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Goats on the run
Goats on the run 20
10
Jan
Jan
Happy New Year, Goats! The 20th edition of goats on the run is here! This is a bumper edition featuring:
- Members of the Lonely Goat community looking back on 2019;
- Some of the runs by Goats that happened in December;
- A selection of festive parkruns by Lonely Goats.
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.
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.
2019 reviews
These Goats all looked back on their year in running and are now looking forward to 2020.
John Harper
“After being called in to work unexpectedly today I was wondering if I’d have time to get that last 2.5 miles in to complete my 1750 mile goal and my ‘run every day in 2019’ challenge.
Done and dusted: Day 365 of ‘run every day in 2019’ smashed!”
Kelly Challis
“I started December with 75 miles left of my goal of 500 miles for the year.
I turned 40 this year and 6 weeks later my brother, 43, died of cancer. I’ve struggled this year with grief and the loss of Matthew but decided to try to and reach the 500 miles. I did, but more than that, ran through two colds and the festive season, teaching me a lesson I can achieve so much more than I think I can.
I could have sunk into my grief and washed away my sorrow with food and drink, but instead I got out there and ran – with lots of tears and heavy legs at times.
I’m starting 2020 wanting to run more with 1000km as my target.”
Kelly Davies
“Happy New Year Goats. Love the support on this group and I wish you all a happy 2020.
2019 was a shocking year for me running; one not to dwell on. So now it’s time to look to the future… I’ve only been an ‘official’ purple goat since Friday, and I don’t know what this t-shirt comes with, but it’s given me my mojo back! I was not going to go into 2020 without any mileage so with support from a great friend and blue goat I have been out twice since Friday.
It may not have been far, but I was chuffed with a 2km constant run (OK – slow jog). Onwards and Upwards. Big love, Goats x
Sara Hwks
“If you would have told me last New Year’s Eve that I would become a runner this year, I would have laughed at you and asked you to pour me another drink!
These are the things I have learnt since I started my Couch to 5K in July 2019:
- Never refer to yourself as too slow, rubbish or not a real runner. If you run, you are a runner. OK, I might not have goals to do any huge distance or to achieve anything that some would perceive as greatness, but my goals are just as important and impressive to me. I am so proud of how far I have come. It is never OK to belittle yourself. Be proud!
- As much as I am sometimes a lone wolf (or goat) with running and enjoy being in my own thoughts, I have realised just how wonderful the running community is. It is so much more than just about running. I am part of a movement.
- Parkrun and its people are one of the best things about running for me.
- If you are a Goat, you are amazing. The End.
- Running in the rain is one of the most exhilarating experiences ever! Don’t let a bit of water put you off.
- When it comes to running music, heavy metal is my jam.
- A 12 minute mile is just as far as a 6 minute mile.
- I look at the top finishers at my parkrun in awe. One day someone said to me, that they think people who take longer are just as incredible. The early finishers are working to their maximum for about 20 minutes, perhaps. Someone slower has to work their body hard to its maximum for maybe double that time. Now that’s hardcore!
Wishing all you wonderful Goats the happiest of New Years. Here’s to us all smashing 2020! X”
Tat Payne
“Considering that we are the ‘Lonely’ Goats, I would consider my proudest, happiest achievement this year to be meeting so many wonderful people.
From organised meets at races and chance meetings at parkruns, to a planned meet at 5:30am in Waitrose car park, one morning back in March, and another in July just days after I found out I’d be running with a baby on board! From the virtual friends who I’ve been chatting to regularly for many months and hope to meet face to face one day soon (National Running Show in a few weeks anyone?), to Hannah, my absolute rock, running buddy and pregnancy fitness advisor (who I start to miss if I don’t see at least once a week)!
2019 has been a pretty special year and being a Goat and a runner has played an enormous part in that!
Thank you herd, you’re incredible! Have a very Happy New Year!”
December runs
These are a few of the runs from the last month of 2019 that caught our eye.
Becky Naylor
…at the Jolly Holly Jog 10K at Studley Royal Park in North Yorkshire.
Chris Bond
…at the Lanzarote Marathon.
Darren Gosby
…who took 3rd at the Bolton Bauble 10K.
Julie Georgewill
Why not make running a family affair?
“Christmas Tree 10km with flying feet and a very lovely Christmas morning run with my daughter and son-in-law. Happy Christmas everyone, peace and love to all x”
Michelle Kennedy
There’s nothing like an unexpectedly great run to get you feeling excited. This happened to Michelle at the Frozen Phoenix Half Marathon:
“Feeling amazing! This pink goat managed a 2:14′ half marathon today. Given how ill-prepared I was feeling, how much junk I’d eaten and drunk in the past couple of weeks, and how little sleep I’d had last night, I really wasn’t expecting that! Great end to the year! Pretty cool bling too!”
Robert ‘Stretch’ Armstrong
How many Goats finished the year with a marathon? Robert did”
“First event as a goat, first full marathon.
Quite chuffed I managed to squeeze just under the 4 hour mark – not bad for a tubby lad!
Hope everyone has a successful year.”
Sarah Telford
The best running partners often have four legs and a wagging tail.
“Well that’s it… Last run of 2019 done. It was absolutely amazing. Had to keep Henry pooch on the lead more than usual as there were lots of other dogs around. To be fair, I think he helped me run a bit faster.
Week 4 of Couch to 5K done again! I was a bit sad when it finished today. Can’t wait to see what 2020 brings on my running journey. Have a fab New Years Eve, Goats!”
Steph Davies
Steph started the year strongly with a personal best over 10km.
“Happy new year Goats, wishing you all a healthy and happy 2020.
Smashed the Cleethorpes 10K this morning with a PB. Well done to everyone – fantastic supportive event and lovely to meet a fellow goat.”
Festive parkruns
Parkruns usually happen every Saturday, but some offer up extra runs on special days, such as Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. It’s even possible to do two in one day, as it’s not uncommon for some of these ‘special’ parkruns to start later than normal. Here are some of the Goats who ran festive parkruns.
Claire Gerrens and Victoria Johnson
“Family new year trip to Krakow. I tempted my future sister in law to join me in a NYD parkrun in Krakow. Even better… For Christmas, I’m getting her (been waiting for colour choice) a Green Goat top! Whoop. Happy new year herd.”
Claire Mathias
“Lonely goats meet up at Severn Valley Country parkrun this morning”
Fiona and Iain Jarvis
“Great to do a NYD parkrun at Bushy Park this morning.”
Jason Pickin
“Double parkrun done. First at Shrewsbury then completed my 100th at Telford.”
Jo Green
“I have my first goat picture from Hove Prom parkrun this morning (I can’t manage a double yet). Does this count as flying feet?”
Nick Hayes
“Did New Year’s Day parkrun double this morning starting with Burnley. Enjoyed that one considering not had a day off for a couple of weeks. Then drove over to Hyndburn parkrun via McDonalds! Felt quite fresh at the start – changed to heavy panting and jelly legs very quickly! Sort of enjoyed that one too though. Both parkruns were heaving which was good and was a nice start to the new year.”
Sarah Clements and family
“Christmas Day parkrun with the Clements family goats. Parkrun PBs for me and the mini goats! Merry Christmas everyone”
Tee Sodje
“Merry Christmas everyone. Beckenham parkrun done, now onto Christmas dinner. Enjoy your day everyone and never forget… live your best life!”
Feeling inspired?
Has goats on the run 20 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 20th edition of goats on the run – our 2019 review. Thank you 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.