2015 training weekend

Saturday morning run

I think this was my 4^th Training Weekend – and possibly the best so far.  Don’t let the word “training” put you off as it’s a case of doing as much or as little as you want.  We actually had 2 women join us who don’t currently run much as well as Liz from Lordshill.

So, the downsides first to get them out of the way.  I don’t think anyone would describe the bedrooms & bunks as luxurious. I have long, thick hair and now don’t bother trying to wash it in the showers which are not exactly powershowers.  Dry shampoo & ear plugs are on my packing list.  Washing up is necessary – but a rota shares the chore.  And no wifi!

And everything else was fabulous.  First run was led by Pat on Friday afternoon – I arrived just as the runners were coming back.  Found my bunk, cup of tea & the first bit of cake. 

2 women from Alexandra Sports gave a talk mostly on sports bras.  Apparently these should be changed when you buy new running shoes as opposed to when your thumb goes through the very worn fabric.  And allegedly, it is worth getting your gait analysed more than once every 15 years.  Who knew? Discount on the kit they brought along was appreciated.  

This year, we had a badge making machine - the outputs really helped to keep track of who was who.  Helen became queen of the machine, with much glee.

Dinner, a couple of beers & bed.

We were up early for the 7:30am run, joined by Lou & Claire D who were with us just for Saturday.  6Kish on a clear morning across open forest by Lyndhurst, passing some over excited cows on the way back – difficult to beat. 

Porridge, then the day’s activities.  I started with yoga, but ducked out of the (apparently v.good) speed/agility session in favour of a sports massage.  The yoga instructor targeted runners’ requirements well.  Self defence next – choi martial arts moves combined with excellent advice on how to get out safely from sticky situations.

After lunch, a small group of us headed out to combine a bike ride with putting out the signs for Sunday’s run – really impressed with Donna doing so well on a little folding bike as we covered about 18km. 

When we got back, it was straight into this year’s surprise activity – hula hooping.  Amazed that I managed to do this following a very frustrating few minutes & Vicky giving me some much needed coaching.   

After dinner, we had a competition to select a team to act as ambassadors for the club, demonstrating deep knowledge of running, running culture and social skills.  The teams also had their fashion creativity tested as they made ball gowns….

Sunday – porridge and then the long run through the Forest.  Most of us did somewhere between 5K & 8 miles – supported by Karen whisking past on a bike.  It’s done as a “there & back” – runners decide on their own distance & it’s unusual for anyone to end up alone for too long.  Very relieved that nobody got lost – the signs worked!  Not sunny & a bit grey – but it stayed dry.

Sunday Run

I went around the course again on my bike to retrieve the signs – and got back in time for lunch (jackets with lots of filling options), more tea, more cake.

It always surprises me how smoothly we seem to clean & clear out of Foxlease.  The washing up rota squad did an amazing job – as did so many others with the hoover & brooms.  We came very close to leaving Sue L without any trousers (she was having a sports massage & they were being considered as lost property) but I managed to steal her Garmin by mistake.

Home, tired, have already put next year’s in the diary!  Thanks to Sue W, Pat, Lynne, Tanya and Karen who made it happen and to all of you who came who made It so good.