete! (I can't believe that either.) I look forward to this race every time I enter it, it's such a good morning out. The race is well organised, the course is "interesting", the support all the way around is great and as the years go by I bump into more and more old running friends, who I probably haven't seen since last Boxing Day. Today was no exception, as I bumped into John and Paul Davies, father and son, who I ran with for Bath in the 80s.

It's also a special race because it's one of the very few races my Melburnian brother Phil and I have taken part in together, back in 1990, which was the year the race was diverted because a chimney stack had blown down from a house on the course, and so we ran more than 4 miles. Good times . .

However, as I hadn't been very well yesterday, I wasn't sure if I'd be up for it this time. Going along to take photos would be an option, but not one I really wanted to take up. When I woke up this morning at 9am, having slept for 11 hours, the sun was shining and I felt no worse than normal - and a squillion times better than yesterday - and on such a beautiful day it was a simple decision to make. It was my lucky day too, because despite arriving only 30 minutes before the race I found a place in the car park. I had some time to take a few photos of that photogenic Victorian pier that Clevedon is famous for, and a some views across the Severn estuary, and to chat with Roger, Tracy, Jules and Paul when suddenly we realised that the runners ahead were on their way. That had to be one of the quietest klaxons ever!

Even on the sunniest of December mornings the first half of the race can feel cold, as we run along through shops and houses, but suddenly, as we pass Clevedon School, and turn left to climb the hill, we're out in the open and on a day like today, can feel the sun on our necks. What a great sensation that is, at this time of year. The hill can be a shock to the system, with an elevation of 44m in less than ¼ of a mile. Today, I walked some of it, for the first time, in an effort to keep my breathing under control. Those who've run with me recently will understand. Part way up the hill, there's a family who always come out and support the runners, and always have Queen belting out "We are the Champions" by way of encouragement. They've done this for years and I feel as if I've watched the children grow up and the grown ups age, as I have. I told them that the race wouldn't be the same without them as I walked past.

And to an extent, my strategy of walking worked, as once at the summit I was able to push on, and overtake those who'd passed me on the climb. The crowds were great, as ever, and it's lovely to run along being cheered so enthusiastically by complete strangers . . and Jan, from Sweatshop, who gave me a yell too. I began to push towards the finish, and worried that I'd gone too soon, but as we reached the final bend I smelt that finish line once again, and from that moment, nobody could keep up with me! Disappointed with my time, but after yesterday, it was good just to be out there taking part, so the time doesn't matter other than giving me a target for next year!

I'd hoped to be able to include a report from yesterday's Cheltenham parkrun, but was indisposed at short notice. Monday evening brought a lovely run however, with a surprise invitation to join in a run to go and see the Brailsford Lights. I'd never heard of them, although I live just a stone's throw away. They're at the top end of a street and as you run towards the house you pass a few houses with outside lights, and they look good, but as you round the bend you're suddenly confronted by a wall of light ahead of you. It's quite astonishing, and despite my inbuilt cynicism, I was amazed at what I saw. The run itself was fun too, getting lost and running around in circles for a while didn't matter and seemed almost normal! It was cold, and wet, and windy, but the endorphins were pumping and Christmas was in the air.

Meanwhile, back to the Clevedon race today . . here's what may be an inevitable trend. But watch this space, for next year, the trend will be bucked!

1988    24.02    93/360
1989    24.39    130/399
1990    25.42
2002    29.07
2005    30.22    389/823
2006    30.57    365/753
2012    38.07    554/678
2013    40.16    776/869

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December, Ashton Court parkrun #132, and a Sunday lark around Blaise Castle

A couple of runs to report on this weekend . . the last ascent of Ashton Court at parkrun before Christmas, on Saturday, and a lovely social occasion on Sunday, around Blaise Castle, across to Kingsweston Hall and back, along the narrow strip of beautiful countryside that separates Combe Dingle from Lawrence Weston.

As always, parkrun was a joy. All the more so this week for being the "Christmas" run, with so many of the 202 participants in fancy dress, with several friends attaining 100 and 50 parkrun club status, and with a bring and share picnic afterwards, when we, the parkrunners had a chance to show our appreciation to the great bunch of people who make our parkrun happen, week in, week out.

The run, my 124th parkrun, was a struggle for me. But then it usually is, just now, which is something that I need to change. On Saturday Debbie cajoled, encouraged and pushed me to get to the top of the hill and all the way back down again, and I suppose it was an achievement to do so, in fancy dress, in a quicker time than the previous week. But whilst it would be nice to think that I'd run well after a parkrun, parkrun is so much more than just the run itself. It's all about community, friendships, and participation. As has been said so many times before, it's a run with your mates, which is one reason why, to Debbie's consternation, I insisted on encouraging so many of my friends as they whizzed past on their way down, whilst we were still running up towards the top. I'm good at shouting at runners. Need to work on my high-fives, though!

with Chrissie Wellington

One of the first runners to pass us on their way down was Chrissie Wellington, 4 time World Ironman Champion, running her first AC parkrun, and only her second parkrun anywhere. Inevitably she made it look easy, chatting away to the runner beside her with a smile on her face. She went on to finish in 9th place, in a little over 19 minutes. By the time Debbie and I had finished Chrissie was still there, chatting away, posing for photos with all who asked, smiling broadly and enjoying every moment. Of course, I took my turn too, as you've seen.

no, I don't know either . .

Afterwards, whilst Chrissie set off to run back home in Clifton . . she's Iron, after all, we retired back to the Stables for our picnic, for coffee, tea or hot chocolate, and for conversation, and perhaps, one or two silly photos . . and all too soon, after about 3 hours (for a 5k?), our parkrun morning was over. There was shopping to do, chores to carry out, and errands to be run. Fortunately of course, one of the other great things about parkrun is that there's another one, next weekend.

And so to Sunday. I took the softer option and met the other Larkers at Blaise Castle. They'd already run a couple of miles to get there. When I arrived, it was a beautiful bright and sunny morning, and I sent a message to a friend that said something to that effect. As soon as I'd locked my phone in my car and walked away, I looked over my shoulder and saw the darkest clouds, decorated with a bright rainbow, and realised that my text must have seemed peculiar, to say the least!

beautiful Blaise Castle

I took a few photos of my surroundings (sadly the rainbow had disappeared) and before long Maggie and David came round the corner, followed by Abbie, Andy, Alan, Sheila, Chris and Paul. I joined them and after a few metres we paused, and were joined by the morning's other Larkers, who had taken a longer route to the meeting point. We struck out towards Kingsweston House. It was muddy, but we like that. By this time though, the storm I'd seen over my shoulder had caught up with us and it was wet and windy. Some said there were hail stones, but I don't remember them.

Fortunately the storm soon blew over and the sun returned, just in time for us to take some photos in front of the House, and admire the view across Avonmouth towards Wales. I couldn't run as well as I'd have liked to, I was tired and my knaughty knee was playing up, clicking and cracking away. Maggie was great, as always, and stuck with me whilst I struggled, and everyone else was very patient. There was plenty of stopping and starting, sheepdogging and regrouping, so I was never far behind. I was grateful for their patience. And after a little over 6k of stopping and starting, we were back close to Blaise, and we parted, the rest to run back to Maggie and David's, me to return to the car park.

A little later, we were all back at our hosts' lovely home, with red soup and green soup, and bread, and tiffin (thanks Alison) and cupcakes, and mulled wine. And as always, amongst this lovely group of people, much laughter and good fun were shared. Thanks, everyone, for a great weekend. Looking forward to the next one already . .

Sunday 15 December . . a cracking Christmas morning out . .

The Christmas Cracker 10k, organised by Weston Athletic Club, has been part of the south west's running calendar for years. I remember going along to support some friends taking part in it in the late 1980s. For some reason - I don't know why - I didn't get around to entering it and taking part until last year, when I grabbed one of the last 50 places.

Christmas Cracker, 2012

It's essential - compulsory even - to wear some tinsel whilst running this race. But it's better if you run in fancy dress. And most people do wear fancy dress. Last year my contribution was to wear a Santa hat and wrap some tinsel round my neck. It felt like barbed wire by the time I finished. Having taken part in it once though, I realised that it would be much more fun to wear fancy dress, and so this year I became an Elf for the day.

As usual the Larkers had a laugh driving down to the race. We were all in fancy dress and were looking forward to finding more Larkers and seeing what they were wearing. When we got there, Weston-super-Mare was full of all sorts of runners . . hundreds of Santas, hundreds of Elves, wise men, shepherds, Josephs and Marys. Some turkeys, some crackers, some dressed as runners, and for some bizarre reason . . penguins. Have I missed something? The Christmas Penguin? The Penguin in the Manger? The Penguin of the Lord came down? Good King Penguinslas? Who knew!

The race started under the Grand Pier and we ran north as far as we could before turning back and running 4k towards Uphill. At Uphill we stayed on the flat, and we turned off the beach before heading back to Weston. As soon as we could, the course took us onto the Promenade, where many of us had got soaking wet the previous Thursday evening in the most recent 5m Prom run.

As we got further down the prom and got closer to Grand Pier we could see the finish. The trouble was, we had to run past it. In fact we still had 2k to go, including a circuit of Marine Lake which took us across the causeway I'd last run over in 1992.

Crossing the Causeway in the Tough Ten, 1992

I'd run the whole race with Maggie, who'd wanted to take part but needed to take it easy because of a dodgy hamstring. We had a great time, nattering about this and that, and Maggie provided me with much needed encouragement as I struggled at times. The first 4k had been into the wind, along the beach, and it took more out of me than I'd have liked.

Anyway, back to the 8k mark on the Prom. As we ran past the finish area, we heard the announcer call out that Vanessa had finished, we saw Nicola and Yvonne, and Debbie, dashing towards the finish line. A little later we saw Paul in his stunning onesie. And then, after we'd crossed that Causeway, it was time for Maggie and I to hit the beach again. I looked across to the finish and it seemed so far away, and I told Maggie that I couldn't do it. I was all out of oomph. A few paces down the beach we got a big boost when Jim Plunkett-Cole took our photo. Alfonso was there too, to help him. But I still didn't think I could do much more than collapse across the finish line.

thanks, Jim . .

There's something about a finish line though isn't there. It used to happen sooner to me than it does nowadays . . but once I get the scent of a good finish line in my nostrils, I'm off. There was a fairy just ahead of us (really!) and Maggie suggested we try and pass her. The fairy didn't stand a chance! It was so good to finish, and after a moment or two we were back with the Larkers. Hugs all round, although Paul and Martin didn't seem to appreciate them. Or at least, not mine!

Tall Elf, Christmas Cracker, 2013

And then back to Weston College, Race HQ for the day, to collect our fab red t-shirts, and our mince pies, and climb all those stairs to get our bags and to get changed. Finally to the bar, to catch up with everyone, in time to see some of the penguins, our very own Larkers Alan and Sheila, get a prize for their fancy dress.

A great race, a great day out, and great fun. Thanks everyone . .

Sunday 1 December . . Looking for Mr Malreward . .

For the first time in many weeks, the Larkers had no race to chase and so we chose to recce leg 2 of the Green Man Challenge relay around Bristol, Vanessa and Paul having already run leg 1 a few days earlier. I say "we" but in fact I chose to rest my naughty knee and opted out. However with the run being from one place to another I was able to help by ferrying Vanessa, Paul and Debbie to the start, whilst Alan, Sheila and Steph followed.

Have you noticed how many Somerset villages sound like retired ac-tors? Nempnett Thrubwell and Farleigh Hungerford are two that spring to mind (probably not Flax Bourton mind you), and this morning we were looking for Norton Malreward. Thanks to Paul's navigation skills we found the village and the start of the leg. The Larkers got ready, a "before" photo was taken, and off they went, heading for Keynsham, mostly along the Chew valley.

 I jumped back in my car and set off to Woollard, where I was going to wait for my friends with water and encouragement. But I hadn't got very far when I caught a glimpse of that wonderful old railway viaduct just outside Pensford, way over across the valley. I screeched to a halt and found somewhere to park. A quick glance at the map showed that I was on the run route and almost immediately the 6 Larkers came running down towards the road. There was no time to stop of course, and I took a quick snap of them going through the kissing gate, and several more of them far away in the distance, following the valley towards Pensford, with the viaduct in the background.

Next stop for me was Woollard, where I found a narrow footbridge across a stream that flows into the Chew, and waited for the Larkers to cross the water meadow towards me. And waited, and waited, and waited . . I knew I was in the right place, but where had the runners got to? I'd just begun to doubt my navigational skills when at last, I glimpsed a flash of yellow, and another of pink, and there they were, running towards my little bridge. Turned out that the directions they were following weren't always clear and they'd done a bit of unnecessary hill-climbing in Pensford, which had delayed them somewhat.

Everyone had a cup of water, and Paul shared the Kitkats he'd been carrying, and after another photo they set off up the hill out of the village, towards Compton Dando (there's another of those ac-tors) and Keynsham. I stopped off just outside the latter at a spot overlooking the River Chew, and spent way too long sat on a stone wall (I've got a cold now) waiting. The Larkers came, they saw, they waved, and they pressed on to the end of the leg at the Lock Keeper on the River Avon, where, as you might expect, I took another photo.

And then we retired to the Brassmill where we were joined by Martin and all enjoyed a lovely lunch and and a lot of laughs. So, although I wasn't running, I still had a great day out with good friends in beautiful countryside. They covered a little over 9 miles, superbly navigated by Vanessa, and mention must be made of the fact that this was Steph's first run over 10k, and first run off road. Well done to her, and well done too to everyone else too, you all ran well. And finally if I may say so, well done to me . . when I took Alan, Sheila and Steph back to their car, I found Norton Malreward, in the dark!

the 125th Abingdon parkrun . . 5 Larkers find friendship, sunshine, mud, coffee and cake . .

23 November

I've been back in Bristol for 13 months now, and in that time I've made Ashton Court parkrun my home. It's not the easiest run, and if you're wide awake there's that "what was I thinking" thought as you attack the hill. On the other hand, there's always the "weeeeeeeeee!" as you come back down again. As a general rule though, I find it best to still be half asleep when taking on the hill.

I've also made a lot of friends at Ashton Court, many of them being the Larkers I often write about. I'm very fortunate to know this group of runners, and when Monday comes I can't wait for the next weekend. Before I returned to Bristol my home parkrun was Abingdon, where again, I met some special people and made some good friends.

All parkruns are special, of course but Abingdon is one of those that has that intangible extra, so that it stands out from the ever-increasing crowd of parkruns.

I love running beside the River Thames, twice . . the boats on the canal . . the mud . . running around the meadow . . the tall trees standing guard over the river . . and then the walk into town over the bridge, looking to see if the Heron's at home in the Weeping Willow, before settling down at Java & Co for their great coffee and cake, nattering away with everyone and watching the town go by in the Market Square.

I've been back to Abingdon twice this year, and wanted to get back again before Christmas, so that's were I went yesterday. Although the 6.50 departure time put a few off, Paul and Vanessa came with me, Caroline was already in that part of the world, and Maggie stopped off to join us as she made her way from Brixton to Banbury. It had been frosty when we left Bristol, and watching the orange sun rise made the A420 more interesting than it usually is!

As soon as we arrived at Rye Meadow I started to see some old friends and it was great to be back. Once Sue had explained the intricacies of the posh loo in the car park to Vanessa, and Caroline and Maggie had joined us, we displayed our parking tickets, put on our best larking shoes, and made our way to the start.

Run director Caroline H banned me from the pre-run tourist and newcomer briefing, so I continued catching up with old friends whilst the Larkers learnt all about Abingdon parkrun. There was just time for Julian to take a photo of us before the run when at 9am, with the sun still shining, Caroline H got our parkrun started, and along with thousands of others in England and Wales we set off on our 5k adventure.

Runners of all shapes and sizes, of all ages and abilities, we ran beside the Thames, from firm towpath to uneven muddy footpath, then over the grass around the meadow before crossing the little bridge and hitting the proper mud, made worse by tractors during the week, and after 1500m or so I was still with Vanessa and a little ahead of Paul. Well that was new! They must be having a dreadful run! Or maybe it was me, over excited by the occasion and running too quickly?

Suddenly I was overcome by lethargy, lost all my energy, and slowed right down. I couldn't understand it and kept on running and enjoying my surroundings. As the parkrun unfolded I was passed by several people I've never been ahead of before. Probably went off too fast then! Runners kept on coming by and as we got back onto the road for the last time I could see Maggie up ahead, having already finished her run and warming down, running back towards me. Just then I was caught by John, who I knew had run his 100th parkrun the previous week, and we exchanged a few words as I congratulated him. Thing is, John's age group is 20 years older than mine. I hope I'm still running like that when I'm his age but right now I don't want to be beaten by him (again!). So just as Maggie reached me I found some energy from somewhere and hurried towards the finish. It was nice to have Maggie accompany me, just as it was nice to be cheered as I finished.

The Larkers had all finished and all were saying what a lovely run it was. Caroline H offered me a piece of gingerbread man as I queued to register, and once Julie had scanned my barcodes we put some warm clothes on and headed for the Market Place. Whilst we were queuing for our coffee the sunshine disappeared, replaced by gunmetal skies and November cold, but as tradition holds, we all sat outside and were kept warm by parkrun lurve.

It was good to be back, and I know the Larkers all enjoyed their morning in Abingdon. We'll return next year, there's no doubt. Thank you to everyone at Abingdon for making us so welcome, it was good to see you all and for me it was just like being back home!

Later in the day I found that I'd had a tummy bug for company all morning, which may explain my sudden energy loss during parkrun. It certainly explains why there's no Sunday race report as I've been sensible today and stayed at home. The Larkers were off to Brent Knoll, or orienteering across the Mendips, and I'd been due to run a 10k on the Castle Combe race circuit - tarmac all the way! Hope you all enjoyed your events . .

Many thanks to Lewis and Julian for their great photos.

45 Maggie 23.48 . . 2nd lady and 1st in her age category
59 Caroline 25.04 . . 2nd in age category
86 Paul 27.09 
95 Vanessa 27.38 
143 me 31.04 
185 finishers

next Larkin' blog - probably Sunday 1 December . . after a lark along
the Chew Valley with Vanessa and Paul . . depending on how long lunch takes . .