Goats on the run 18

Has anyone got any fireworks left over? If so, you may want to set some off to celebrate the arrival of the 18th edition of goats on the run! This time, we’re shining the spotlight on some of the many Lonely Goats who ran in the USA, UK events, parkruns, or on their own around their local neighbourhood.

At Lonely Goat Running Club, all runners are welcome, regardless of the speed you run, the distance you run, the events you run, or the reasons why you run. This is why, in goats on the run we celebrate all achievements and shout about the runners who happened to catch our eye on our Facebook, Instagram and Strava channels. With so many members, it is impossible to feature all of you in goats on the run, but we do hope you take inspiration from the achievements of your fellow Goats.

New York City Marathon

There were a few Goats in New York last weekend – either running the marathon themselves, or cheering others on. Here are a few of them:

Joanne and Paul Thurlwell

See if you can spot Paul in the picture below. Joanne says, he was the “happiest Lonely Goat running the New York City Marathon” and ran a new personal best (PB) of 3:38.  They even managed to squeeze in the Abbott Dash 5K the day before.

Paul Thurlwell at the New York City Marathon 2019

Sharon Louise

The question of which training plan to use is one that comes up fairly often in the LGRC Facebook Chat Group.  Some of you may wish to check out the ‘Hanson’s’ method after reading Sharon’s post:

“Today I ran the New York Marathon, managed to get a marathon PB (3:54) using the Hanson’s marathon training plan, and completed my 6 star* journey too.”
[*People who have run all 6 World Marathon Majors events get a special ‘six-star’ medal.]
Sharon Louise at the New York City Marathon, 2019

Still on the other side of the pond

Richard Veysey

The Marine Corps Marathon is one of the most prestigious races in the USA.  This year they added a 50K option, which Richard ran after some less-than-idea preparation:

“I’ve come to the conclusion that spending two weeks travelling around New Orleans and Nashville drinking and eating too much doesn’t help prepare you for a 50K run.

On Sunday I took part in the first Marine Corps 50K ultramarathon in Washington DC and it appears the marines and other runners love the green goat running top.

What a run: 20 miles of pouring rain and 11 miles in extreme heat.”

Back in Blighty: Run Tatton Half Marathon and the Glen Ogle 33

Keeping with the ultramarathon theme for one moment, Iain ran in the Glen Ogle 33 – a race that has home-baked cakes and a ceilidh on offer at the finish line.  Here are Iain’s thoughts:

Iain Graham

“I can now say I am an ultra runner! By jings what a day! Started in pouring rain, but that didn’t last long and then a couple of hours in the sun came out! Thanks to all involved for a well organised event! Now, let’s swap my running shoes for dancing shoes – bring on the ceilidh dancing!”

A little further South, the Herd was well represented at the Run Tatton Half Marathon.  The venue, Tatton Park in Cheshire, is a beautiful historic estate, with a deer park, mansion house, gardens and a farm.  Here’s how a couple of the Goats got on:

Nick Hayes

“Tatton Half done this morning.  I wasn’t really feeling it beforehand as tired and chilly.  Started off downhill and thought I’d probably gone off a bit too keen, then panicked expecting there to be some sort of hills, but they didn’t come.  I have to say the course being described as undulating and turning out not to be at all really was an absolute bonus.  I scraped a new half PB by 1 second, so I’m well happy!  Fantastic too to meet Emma Mumby, Imran Ali, and Emma Waters, and also another Goat who I bumped into just before the start. Well done everyone.”

Nick is featured in the photo at the top of this page.

Lin Meyrick

“[The picture shows me] on my way to 1:49’41” at Tatton Half Marathon.

Was great to see some of you and rocking those colours – I still managed to display a hint of goat.

This was the third of four Half’s over 7 weeks as part of my fundraising for Breast Cancer Care. The next and last one is at Conway in two weeks’ time.  Hope to see some of you there.”

Lin Meyrick at the Run Tatton Half Marathon 2019

Parkrun

The other day we published an article of tips for running in windy, wet and dark autumn conditions.  One of the hazards mentioned was acorns falling out of trees – something experienced by Wendi the other day!

Wendi Offord

“I questioned my sanity whilst freezing to death at the start line. I also questioned why I was there as I was hit on the head by an acorn due to the wind.  And I was thanked for breathing down someone’s neck which got her to the end!  What a soggy old parkrun that was – but my first as a pink Goat!”

Wendi Offord sheltering in her car

Just get out there and do your thing

Running isn’t all about organised events.  Some of the best runs are those where you’re on your own, doing your thing, just running for the fun of it.  Here are a few Goats who had particularly enjoying running experiences over the past few days.

Lindsey Teresa

Lindsey captioned the photo below with “Running in the Cotswolds whilst on honeymoon, feeling appreciative to be a goat .”

Lindsey Teresa in the Cotswolds, 2019

Rena Joseph Hopley

“Hey goats, had to share:  today I ran my fastest 5K.

Earlier this year it was taking me 42 minutes for my 5k every month.  I tried to speed up gradually and I started seeing progress!  Today I managed 33’37”.  I’m feeling happy and more incentive to carry on!”

Rena Joseph Hopley, 2019

Sam Lynas

“This morning was one of those runs that starts at what feels like a nice steady pace, but halfway through you start to realise it was a faster pace then you can maintain; everything suddenly hurts, you struggle to breathe, the spring has gone from your run and your hair is no longer swinging happily behind you – it’s drenched in sweat and sticking to you.

And then, all of a sudden your smile is back, your pace has quickened, and you feel like your flying.”

Sam Lynas, November 2019

Ian Riches

Of course, one way to cope with autumn running conditions is to go somewhere sunnier – like Ian:

Feeling inspired?

Has goats on the run 18 given you an urge to enter an event – or try something new with your running – but you’re not sure of how best to go about it? If so, head to the Facebook Chat Group or the discussions area of the Strava Group. There’s a whole community of runners who will be more than happy to give you some advice and point you in the right direction. Just make sure to let us know how you get on and you may be featured here in a future edition.

Until next time

That’s it for the 18th edition of goats on the run.  Congratulations to all the runners mentioned, plus the many we will have 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.

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