Running Somewhere Else | Boston, London and Stratford

129th Boston Marathon

Linda Edwards 4.53.09

“Boston Marathon is one of the 6 marathon majors (6 stars). It is an iconic marathon established in 1897 and traditionally held on a Monday (Patriots Day). I arrived to a city of celebration as the Americans were celebrating 250 years since independence of the Britain which started in Boston. I arrived with a tour group and Cathy Steer, en route to a friend, arrived for a few days and to cheer me on.
The route starts in Hopkington and you run 26.20 miles to Boston. Although there is a net downhill, there are rolling hills all the way with 4 very tough hills at Newton, starting at mile 16. One is famously known as Heartbreak Hill.
My preparation has been good, except for an injury which has significantly affected my last 3 weeks of training. I am not new to marathon running and I had prepared well. We were taken to the start by yellow school buses and I was hoping my forced rest would keep my injury at bay.
The heat with no wind and shade in the first half affected me badly and I fell over sustaining a lacerated and bruised knee and had to be helped up by other runners. After this loss of time I embraced the joy of the race and took photos etc.
The one thing I hadn’t thought about was my ‘comfy race knickers’. As I ran each mile with an uncomfortable feeling of loosing my underwear it dawned on my the knicker elastic was not quite as strong as it used to be and frequently pulling them up was an unforseen issue.
Cathy was at mile 16 waving the yellow towel and I was so glad to see a familiar face.
The atmosphere was amazing all the way around and the shouts from the crowds kept me going. I absolutely loved it, although my quads certainly did not.
Advice for this race, train hard on hills up and down, wear your name on your vest and for any race don’t rely on comfy underwear!
Five marathon majors under my belt now and one to go!” Linda

The London Marathon

Nia Glover 3.20.36
Andy Poole 3.42

“It was really hard in the heat today, but the crowds really carried you through when things got tough! I knew my Goal A pace wasn’t going to happen at about 15 miles so just tried to settle into it and keep ticking on for a PB. Cramp got me over the last 10k and it felt like Big Ben wasn’t getting any closer those last couple of miles! Pleased to come away with a 5 minute PB and finally getting the chance to run London (after many years of ballot rejections!) ” Nia

Shakespeare Marathon

Darren Jenner 4.07.18
Felicity Crotty 5.09.57

“We had seen the weather forecast and knew it would get warm, but didn’t realise how warm. Having done all the training we hoped we would be ok. As Shakespeare is a 2 lap course we managed the first lap with relative ease. However as the race split and the marathoners went on to do a second lap it just got warmer (and hillier?!). Glad to have finished, not sure I will be doing this again!!” Felicity

Butcombe Trail Ultra 50k

Vicki Mason 8.15.00

“A beautiful but brutal course where even some of the descents were un-runable. With Cheri’s chatty company and the excellent support of our own support ‘crew’ of Sarah Reynolds and Katy Miller, along with the fabulous marshalls, I’m proud to have completed my first Ultra and a tough one at that with over 4000ft of elevation! Loved the check point picnics but not the steps at 28 miles.” Vicki

Burnsall Trail Half Marathon

- Monica Farthing 3.19.06

“Quiet race numbers wise with half and a 12k option available. Well marshalled and signed.

Gorgeous route around the local footpaths made up of 2 big hills, some ‘smaller’ ones and a lot of stiles (23 according to my friend who paid attention and counted) and course of the downhills were fab.

Did stop to take in the Dales and get a few pics of the stunning views…. Made the hills worth it.” Monica

Malvern Hills Trail Half Marathon

Anna Field 3.05
Anne Gardiner 3.05

“Knowing this wouldn’t be easy with 800 m of ascent, it was a bit daunting to see the young, fit runners at the briefing, seemingly all with huge quads!

We both loved the race which was very well organised. At the race HQ there were good facilities including a bag drop and cafe, massages and photos also available afterwards. There were 3 aid stations, all with loos and offering a great choice of sweet and savoury snacks including fresh fruit which kept us eating throughout the race!

Views from the trails were stunning and the route was really interesting with twists and turns, varied terrain, stiles, an odd ditch and a long section along the Malvern ridge. This was a tough trail half marathon but one I’d definitely do again. We will be looking at other events organised by Dave Talbot, his next event is a 55k ultra in the Forest of Dean – too far for me right now! “Anna

Parkruns

Kingston parkrun

A total of 463 parkrunners took part.

Steve Sandercock 24.42

Barnstaple parkrun

A total of 179 parkrunners took part.

Jade Beaumont 27.48

Riverside parkrun

A total of 498 parkrunners took part.

Naomi Allen 26.58

Bognor Regis parkrun

A total of 400 parkrunners took part.

Paul Robertson 23.18

Tewkesbury parkrun

A total of 99 parkrunners took part.

Darren Jenner 25.57
Felicity Crotty 34.12

Cirencester parkrun

A total of 270 parkrunners took part.

James Ball 19,35
Phil Hudson 21.51
Jon Campbell 21.57
Ben Chapman 22.44
Paul Billinghurst 22.48
Claire Sharp 23.37
Dan Drayton 25.50
Alison Booth 25.56
Rob Baker 26.42
Liz Hulcup 27.07
Sue Navin 27.20
Elaine Chapman 28.27
Anne Marie Davies 29,47
Maria Yates 30.52
Sara Juggins 31.44
Ben Mutlow 37.31

Jamaica Pond parkrun

A total of 77 parkrunners took part.

Wayne Hewitt 21.46

Groe parkrun

A total of 119 parkrunners took part.

Kathryn Cowdall 33.47

Stratford Park parkrun, Stroud

A total of 177 parkrunners took part.

Rachel Weaver 32.33

Sharpham Road Playing Fields parkrun

A total of 154 parkrunners took part.

Katy Miller 26.30
Sarah Reynolds 32.28

What a huge amount to include this week! Well done Team RSE.

Anne