Goats on the run (11)

The weather in the UK may have been a little soggy over the past couple of weeks, but that hasn’t stopped our intrepid Lonely Goats from getting out there and getting it done! In this, the latest in our series of goats on the run articles, we’re shining the spotlight on a handful of Goats who’ve recently caught our eye on our Facebook, Instagram and Strava channels.

Bill Burgess after the Men’s 10K Glasgow in 2019

Bill Burgess

Lonely Goats run for all manner of reasons, with many of us choosing to use our running to raise money for charity. One such Goat is Bill Burgess who recently ran the Glasgow Mens 10K for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

It was the third time Bill has run for the charity and afterwards, in a post he wrote in the LGRC Facebook chat group, he said:

“My time was about 1:18′. Not too bad for this 76 year old Goat – Although time for me is not the main aim: This is just to finish and raise a few pennies! Now for a few gin and tonics!”

The response to Bill’s post was so positive that he followed up by saying:

“It’s not often I post on this forum unless I am responding to someone else’s post, however I must admit I am totally overwhelmed by the comments and likes I have had with respect to my earlier post. You are all just superb people and believe me your comments mean so much to me. As I said, I would have a few G&Ts, and I have! God bless you all.”

Carole Davis

This time last year, back in in 2018, Carole Davis ran in the Hope24 event, where runners have 24 hours to run as far as they can, either on their own or in a team. The event is held at Plympton in Devon, with the route on the trails of a private estate.

Last year, Carole wrote this of her experience:

“This was my first ever “endurance” type run. The furthest I have ever run before was the Bournemouth Half Marathon last year where I just made it in under the cut off time.

My aim was 3 laps (15 miles) and I ended up doing 5 laps (25 miles). I am struggling big time with my legs, and just generally ache everywhere. I am really glad I did it – absolutely loved the technical and downhill bits through the woods – absolutely hated the hills (I think the elevation gain over the 5 laps was about 900m). Big hello to the other three goats that I saw out there – hope you are all recovering the use of your legs! I may well be out of action for some time!”

Carole must have recovered well from all the aches and pains from last year, as she went back to the Hope24 to run this year’s event with her husband as part of a team. She went one lap better this time round though, smashing her previous best of 25 miles by covering 30 miles.

Carole Davis at Hope24 2018

Jim Fitch

One of the big milestones many runners try to crack is the sub-20 minute 5K. There’s something very satisfying about seeing your name next to a time that begins with a “1” rather than a “2”, even though rationally it shouldn’t seem so important.

Jim Fitch was able to break the barrier for the first time last weekend with a 19’59”.

As Jim said: “Been trying for months for a sub-20 on my local Norwich parkrun… by 1 second… really?!”

Jonny Sutton

Jonny Sutton opted for a rather unconventional method of marking Father’s Day by taking on a 69 mile epic, Rat Race’s ‘The Wall’ from Carlisle to Newcastle. He wrote:

“Longest run/trek I’ve ever done. Physically, mentally and emotionally spent at the last check point but was determined to cross the finish line with my Dad there on Father’s Day.

So proud of myself.”

Philip Blazdell

Not all running events end up with us crossing the finish line with our hands in the air and a massive smile on our faces. However, a DNF (did not finish) can still be a success if we learn something from it.

In the words of Philip:

“Here are my thoughts on my first attempt at running 50 miles over the weekend (and for the record, I am a middle aged bloke who loves Red Stripe and cake..):
  1. Just don’t – it’s insane;
  2. The step up from 50K to 50 miles is insane – it’s a totally different game;
  3. Drinking just water isn’t going to work. I bombed because I lost so many electrolytes and didn’t replace them. Next time I am taking coconut water;
  4. Eating sweets isn’t enough; you need proper food. I was so dehydrated that I couldn’t get my pork pies or scotch eggs down and that didn’t help;
  5. It’s very, very lonely running for 9-10 hours alone. You need a running buddy to remind you to keep going, to eat and drink, etc.;
  6. You need to have a massive amount of self-belief to do this; like you have to WANT to do it. Mentally, I am not at that position now;
  7. Running back to back marathons helps but it didnt give me the fitness or mental toughness I needed;
  8. I had the urge to lay in the grass and sleep at about 35 miles. I should have done this; it might have helped;
  9. I did cry… during the race, after the race, in the shower and then in the hotel bar (when I couldn’t get my pint down me);
  10. Would I do it again? Hell yeah!”
Philip Blazdell at SVN Kent 50 Mile Endurance Run 2019

Susie Duerden

Here’s a story from Susie for anyone who is thinking about taking up for running, or who has started but is still finding the going tough.

“I just thought I’d share my story in case anyone was thinking they can’t do it. I hadn’t run until last March. After having my second baby in January 2018 and turning 40 I thought I’d better give it a whirl and get fit. So I started a My Asics app, joined a gym with a creche and began my journey, registering for the Race for Life 5K.

This week is my first 10K anniversary and since sticking to a plan and returning to work in January I am seven half marathons and four marathons in to my running journey.

I’m a sucker for a t-shirt and a medal – I’ve never had any achievements like that before! Here’s a pic of me after finishing the London Marathon in April this year and me after my 10K last year.

Get out there… If I can, you definitely can!”

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