Dawns Running Journey
Dawn’s Running Journey – Running In The Rain
Dawns Running Journey. The hardest part of running in the rain is often just getting started. Back in 2018 I was struggling with my mental health and motivation.
Last night I hadn’t slept well and had been listening to the rain hammering on the windows for most of the night. The alarm had gone off, I picked up my phone, delaying getting up while I pondered the merits of staying in bed or getting up for park run. I scrolled through Twitter @RunningMrJones was tweeting and I posed the question ‘should I run or stay in bed?’ He immediately replied by DM. He told me to throw back the covers and get to park run.
It was the push I needed and the start of my running journey in the rain.
Today 168 runners and 30 volunteers came together in the rain at Boutham Park, Lincoln. Approximately 200 runners and walkers choose to stay at home or do an alternative workout.
The rain definitely quietens a normal crowded running route.
Not Running In The Rain
Why did so many runners choose not to run this morning?
Maybe it’s the thought of just getting wet, but as another runner once advised “our skins’ are waterproof and clothes will dry”. Many runners find running in the rain enjoyable with the benefits often outweighing the hassles as long as you are properly prepared. Running in the rain will also help us prepare for a rainy race day, as well as build resilience, confidence and mental toughness.
It took me some time to embrace running in the rain but I can honestly say that now it’s just another run. But, you do need to be prepared.
Dawn’s Running Journey – My Tips For Running In The Rain:
1. Choose your clothing wisely. A good water resistant jacket and a hat are a must for me. A hat with a peak helps shield my face from the raindrops and if you are a wearer of glasses this may help you to see more clearly.
2. Don’t overdress. Check the forecast and specifically the temperature. Today it was 13C so a T shirt, shorts, jacket and hat were all I needed for running.
3. If you have a choice, don’t run in your best shoes. Ideally a pair of water resistant shoes with good traction, trail shoes or old shoes. Just ensure they have a good grip.
4. Water proof socks – the jury is out on this one as my feet were still damp after this mornings run. But they may have been because I didn’t avoid the puddles (See tip number 5)
5. Consider adjusting your stride and pace, be aware of the surface you are running on. Leaves can be slippery when wet and puddles may hide uneven surfaces so avoid where possible.
6. Protect your phone by placing it in a water proof case or plastic bag.
7. Skip the headphones and be aware of your surroundings. Listen to the rain. It makes so many different sounds depending on where you are on route and how hard the rain is falling,
8. Stay present and focus on your surroundings as mindfulness during running is known to lower stress levels and promote overall mental well being.
Good Luck Sophie
Others who love running and are regulars at park run are Tom and Sophie. Today was to be Sophie’s last run for a while. Now 38 weeks pregnant she is taking some well deserved rest to prepare for the birth of her and Tom’s second child. I am sure it won’t be long before we see Tom and Sophie back at park run, running and pushing the children round in a buggy or two. From all your fellow park runners we wish you, Sophie, a happy and safe birth.
Tom And Sophie
Smile Every Mile
Finally, let’s take a moment to thank all our volunteers who stood in the rain to support and ensure the rest of us could run this morning. A special mention has to go to the young lad who attempted to stand under an umbrella whilst holding a sign to advise that the bowls car park was not in use today. You did a sterling job young man.
Next time it rains, come and join us. Its not that bad, honestly.
Todays Smiley Run Director – Andy
Happy Running
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Running Journey – The Wolds Mini Mountain Marathon (WMMM)
Dawn’s Running Journey. The Wolds Mini Mountain Marathon or WMMM for short. Just the title would be enough to put most people off. However it’s not as scary as you may think as I have now completed five of them. It is a three hour orienteering course around the picturesque Lincolnshire Wolds, a designated area of outstanding Natural beauty. The idea of the WMMM is to visit as many controls as possible within the 3 hour time limit. There are 25 controls in total worth 10, 20 or 30 points each and this year the higher scoring controls were in easy reach. I issue a word of warning here, there are penalties for being late back so if you are not careful you could end up with 0 points!
Familiar Ground – The Massingberd Arms
I have now completed five WMMM and this was the second starting from The Massingberd Arms, South Ormsby. However, this did not mean it gave me any advantage on the course. In fact the only similarities are the start and the finish. I arrived, registered and collected the SI card which is used to register my arrival at each control. Following the welcome brief and introduction the maps, rolled and sealed were distributed. A few minutes to 09.00 we got the go ahead to open the map. Now was the time I had to make a quick decision on which route I wanted to take. All too quickly it was time to start with runners and walkers going in all directions.
WMMM 2024 Map Showing Controls
The Beginning Of The WMMM
I set off across the fields toward control number 50 along with many of the other runners. I soon found that the runners had spread out along the track hurtling towards their first control. At the first control I quickly checked the map before I took a left turn towards the second control. Now fifteen minutes in and the morning mist has turned into a fine drizzle. At this point I briefly wished I had brought a jacket. I had to reminded myself my skin was waterproof. I would have been too warm in a jacket, because despite the rain it was still warm, 19C. My only regret was I hadn’t worn waterproof socks and as a consequence my feet were soaked through and squelching in my trainers.
Lincolnshire Wolds
The route took me along a mixture of footpaths, bridleways and quiet, minor roads around the rolling hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds. I really love the views across the Wolds which are stunning, even in the mist and rain.
Having decided to take a longer route to avoid running through a field of cows I later found myself tip toeing across another cow field further into the run. I really do love cows but preferable from a distance.
Two hour point. Control No 52.
The Competitor In Me
On previous runs I hadn’t seen many other runners out and about but this his run was different. I could see runners in front, behind, coming in from the left or towards me which ever route I chose. It made the event a little bit more competitive as I attempted to keep a fellow runners within my sight. I aimed to overtake the runner in front only to find they were taking a different route. In reality it actually made no difference at all as I had no idea how many controls others had actually visited or which route they had chosen.
Decision Time
I visited 9 controls and had 31 minutes left when I left the trail and came onto the road and realised the finish was just up the hill to my right. It was time to make my final decision of the run. Could I get another control worth 30 points and still get back to the start within the 3 hours? Following a quick bit of maths I made the decision to go for it and turn round if the control appeared to be out of my reach. In the end I found it to be an easy run out and back.
The Finish Of The WMMM
Back on the road I decided to push up the hill, overtaking a couple of other runners and managed to finish with 13 minutes to spare. I had visited 10 controls, earning a total of 260 points. My final position was 22nd out of 38 runners & walkers. Considering I did not train for this, I haven’t run further than 10km in the last two years and no longer orienteer, I can be forgiven ( I hope) for being a little bit pleased with myself. I forgot to start my watch at the begining, but I definitely ran just over 17 km. I use the word ‘run’ loosely as I did ‘Jeff it’ especially on the hills.
The Massingberd Arms
It would have been rude not to stop for a drink and a chat with fellow orienteer’s in the lovely Massingberd Arms. I compared routes and overall scores with them before parting to dry off and head home.
Dawn’s Running Journey. Waterproof socks are highly recommended!
This event was organised by the Lincoln Orienteering Group (LOG). They meet every Thursday in and around Lincoln. If you are interested in joining them they can be found on Facebook Lincoln Orienteering Group and twitter @loggerslatest or at www.logonline.org.uk
Happy Running
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Dawns Running Journey – Not The Beginning!
This is by no means the beginning of my running journey, but a snap shot somewhere in the middle of it.
A few weeks ago Andy, Lincolns Park Run director asked the park runners “What’s your story?” Well mine is probably similar to many others who park run or walk each week.
I have been exercising for as long as I can remember, playing squash, badminton, cycling to school and then to work everyday. Like many I joined a gym (of which I have a love/hate relationship with even to this day) lifted weights, jumped around in classes and ran up hills. I even exercised throughout pregnancy, training on Tuesday and giving birth on the Thursday. Back exercising 6 weeks later with a baby in a running jogger much like many of the parents we see running around park run today.
Dawns Running Journey – Life Gets Interrupted
Life sometimes gets in the way if you let it. Before you know it you are juggling being a taxi service, work commitment’s, being a mum and a wife. The weight piled on as the exercise lessened.
So what changed?
In 2016 I had my photo taken with my son on his prom night. In that picture I saw a square, fat and frumpy woman. That was not who I wanted to be.
Like so many others I downloaded the C25K app and went running with Jo Whiley as my virtual coach. I started Park running with the Maternity Wing Park Run Group and then when my confidence increased I joined a running group. My first run was with the legendary Jim Diamond who taught me anything was possible with the right training and mind set.
Mental Breakdown – Are You OK?
In May 2018 I had a ‘mental breakdown’ for want of a better description. Everyday life was a struggle, but running helped, as did the support from family and friends.
One overdue thank you goes to Shirley who one park run morning asked ‘Are You OK?’. I wasn’t. A phone call later and lunch in the garden proved to be a turning point in my recovery.
Shirley and I crossing the Lincoln Park Run finishing line together
Dawns Running Journey – Recovery And Achievement
In April 2019 I went on to run my first 10K in over 20 years (along with the Maternity Wing Park Run Group). I’ve run a half marathon and many 10K’s since then, finally in 2022 achieving my goal of running one in under 1 hour.
Maternity Park Run Group complete the Lincoln 10k 2019
I’m ‘relatively normal’ now, but that ultimately depends on who you speak to!
As Andy says ‘Look around you, talk to others here and form new friendships’.
You never know whose journey you have interrupted and helped onto a different and more positive path.
More Blogs By Dawn
Happy Running
Follow: @DawnThomas2311 and @parkrunUK on X (formally Twitter) and Facebook: LincolnParkrun and parkrun UK
