It was a rather damp, dull Bank Holiday Monday morning. But that didn't dampen the spirits of the 50 or more runners who took part in the first ever Arnos Vale Community Run. It was a shame it was so wet though, as I think more spectators would have turned up.
It was a great little route. It wasn't the easiest 5k I've ever done. In fact it was quite challenging, but lots of fun. After a warm-up with John from Yoga for Life, we set off from outside the Anglican Chapel, two laps round the one flat section of the cemetry and then we were directed uphill. There were a number of marshalls helping out, directing us up the rather steep Arnos Vale hill. I think we ran the hill three times over. Runners had to negotiate narrow paths, a good bit of mud and take in the views and beauty of the cemetry. After the run we finished up in the Atrium Cafe for a cuppa and listened to the local choir. Bliss. Well done everyone that took part, especially the team from Puddle Ducks!
There really can't be that many runs organised in a cemetry. One wonders if this is a first for the UK, or even the world! Anyway certainly a run I would like to do again and one to put in the diary for next year. Good for the community too.
About Me
- Shazzyd
- I'm not a serious runner, and I'm certainly not that competitive. I'm someone who has two children, reached her 40's and simply wants to stay fit and feel good. I am writing this blog to share my thoughts, experiences and hopefully inspire others to take up running and explore green spaces in a city and further afield. I work as a freelance journalist and a part-time school librarian, and write this blog purely for love. Please feel free to comment and I'll do my best to reply and continue to write an entertaining blog.
Showing posts with label 5k. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 5k. Show all posts
Friday, 18 May 2012
Sunday, 26 September 2010
The Goats
The first time I ran further than 5k was on the Bristol to Bath Cycle Path. My mate had run the route with her personal trainer and suggested we try it. I have to admit I was pretty nervous and it was a bitterly cold day.
We set off from Bitton by the Avon Valley Railway leaving the steam trains well behind. We met a few other runners, and offered courteous good mornings. We then darted off the cycle path down to the river. Usually this route would have been a mud bath but the ground was frozen and it was pretty good going. We ran together chatting away putting the world to right, trying to navigate our way around the fields. I found it hard going - the red wine I had drank the previous night probably didn't help.
Towards the end of the run we came to a field with a style. We jumped straight over and started running across. That was when we noticed the goats. Now I'm not particularly nervous of animals but my running mate…. well. I had never seen her run so fast. One minute she was running next to me fairly chilled out, the next minute she was gone. Her acceleration was impressive to say the least. She reached the other side of the field before I had even blinked.
The goats had decided they wanted to join in with our run and started to trot along with us or should I say me. Yes I say trot as I wasn't really running that fast. I had goats either side of me and together we were running across the field like a scene from The Little House on the Prairie. Now I'm showing my age.
It was kind of surreal. I was in complete hysterics laughing at my mate who by now had vaulted the fence at the far side of the field, eyes wide with fear. I can't imagine how I must have looked surrounded by goats, trying to run. I was crying with laughter. I guess it was lucky those goats were friendly. I don't think it would have been quite a relaxed experience if they had decided to turn on me or if they had been bulls! Anyone had any similar experiences?
We set off from Bitton by the Avon Valley Railway leaving the steam trains well behind. We met a few other runners, and offered courteous good mornings. We then darted off the cycle path down to the river. Usually this route would have been a mud bath but the ground was frozen and it was pretty good going. We ran together chatting away putting the world to right, trying to navigate our way around the fields. I found it hard going - the red wine I had drank the previous night probably didn't help.
Towards the end of the run we came to a field with a style. We jumped straight over and started running across. That was when we noticed the goats. Now I'm not particularly nervous of animals but my running mate…. well. I had never seen her run so fast. One minute she was running next to me fairly chilled out, the next minute she was gone. Her acceleration was impressive to say the least. She reached the other side of the field before I had even blinked.
The goats had decided they wanted to join in with our run and started to trot along with us or should I say me. Yes I say trot as I wasn't really running that fast. I had goats either side of me and together we were running across the field like a scene from The Little House on the Prairie. Now I'm showing my age.
It was kind of surreal. I was in complete hysterics laughing at my mate who by now had vaulted the fence at the far side of the field, eyes wide with fear. I can't imagine how I must have looked surrounded by goats, trying to run. I was crying with laughter. I guess it was lucky those goats were friendly. I don't think it would have been quite a relaxed experience if they had decided to turn on me or if they had been bulls! Anyone had any similar experiences?
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