No products in the basket.
Goats on the run
Goats on the run 19 – the ‘no races’ special
28
Nov
Nov
Fellow Goats, one and all, the 19th edition of goats on the run is here! We’re doing something a little bit different this time round, and declaring this edition as a ‘no races’ special.
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.
That said, it’s often the Goats who have taken part in organised events who get highlighted in goats on the run. To demonstrate how wonderful running is, and to inspire you to get out and do your own thing, we’ve chosen to shine the spotlight on some of the many Lonely Goats who have had significant or enjoyable runs over the past few days that they did of their own accord – no crowds, no medals, no goody bag, no stress. No races.
It is impossible to feature all of you in goats on the run, but we do hope you take some ‘runspiration’ from the exploits of your fellow Goats.
The ‘no race’ special
Amanda Pavey
Many of us go out and run without paying much thought to how many miles we’re clocking up over the year. Others like to motivate themselves by setting themselves targets, and may find they achieve other milestones along the way – Amanda, from Brisbane, Australia, is one such runner:
“I took up running properly about a year ago when I decided to get back in shape after my second child, and needed an activity I could fit in around babies/toddlers. I do nearly all my running alone as I have to fit it in at odd times, even at night.
So far this year I’ve just gone through 3000km (3003 as of today). I set this as a specific goal to complete by 31st December, so I’ve made it!
On the way I’ve done a 50km, a 50mile trail, and a 24hr event. It’s been an amazing journey. ”
Emily Rebecca and Lewys Farnham
It’s a well-known fact (honest!) that joining Lonely Goat Running Club and wearing a LGRC t-shirt can be the motivation you need to get out of the door and go for a run – as demonstrated by Emily:
“Just done my first run as a Lonely Goat! I actually ordered my stuff about 3 weeks ago, but I’ve been searching for the motivation to get out. After watching ‘Brittany Runs A Marathon’ yesterday, I finally took the top and headband out of the packaging and put on my old faithful running shoes and set off with my little furry friend, Sydney. I haven’t ran for a few months, but I did 5K this morning! I wonder if I did it because I’m a green goat?”
“Happy to have a nice trot around Cardiff Bay today. One of my first proper runs since Cardiff Half (I’ve been super lazy) and most importantly my first run representing the Lonely Goats .”
Julie Brooks
Every person is different. Every runner is different. We all have different goals. It doesn’t matter how you run, how far, or how fast. Just do your thing, do it your way, and enjoy yourself – like Julie:
“You goats will understand, no one else does…
I ‘jeffed’ [mixing running with periods of walking] 22km this morning. OK, so it took just over 3 hours but I did it! It was the next big target of my couch to 106km for next May.
I’ve been researching different run/walk intervals to try and went for 4:2 as I’ve had a bad cold. It turns out it was the perfect balance.”
Julie Ann Grant
It’s all too easy to beat yourself up if you don’t do a planned run. Sometimes, if your energy levels or running mojo are dipping, it’s best to ignore the plan and just run for the fun of it – as Julie did:
“This was a “just not feeling it” kinda run. Didn’t want to stick to the 10K training plan. Certainly didn’t have the energy for a long run. This was a “just go out and do 5k” run. That is what I did. The end.
Oh, and the Nike app said I ran my fastest mile so I’m having that!”
Nick Hayes
A lot of Goats joined the Herd because we struggle to fit ‘conventional club’ training around tricky shifts. Sometimes you just have to squeeze your run in around work, family and everything else – as Nick did with this run, where he even managed to race some local kids:
“I started work 3:30 Friday afternoon, finished 1pm today but unfortunately had call from my brother who’s on-call asking to cover a shift again this evening so couldn’t say no – family business and all that. But I had this gap to get a run in, so as I was nearby I went around the Orme and Llandudno.
A funny thing happened, though, on the Orme. I got near the highest point going up the half marathon route and came running up behind a group of young lads walking. One of them spots me and gets into that crouched sprint start set-up! I’m already laughing as I get to him, carry on, he starts, he gives up after 10 meters. I carry on laughing and waving and he’s clapping – lucky because I’m dying!
I carried on with the run, then started doing running maths in my head as didn’t fancy doing the return run back from the other side of the Orme to get on the right number of kilometres to finish at my car. I managed to get it bang on, so I’m happy – apart from going off to cover the shift now until 9am tomorrow. I can just about friggin’ walk!”
Nick Radford
Running isn’t necessarily the cure for all that life throws at us, but often it can help – as experienced by Nick:
“After a pretty rubbish 12 months that saw me plunge to some pretty dark places, I have dusted down my old trainers and managed a 6K with number 2 son. I’m feeling happy and loved being in the fresh air again. Baby steps and I couldn’t have done it without the support of friends.”
Scott Broomhead
Yes, you can sign up for a big city race and push yourself to hit a personal best (PB) surrounded by tens of thousands of other runners. Alternatively, you can step out your front door and do it all by yourself – like Scott did:
“This morning: new PB by two mins.”
Joe Walmsley
And here’s a run from one of the Herd over on Instagram – Joe, who squeezed a run in despite work getting in the way:
Just get out there and do your thing
Hopefully this edition of goats on the run has shown that running isn’t all about organised events. It isn’t even necessarily about PBs, longest runs, or spectacular scenery. 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.
Feeling inspired?
Has goats on the run 19 given you an urge to get out the door – 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 19th edition of goats on the run – our ‘no races’ special. Congratulations to all the runners mentioned, plus the many, 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.