Author: Maria Runs

Let’s go ride a bike! Plus marshalling at parkrun and Ellenbrook Field memories

In my marshal spot, plus scenes of the park on the walk there.

At the beginning of July I marshalled at Panshanger. I always remember how much I prefer to marshal in the summer as it’s so nice to stand around in the hot weather (nicer than running?). Coincidentally I had a memory pop up from marshalling at Ellenbrook Fields- pretty much the same date and same weather. Of course being able to run to and from Panshanger is great (now that the start has moved it’s much closer) but it is just not the same.

Breakfast of strawberries, granola and pb, me noticing that my nails matched the high vis and my trainers, and the EF marshal point (you can tell it’s old because the bib is yellow)

I’d ordered a new bike ages ago (April) and it finally arrived, so after breakfast I walked into town to collect it. I wasn’t brave enough to cycle home but had planned a ride on Sunday.

Sunday was busy, as I was meeting my niece and nephew at junior parkrun, plus I had a fair bit of work to do. I got up early and did a 10k run, ran the junior parkrun and then did another 3 miles on the way home. I powered through work and then decided to head out on my bike before it rained. I cycled to Panshanger to where the lovely Planted Coffee Co have their van (they are totally plant based and offer loads of gorgeous drinks and home-made goodies), and then had an iced tea. I then realised I was quite hungry as it was about 3pm and I’d not had lunch, so I bought one of their sausage rolls to have at home.

Riding my bike, those clouds, iced tea stop

I really enjoyed the ride- it was just under 9 miles there and back which was far enough to get used to changing the gears but not so far that I was exhausted.

Once home I had the sausage roll and made an iced tea (I had some left over peach cobbler tea which I’d left to cool, so topped it with a little oat milk and ice) and watched Wimbledon. I knew my dad was on and managed to spot him.  Later I was still a bit hungry so made some scones to have with fruit and jam. It felt like a sort of Wimbledon snack!

Do you like cycling? 

Summer song season and other June happenings

I do like alliteration for a title!

I love going to see live music, and what with one thing and another we suddenly had lots of gigs. The day we got back from France we were off to Knebworth for Liam Gallagher and Kasabian, and the next evening The Killers (which had been my birthday present from Andy in 2020- we heard one person walking in saying that it was a present from her ex and she had to get back in touch with him to get the tickets! Shows how much time has passed). I like Oasis and LG did lots of those songs, but the crowd are not “my people” (letting off flares, taking all sorts of drugs, throwing cups of beer over the crowd…). The stage was in a dip so I could not see at all- I much prefer to see a tiny person in real life rather than a big screen as it feels more real, plus I love watching all the musicians play. So it was good but not as good as the other shows we went to.

I’d not seen The Killers before and absolutely loved it. It was a proper stadium rock show, with lights, fireworks, lasers, confetti, different videos on the big screens for each song, and just such an uplifting feeling. Whereas with LG there was that “attitude”, Brandon Flowers (lead singer) just seemed to love being there. At one point they got someone out of the crowd to drum for them- yes this happened at each of their shows but it was exciting to see.

Glasto on the TV, outdoor yoga, watching Bohemian Rhapsody and reading Dave Grohl.

Later on we went to see Queen with Adam Lambert (another meant-to-be-in-2020 gig), which was brilliant- I loved all the outfit changes and the fact that everyone in the audience was just so full of joy. Finally we had an evening at Hyde Park to see Elton John- a slight tone shift from the other shows but still so impressive. Although this was the day of our school trip so I was slightly shattered and had to sit on the grass for several songs because I just did not have the energy to even stand.

After all the shows, it was fab to see Glastonbury on the TV and to enjoy seeing various bands- Wolf Alice were a particular highlight and reminded me of when we saw them at Latitude last year. Watching Bohemian Rhapsody was great to see all the songs, and I still need to watch Rocketman again after seeing Elton John.

Another June highlight was an in-person yoga class! Often we have had a special one on the summer solstice, and this year we could use the little community centre garden. The weather was perfect and we managed to spend the entire class outside, including a 30 minute meditation at the end. The garden was decorated with bunting, we had candles everywhere (keep those midgies away) and it was so good to meet in person rather than on Zoom. Although the bonus with zoom is that there is no need to drive home after!

Yes they had a hill called The Stinger- just when you thought all the hills were done, this was around 8 or 9k in and around the bend there was more hill!

Finally I did an actual race! I was hoping to do one of the Ware Ten races (10k or 10 miles) but it was the same day as the Grand Prix which Andy had tickets to, so he was already using the car. A few weeks ago I was given a leaflet at parkrun for the Welwyn 10k, in the village close to here, so I decided to sign up. I knew it was hilly, but didn’t actually know how hard it would be. Lovely scenery, and at one point I could see about 15 red kites all circling above the road, but so hilly. It didn’t start until 11am so I ran there first (4 miles) but it was super warm by the time we started running. I walked a couple of the hills but I was doing it to enjoy it and not to worry about the time.

The best bit? When you finished you could help yourself to fruit (bananas, apples or satsumas)- a juicy satsuma/ orange is just what I fancy when I finish running in the heat- perfect.

I got Andy to pick me up as I didn’t fancy another 4 miles (plus we had jobs to do like going to the library so we did those on the way back).

The main negative of June was Andy getting covid. Thankfully he was just really unwell for one day, and then not too bad after, but in a bid to try and not catch it I slept on the sofa and we kept as separate as possible (I’d make tea, bring it up and leave it on the landing and he’d come out of his office to get it).  I did manage to steer clear of it so I suppose it was worth the week of hardly any sleep?

Do you like seeing live music?

June parkruns including a pilgrimage to Bushy!

How is it July? I am sure I say this all the time but time is speeding up somehow!

After our trip to The Netherlands and DLP, we were back on Friday, and then off to Knebworth for a gig (more on that later…), but I was happy to get up early the next morning to head to Bushy. I’ve been before, back in 2017, but Dad had not and was keen. We had pencilled it in a while back but then couldn’t go, so decided to take the opportunity. It’s easier to tour in the summer with the light mornings.

Bushy funnel, selfie frame, token and the magazine

We drove to the car park near the café (Pheasantry) and at 8:30 there was plenty of space. It was a short walk to the start and we did have to ask some other runners where to go, but it was fine.

The start is something else. Seeing everyone line up next to each other, using the entire width of the field just shows how many people run there. It’s one lap but didn’t particularly thin out. Just before the RD did the briefing they called for any doctors or nurses as someone had collapsed by the side, and ambulances were called. Thankfully when they posted the run report they  mentioned that the gentleman was recovering well, which was a relief as it was worrying to know that it was happening but that we could not help.

The double funnel was in action as we finished, and we had to wait for a while before getting our tokens- good to carry on our chat and again just emphasised the huge size of the event. Of course we got to use the selfie frame, and then saw they were handing out copies of the new magazine, so we each took one home.

The second weekend in June I was at Panshanger, and so I ran there first as I like a parkrun sandwich. Happily at the start line I met quite a few OH ladies and one ex OH (she relocated), and we ended up running together and having a good catch up. I love that side of parkrun!

Panshanger finish area, tokens and my new pink shoes!

The third weekend was a Jersey Farm parkrun trip, followed by a long breakfast with my parents. I wore my new pink shoes (I really like Brooks Ghost, so just go with whichever colour they come in, but the last pair were black so I quite like having a summery bright pink colour)

The pink shoes show up well in the photos!- at Jersey Farm

I even wore shorts as it was so warm- the Friday before it had been over 30 degrees and after being so hot at work all day and all evening I felt like I was still cooling off the next day! Although each time I put them on I hear myself think that I’m being brave wearing shorts, and then have to reframe my thoughts because no, it should not be brave to wear something, I should just wear them if I feel hot. They are usually reserved for morning runs where I won’t see anyone, but I am trying to get used to wearing them where I’ll see people too.

At this point I had noticed that my dad was on 49 different events, and with him about go to work at Wimbledon our touring would be curtailed for the next month or so, so I suggested Cassiobury, as I’d been there but he hadn’t. While having breakfast we planned the following weeks trip, and Mum decided she would come along too and we’d have breakfast in the park together after. Cassiobury is a fairly flat two (and a bit) laps of a park. We parked in the car park away from the start line and had a bit of a walk (not that far) to find the start line. I hadn’t appreciated how big the park actually was when I’d been before, as the parkrun uses a small section of it. It’s lovely and shaded, well supported, and busy (400 runners on that day), and there were plenty of people about for Mum to chat to while we ran.

Cassiobury token, the bandstand at the finish, the view walking back to the café and the massive breakfast.

The café by the start/finish area had a big queue, so we walked back to the café where we had parked (Daisy’s) and walked right in. They had plenty of vegan options and my dad decided to go for the vegan breakfast, so I joined him. It was massive and not something I’d normally go for, but I really enjoyed  it. My parents were so impressed with the vegan sausages that they asked which brand they were (regular vegan Quorn ones). We sat outside in the sunshine, with a cool breeze, and chatted away. A great way to celebrate Dad’s Cow (half a Cowell, which is 100 events).

So there we have it, all the parkruns in June. Now you see why I haven’t got the Groundhog Day badge!

June did hold some other lovely things including a yoga in person for the summer solstice and a 10K race, but I’ll save those for another post.

How was June for you?

The Netherlands and DLP May 2022

For May half term we had a bonus day for the Jubilee (the Friday before), which meant plenty of time to train it around Europe.

First up were a few days in The Netherlands, visiting The Hague, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The main reason for The Hague was to complete my parkrun alphabet, but I am so glad we went there as it was just wonderful.

The Hague

The city centre had lots of pretty buildings, and loads of canals, lots of parks and green spaces and then by the coast a huge beach.  We did have a slight problem in that we popped into a shop (AH I think it was called- there were lots of them around) to get some water and snacks and found out they didn’t take credit cards- we hadn’t taken much cash as you just never need it.

The cities were all easily navigable by public transport- trains between cities and then walking of the tram to get around.

I really liked the cute little “tourist trams” in Rotterdam- they looked like the ones from San Francisco!

Rotterdam (plus a photo from parkrun – you can see my huge plait in the bottom left)

Rotterdam had a port to wander around, and a huge hall filled with food stalls and market stalls. I couldn’t resist the acai bowl. We found an awesome vegan pizza bar (even better than Purezza pizza we both decided) for dinner.

Amsterdam

We found a vegan pancake place (Mr Stacks) which was just so good. We got one savoury and one sweet to share, and that was a very good idea.

After a few days it was time to get the train over to Paris- we’d booked (you have to) and so got some lunch bits to take on the train as it was around 3-4 hours.

Then we had a few days in the parks! We do go on rides but also are happy to wander around and enjoy the atmosphere, but over the 3 days we managed to go on all the rides that we wanted to. I have to say that although I love Florida, DLP do the catchiest tunes. There were rainbow flowers to mark the start of Pride month.

DLP. That bottom left picture is from the pre fireworks show where they use drones to make various shapes in the sky. It’s pretty amazing.

DLP were celebrating their 30th anniversary so it’s a great time to go as there are extra events, extra shows, extra parades and also extra food items. The extra parade was pretty special, with cast members dancing down Main Street, characters following in floats, and then they all got up onto stages in front of the castle and danced (for ages!)- they even rotated around so you could end up being close to all the characters at one point.

Character meets were back! Last time you had to stand back and also still wear a mask, but this time that was all gone and I got to hug Stitch! The queue was quite long but it was entertaining as he’d interact with each guest in a different way, pretending to eat their pen or adjust their ears or run away.

Food highlights:

Top tip– don’t buy a tea in the park as they are small and super expensive. Go to the Starbucks in Disney Village for huge cups plus plant milk.

They did a special vegan panini for the 30th with vegan cheese and loads of veggies. There were food stalls in the studios, including a Vegan Kitchen- the poke bowl from there was tasty, but the star was the chocolate cake as they warm it up for you and it is so good- more like a brownie in a way.

Of course I was very excited that Dole Whips were on sale (historically in DLP they were not the same, they were horrible whippy ice cream with pineapple mixed in)- actual pineapple ones! Although the café was hidden from the path- we had a few people ask us where we had got them from.

We also tried the vegan fish and chips as Andy was quite intrigued. Neither of us like fish (obvs I don’t eat it but I never liked it when I was a child) but thankfully the filled didn’t taste fishy, just sort of like battered quorn.

Yes I have my Dole Whip t-shirt on. When in Rome…

I also bought  one of the mugs because I liked the design. It came with chocolate cake, but what they did was scoop some batter into the mug and microwave it. It wasn’t vegan so Andy ate it, but he wasn’t that impressed- it was very pale looking! The chocolate cake in the studios was much nicer according to him.

After a few days there it was time to get the train back to Paris to get the Eurostar home. What a wonderful few days.

Did you enjoy the Jubilee Bank holiday?

Zuiderpark parkrun- my parkrun alphabet is complete!

Ah, this has been such a long time in the making!

 

Fast forward over 2 years and I finally got to run there!

The Queen’s Jubilee meant that we had an extra day off work on the Friday before half term, and the day before was a training day, meaning we could book a Thursday night Eurostar and then have all day Friday to be in The Hague, minimising the chance of me getting lost. (And of course also sightsee).

The journey was good although there were very long queues at the Eurostar check  in- at least unlike flying you know they are not going to let you get stuck in security. The train went to Amsterdam but we had booked to Rotterdam, and then it was around a 20 min train journey to The Hague, all very easy (apart from the ticket machines being outside of the barriers of the station in Rotterdam). Our hotel was right by the station which helped.

I will do a separate post on the trip, but I absolutely loved The Hague and am so glad that I went. Without the pull of the parkrun alphabet, I would probably have never been there, but I am so glad I did because it was a wonderful city- so pretty with canals and parks, but also by the sea with a huge sandy beach. Honestly, even if you don’t care about parkruns or alphabets, have a look at it.

The huge copper building in the centre of the park is amazing! Plus makes it easy to find the start. I loved the Dutch signs.

Zuiderpark parkrun is a few km from the station, and there was a tram (9) that went straight there. After my disaster in Dublin it was just sensible to get the tram there. I couldn’t quite work out the times, but they were pretty regular (every 10/15 mins), with pay stations on board to get your ticket. I had only packed a t-shirt, no long sleeved tops, but it was pretty fresh at 8am and so I took my rain jacket with me for an extra layer, and standing by the station in the wind I was pretty glad of it.

I got on the tram and tried to buy a ticket, but it said “no tickets available, no card purchase available, no cash accepted”- a woman approached me and asked if I was going to parkrun- she was too. I showed her my tram ticket from the previous day (bought on board) but neither of us could get the machine to work. We had to hope that if a ticket inspector got on the tram we could explain why we didn’t have tickets for that day. We had a lovely chat on the way- she was based in Brussels and had been doing lots of European parkrun tourism (that morning she’d got a bus at something like 4am to get over here)- it turned out we had been to lots of similar parkruns in the UK too.

The trams were easy to navigate as they all had electronic screens announcing the next station, so it wasn’t long before we arrived in the park and started looking for the start. I’d seen the big copper building on their course page, so knew to head to that. Of course we met more tourists walking through the park, and it didn’t take long to see the sign directing people to the start (if you walk the circumference of the building you will find it).

Photo op by the big sunglasses!

The run briefing was completed in English first, and then in Dutch, and of course there were plenty of tourists. We were warned to watch out for bikes and with perfect timing a bike sped past. Some people had emailed in about them completing the alphabet, other people were doing their 100th- it felt as if everyone was celebrating something. I took a few photo by the huge sunglasses, and some of the signs in Dutch (making the most of a new parkrun country too), and decided to tie my rain coat around my waist as I knew I would get warm running. I particularly liked the “Let op:renners” sign which means “watch out riders”- I think warning cyclist of runners?

Then we walked to the start and we were off! It is a fast course- two flat laps around the park. Lots to see on the way around, and a few marshals at key points who were all very enthusiastic. I had a total mental blank over what thank -you was in Dutch, but they all seemed to be speaking in a combination of English and Dutch anyway.

My pace was fairly quick (and a lovely royal flush negative split too)- 8:55, 8:46, 8:44 and 8:30 for the finish. But it was pancake flat with nice wide paths and not many runners so no congestion at all. I didn’t want to rush through and not enjoy the experience, I was so happy to be there after the 2 year wait.

There were 85 runners and I had token 50. I took a few more photos at the finish but didn’t want to keep Andy waiting too long (and we had a train to Rotterdam later in the morning) so I jogged the 1/2 mile back to the tram stop and got one a few minutes after arriving. Perfect.

Starbucks from the station to warm up after too!

So there we have it, the parkrun alphabet has now been completed. I am so glad that I chose this one as my Z, as it was a great place to visit and I am sure we will now go back at some point.

I do love seeing the new badge appear on the chrome extension (third from the left on the top row) and of course a new country flag, although sadly since Crissy Fields stopped I’ve lost my USA flag. I shall have to remedy that soon, as more parkrun tourism calls of course …

Have you visited anywhere that surprised you? Where has parkrun taken you to?