Wow! It’s the tenth ever goats on the run article. It might seem like a small milestone, but over the last few months we have highlighted some of the achievements of dozens of Goats and look forward to many, many more to come. Besides, as runners, we know that all milestones reached are worth celebrating.
With that in mind, read on to discover some of the stories that have been shared and caught our eye on our Facebook, Instagram and Strava channels.
Anna Stoiljković
Anna achieved a big life goal of hers as she ran across San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.
The significance of the moment put Anna in a philosophical mood and she wrote:
“My time in California has been one massive epiphany for me. As I was running the bridge I was so overwhelmed; I was literally living my dream. Life is but a series of connected fleeting moments, make the most of it as you are but a speck of dust in the wind.”
Anthony Woodward
As part of his #Epic12 challenge, raising money for Nacoa, Anthony ran the Derby Half Marathon. He described the experience as:
“Probably my most emotional race finish; not for the race itself, but because of what happened to me 200m before the end. Just as I got round the final corner both of my little girls decided they were going to run over the finish line with me.
Madeleine stayed along side me and Millie jumped on Uncle Shaun’s shoulders to cross the line.
Definitely could feel myself welling up as Madeleine was cheered on by the crowd to beat Daddy (which she did) and in no uncertain terms make it clear to me that she was a better runner. Maybe I’ve instilled too much of a competitive edge in them?”
Chris and Clare Smith
For people who want to go further than a marathon, there are loads of ultramarathons to choose from. The Race to the Tower has become one of the most popular in the UK and consists of a double-marathon on the Cotswold Way.
Chris Smith, and his wife Clare took on the challenge, and Chris wrote this summary:
“Well, my wife and myself became ultramarathon runners yesterday, completing Race to the Tower. 52.4 miles of the most epic hills you can imagine including the last mile and a half straight up to the Broadway Tower. I can’t be any prouder of my wife, especially when after 12 miles she had pain in her knee yet still managed to drag herself round the course. Started in the light, finished in the dark.”
Josh McGinley
Josh had one of those amazing runs where everything just clicked and he was able to keep going and going. He wrote:
“I don’t usually like to brag but I had a Forrest Gump moment yesterday and just kept running. I went out for a gentle half an hour run with the missus and ended up chucking her the car keys and saying I’ll run home. Another full hour later I returned. I was tempted to go for another half hour and bag a half marathon but I thought I’d leave that for another day. Feeling pretty confident I can do my Half Marathon in September now, just need to keep on upping the pace.”
Kala Pavitt
Kala celebrated a year of running, writing:
“It’s my runniversay today! A year ago I started the Couch to 5K (C25K) programme (after years of wishing I could run and doing nothing about it!). Since then I’ve run the Eastbourne Half Marathon and a 10K with other local ones booked! The last year has gone so quickly and I don’t know what I used to fill my mind with before running!
I celebrated with an early morning run on which I finally found some dolphins. I love being part of the herd and the positivity and love it brings. I wear my top with pride! Because of being part of the herd I’ve made an amazing friend and running buddy Lisa Partridge and it feels like we’ve known each other for years!”
Kevin Eddy
The Classic Quarter is a tough ultramarathon from the southernmost point in England, to the westernmost (a quarter of a compass face). It follows 44 miles of the South West Coastal Path from Lizard Point to Land’s End.
Kevin laughed and cried as he ran this year’s edition and is now able to proudly call himself an ultramarathoner. It definitely wasn’t easy for him though, as he got stung by a bee on the head and then bitten by a dog at 28 miles. Despite this, Kevin referred to it as “44 miles of pure pleasure”.
Lisa Baitey
“So happy! Completed C25K today! After being extremely poorly for 11 weeks at the start of the year and losing all fitness and muscle tone, I didn’t think I’d run 100 metres again let alone 5K! But I’ve done it! Long way off back to best fitness but I’m getting there! So happy!”
Rose Fazakarley
Cancer Research UK’s ‘Race for Life’ series continues to be very popular, with events all over the UK. Rose was one of the Lonely Goats who ran it recently, and even met a couple of other Goats on the way. She wrote:
“Ran/walked the first 5K with my daughter who is on week 3 of None to Run, and also with my son in law, then headed off for my second lap as they crossed their finish line.
Made up a bit of time running that second lap; loved it on my own running through the woods – could get used to it.
Yesterday wasn’t about pace and time – it was about enjoying the event and raising money for a good cause – but quite pleased that my finish time wasn’t any slower than my first ever ‘all running 10K’ despite all the walking.
Unfortunately the distance came up short at 9.5K, so no Strava 10k badge… will just have to do another one.
Great to meet fellow goats Sarah and Sharon. Thank you for cheering me over line and see you both again soon.”
Until next time
That’s it for this edition of goats on the run. Congratulations to all the runners mentioned, plus all those we missed. As always, if you’ve achieved something in your running that you’re particularly proud of – completing an event or otherwise – feel free to let us know about it in the Facebook Chat Group or use the #lonelygoatrc and #lonelygoatrunningclub hashtags on Instagram.