by Martin Thomas | Dec 29, 2025 | Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire Blogger, Lincs Connect, LincsBlogger, LincsConnect, Nordic Walking, Pennell's Garden Centre, ShopLincs
Happy New Year 2026
Happy New Year 2026. I hope you manage to achieve all of the goals that you have set for 2026. Just as important though, I hope you have a happy year.
Apologies for taking so long to get this blog out but, as you might expect, I’ve been very busy at work.
Christmas And New Year
The delayed blog is partially due to the Christmas and New Year holidays of course but in addition to that I’ve been away for a three weeks holiday in Cambodia and Vietnam. Yes, I have been working extremely hard but we all need to take a holiday too. I’ve taken my late summer holiday in November/December. The weather was lovely and thankfully we weren’t affected by the typhoons. With temperatures ranging from 24C to 32C it was a bit of a shock when we landed back in the UK during winter though!
Illuminated Notre Dame Cathedral in Vietnam
It was lovely to see how much Christmas is celebrated in Vietnam and Cambodia. Predominantly Buddhist, both countries have really embraced the spirit (and decorations) of Christmas. I asked locals why this is the case and was informed that the Buddhists appreciate the idea of love, kindness and family gatherings surrounding the Christmas message. While Christianity accounts for less than 10% of the population the celebrations would make you feel otherwise!
The Notre Dame Cathedral is draped in a cloak of lights. Each light you see in the picture is an individual LED bulb! In the foreground ofthepicture you’ll see lots of motor scooters and motorbikes. It’s common to see 3 or 4 people on a scooter and just as common are the scooters with large trailers and huge loads attached. It really does seem like a different word to the one we are used thin the UK.
As planned we arrived back in the UK in time for me to do some local Christmas shopping. That is something I always try to do as I think it’s very important to support local businesses and charities.
Local Support For New Year 2026
I always appreciate local support for my businesses and in return I return the favour whenever I can. For those of you who know me, you’ll remember that I’m a Christmas lover. I decorated our artificial Christmas trees at the beginning of November (before going away on holiday). After arriving back in the UK on Saturday we planned a trip to Heighington Christmas Market on the Sunday. We didn’t have time for jet lag! Later in the week we made the trip to Doddington Hall for our real Christmas Trees.
I think it’s important to support as many local businesses as possible so our artificial trees were purchased from Pennells Garden Centre, real trees from Doddington Hall, additional tree decorations and lights from Pennells Garden Centre (plus a few Christmas presents). While on my travels I popped in to Horncastle Garden Centre for some Christmas presents as well as Horncastle for local gift shopping. On reflection, I’m pleased to say that I didn’t buy any gifts from the multi national stores. Even our food was purchased locally with the turkey being supplied by Simpsons butchers.
Shopping local #ShopLincs is my aim wherever possible. I hope this blog will inspire you to do the same. If you hadn’t considered it before, perhaps you can make your New Year 2026 resolution to support local traders.
Merry Christmas 2025 And Happy New Year 2026
Happy New Year 2026
Happy New Year 2026
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy New Year 2026 from #LincsConnect and MandarinLeisure. Please do consider supporting local traders wherever possible. After all, we are here to serve you and always look forward to your custom.
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Best wishes to you all
Additional Blogs
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by Martin Thomas | Feb 26, 2025 | J&S Plumbing & Heating, Lincs Connect
J And S Plumbing And Heating
J&S Plumbing & Heating is much more than you might expect. Based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire J&S Plumbing & Heating covers the whole city and surrounding area. The three main areas of expertise are plumbing, heating and air conditioning but J&S Plumbing & Heating still do much more than you might think.
Call 01522 708 208 today to talk to the team and book your appointment
Originally from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, Jason moved to Lincoln with his wife Sarah-Jane. J&S Plumbing & Heating was created in 2010 as a joint business. As their good reputation grew it became obvious that the business needed to expand to keep up with demand. In 2019 Jason started to take on employees and expand the business from plumbing and heating to include oil fired and LPG fired boilers.
Setting up the business here was something Jason felt really passionate about. Going the ‘extra mile’ is something that Jason and his team do on a daily basis so you can always be assured of a top class service. It’s part of the company policy to always leave the area clean and tidy after installation and servicing. All waste is removed too so you’ll never have to worry about disposing of old boilers, pipework, packaging, plaster or brickwork.
Fully Qualified Engineers
As you would expect, all of the staff are fully qualified engineers and are ready to install new boilers as well as repair and service your existing system should you need it. The engineers are qualified to fit and service natural gas, LPG and oil systems both in your own home or commercially in business premises.
The gas safe registered team are all qualified and competent members of a friendly unit. For additional peace of mind they are all DBS (disclosure and barring service) certificate holders.
New Installations
You can contact J&S Plumbing & Heating for a free quote at any time from the website www.jasplumbingandheating.co.uk simply by clicking on the ‘Instant Quote’ button. As the author of this blog I can personally recommend J&S Plumbing & Heating as we have had our old boilers removed and replaced by Jason.
Testimonials
“We initially had two boilers that were installed 25 years ago. One of the boilers broke down and parts were no longer available. Jason replaced the two old boilers with a single new boiler. Two days from start to finish! The area was left clean and tidy at the end of the first day and again when the job was finished on day two. All of the rubbish was taken away and the pipework is much tidier than that of the original job. The company (who will remain nameless) who fitted our original boilers were nothing short of a nightmare! It was really nice to experience the quiet efficiency of J&S Plumbing and Heating when fitting our replacement boiler”
Martin, Bardney
Don’t just take my word for it though. Here’s what Ben from Navenby had to say (taken from the website):
Word of mouth is always the best form of advertising and a happy customer is almost always ready to help spread the word
Care Plans
Fitting and servicing boilers is fine but when you want that extra peace of mind you should consider a care plan.
Why invest in a care plan? Well, making regular monthly payments will spread the cost of your service and greatly reduce the risk of surprise bills. A regular boiler service and radiator check will help to keep your system efficient and ultimately cheaper to run. In addition there are the safety aspects. A lean running and ventilated boiler will prevent the risk of dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning.
There are several packages to choose from depending on your budget, requirements and installed system. As a result, Jason offers a basic, bronze, silver, gold and ‘new boiler’ care plans which all include an annual service and boiler controls as standard.
Prices vary according to the plan you choose so click on this care plan link for an up-to-the-minute quote from J&S Plumbing & Heating.
J&S Plumbing & Heating – There’s More…
Fitting and servicing gas boilers and associated pipework, radiators, controls and tanks is just one part of the business. Jason has put a great deal of thought and planning into making your experience easy. When you visit the website www.jasplumbingandheating.co.uk click on the ‘Our Services’ tab to discover what’s on offer. You’ll find some easy to navigate drop downs to help you get to the right area quickly and easily.
From the drop downs you could click on ‘Servicing & Repairs’ where you’ll be able to book appointments for your annual servicing, checks or repairs.
Heat Pumps
When looking for a greener way of heating your home you might consider installing a heat pump. While air conditioning in the home is an excellent way to heat or cool your house, you will still need a separate water tank for hot water. The heat pump however, is an all-in-one system as it provides both heat and hot water. Fitting this system is quite a big job so best carried out when either renovating or building a new home.
As you would expect, Jason and his team will happily give you advice and a competitive quote if you choose to go down this route.
Equip your new build or renovation with a cost effective heat pump by J&S Plumbing & Heating
Air Conditioning
Did you know?
We all know that air conditioning is used for cooling us on hot days and nights but did you know that they are also an efficient source of heating? Simply by altering the temperature setting on the control box you can guarantee a constant temperature whenever you need it. There’s more though! Your air conditioning unit is a very efficient dehumidifier and as a result it takes out moisture from the air and prevents mould.
All in all, it’s very efficient at what it does. The unit fits discreetly on the wall and, well, it does exactly what it says on the box!
Internal air conditioning unit with variable temperature
There will be a unit on your outside wall too but did you know that the outside unit can actually service up to five indoor units? The number of wall units required will obviously depends on the size of your house so be sure to contact Jason on 01522 708 208 for an accurate quote with no obligations.
External air conditioning unit servicing up to five internal units
Jason will talk you through all of the benefits of air conditioning during his visit including little details like ‘it’s 400% efficient’ (each unit gives out 400 times the power than it consumes) and ‘it is better for the planet as it doesn’t give off CO2’. For homes with solar panels it’s even possible to run the units at zero cost!
There’s More, ‘Much’ More
With the focus here being on the ‘big jobs’ you could be forgiven for thinking that J&S Plumbing & Heating only do boilers, heating, air conditioning etc. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Take a look at the list below to see what else is on offer. The list is quite extensive but not exhaustive so if you have a plumbing job that needs sorting but it’s not on the list, get in touch.
OAP And Emergency Worker Discounts
In recognition of the amount of money and time many people have put in to ‘the system’ you’ll be pleased to hear that J&S Plumbing & Heating offer 10% discount on labour for our pensioners. In addition, in an effort to reward those emergency workers who ‘run towards danger’ in order to keep us safe J&S Plumbing & Heating are also proud to offer those people 10% discount on labour too.
Call 01522 708 208 for more information and to book your next visit.
Get In Touch
How to contact J&S Plumbing & Heating:
Just For Fun
Where’s JASPHER? Follow J&S Plumbing & Heating on social media to test your local knowledge.
Just for fun and to test your local knowledge, why not follow the travels of JASPHER (J and S Plumbing and Heating Emergency Response) on the social media pages to see if you can guess where it is each day? Whenever the call comes in, JASPHER will be there!
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Until Next Time…
That’s it for now. I hope you enjoyed this special blog. I’ll be grateful for any comments and feedback so feel free to email me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk
Advertising comes with a FREE link to the blog for as long as you want it so you can use it again and again to help promote your business, organisation or charity. If you would like a blog about your upcoming event or business please get in touch. You can email me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk or call me on 07966 174878
Look after yourself and each other but above all, ‘have fun’
by Martin Thomas | Nov 24, 2024 | Burton Road, Christmas, Covid 19, Covid-19, Doddington Hall, Domestic Abuse, Domestic Vio;ence, Immingham, Lincoln, Lincoln Castle, Lincoln Cathedral, Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire Blogger, Lincolnshire Heritage, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Lincs Connect, LincsBlogger, LincsConnect, LincsConnectChristmas, Museum, Restaurant, Rutland, ShopLincs, Stress, WhatsOnLincs
Lincoln Christmas Market
If anything is going to epitomise the Lincoln Christmas Market it has to be Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle. Castle Square was the original home of the market and over the years the market expanded to the Lincoln Cathedral, The Lawn and surrounding areas.
The Lincoln Christmas Market saw a huge expansion over the years that it operated. In my opinion, the expansion wasn’t particularly well managed with many stalls duplicated and triplicated. The expansion saw a significant rise in visitor numbers. This resulted in the Lincoln council ‘pulling the plug’ on health and safety grounds. In my opinion this was a big mistake as it dealt a huge blow to the local economy and the kudos of Lincoln City internationally.
The market was a huge asset to the city and the wider county. Local employment, small business income and tourism have all been affected by its closure. Its Christmas atmosphere, local financial income and kudos are missed in equal measures. However, with your comments added to this blog and lots of shares around your friends we may be able to encourage a rethink. It would be fantastic to see the market return to Lincoln.
Vienna
As a result of the closure of the market we (my wife and I) decided to seek an alternative to get us into the Christmas mood. That meant taking our custom elsewhere. ‘Another trail’ around the city looking at ice sculptures, knights, imps or monsters didn’t appeal. The first trail was fun but having the same idea rolled out several times a year didn’t inspire us. As a result, our research took us to Vienna.
Vienna has much to offer. Its history, fantastic architecture and many Christmas markets caught our attention. Following some research we planned a short break (4 nights) centred around visiting as many Christmas markets as possible. We managed 7 of the 9 Christmas markets and enjoyed them all.
Lincoln Christmas Market Inspired By Vienna
The Viennese Christmas markets took us to several different areas of the city. All but one was in walking distance (30-40 minutes) from our hotel. It struck me that Lincoln could certainly learn something from the Austrian idea. One of the markets was a local art market where artists and crafters had stalls to sell their gifts. Mixed in with the craft stalls were quality food vendors selling local hot foods and drinks.
The most important point to remember is ‘no duplication’ of stalls. There may have been several stalls selling Christmas tree decorations but they each had their own hand made unique products.
The atmosphere was relaxed and unhurried with enough stalls to keep shoppers interested for several hours. With food stalls and gluvine available visitors were able to spend several hours at the market to enjoy the atmosphere. Local cafes and restaurants also benefited from the increased tourist trade too of course.
Could Lincoln have a series of markets inspired by Vienna?
Market Locations
Just to be clear, the markets in Vienna were all on every day from lunch time until 9.00pm. That’s all 9 markets trading every day from mid November until Christmas! Each market has its own location with a theme. There was some duplication of stalls over the 9 markets but generally each one was unique.
Perhaps some good locations for Lincoln markets would be around the outside of Lincoln Cathedral to encourage shopping around The Bailgate as well as the market stalls. Another at The Lawn to encourage shopping on Burton Road. The Strait, Brayford, the arboretum and South Park would be a fantastic locations to encourage more local shopping. In addition there is Hartsholme Country Park, Whisby Nature Reserve, Doddington Hall, Newark Air Museum and Boultham Park. Perhaps a ‘music themed’ market at The Cornhill? The possibilities are many and varied.
Just A Thought
I wonder how feasible it would be to take inspiration from the Austrian idea? Personally I think it would be a great tourist attraction which would have the advantage of spreading tourists out around the city. Obviously local traders would benefit in their shops just as much as the market stall holders. The knock on effect for restaurants, cafes and hoteliers would be a welcome bonus too. Perhaps ‘flat rate’ taxi fares from market to market would also help another industry.
I would love to know your thoughts. If you have any ideas perhaps you could leave a comment below.
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Merry Christmas
Whatever you do from now until Christmas, I hope you have a very jolly time.
by Dominic Thomas | Aug 18, 2024 | Lincs Connect
Lincs Angler
Hello and welcome to Lincs Angler.
My name is Dominic, I’m a multi-species angler from Lincoln, Lincolnshire.
18lb 6oz River Pike in the Dark
My angling adventure started sometime during 2007 when my grandad took me on my first ever fishing trip to a small lake/pond in Northamptonshire where I learnt the basics of wagler fishing.
Since then, my obsession with all things angling has propelled me into many different aspects of fishing with lure fishing becoming my speciality.
Since the passing of a close childhood friend in September 2019 my mental health took a turn for the worst. Fishing saved me.
With a new found love for freshwater predators, I soon found myself on the bank at every opportunity I had and quickly began to hone my skills and knowledge for predator fishing.
Covid Lockdown
Unlike most people, during the Covid19 lockdown I had a great time! I was able to spend hours and hours tying rigs, organising tackle, fixing and buying new lures before the announcement was made confirming that fishing alone was now allowed and would count towards our “daily exercise”.
Being no more than five minutes walk from the river bank, you can be sure that I fished every single day and in this period I managed to land two 20lb+ pike using 20cm+ lures amongst many other mid to upper double figure pike.
The Journey Continues.
Since these beginnings I have managed to secure sponsorships and turn my angling into a business.
Much more content to come so be sure to follow my journey!
Tight Lines!
Dominic
Follow me on: Instagram @Lincs.Angler Facebook @Lincs.Angler X (Twitter) @Lincs.Angler YouTube @Lincs.Angler
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Many thanks to my sponsors for their help and guidance:
by Dawn Thomas | Aug 9, 2024 | Events, Health And Fitness, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, WhatsOnLincoln
Dawn’s Running Journey – I’m Back Volunteering Again!
Dawn’s Running Journey. I’m back volunteering again as time keeper. This is a role I have only done once before so I approached it with some apprehension. When I first attempted time keeping I had added four finishers before the runners had even completed a lap! Easy to do apparently, and just as easy to rectify by the run director.
Time Keeping
I was determined to do my best this time and get time keeping right. I revisited the notes I’d made on ‘How to be a Time Keeper’. Apparently all I needed to do this role was a readiness to volunteer and to download the park run volunteer app (the same one that I use for scanning the barcodes). A fully charged phone set to airplane mode and I was good to go. Today I shared the role with Oliver, a young man who has recently finished his Duke of Edinburgh award. Oliver was volunteering today just because he could. Having been a time keeper on seven occasions, Oliver is an expert in comparison to me.
Tap To Start
After confirming Oliver and I were ready, the run director started his countdown. On the whistle we both activated the timer on the app. I locked my phone and secured it in my pocket to prevent inadvertently adding finishers! I then joined the other volunteers supporting the runners as they completed the first two laps.
Once the lead runners have started their third lap Oliver and I took up our positions at the finishers tunnel.
Don’t Panic!
There was a moment of panic when I couldn’t open my phone (It had an update over night) but a quick swipe up did the trick. Fun fact: touching the volume buttons could add 100 runners on in a second! Tempting, not!
Tap, Tap
It wasn’t long before the lead runner was approaching the finish funnel and Tapping commences. I tapped the button on the timer app as each runner crossed the line . The number of runners and taps should equal the number of tokens given out. Craig, our run director for the day periodically checked the number of runners Oliver and I had tapped in with the number of tokens given out. Success at last. I’m pleased to report I correctly recorded all runners crossing the finishing line today. It was tempting to add a dog or two but a raised eyebrow from Oliver when I suggested it told me all I needed to know about that idea.
Tap,Tap,Tap
It can be very tricky when there are a lot of runners crossing the line in quick succession. As the opportunity arose I would do a head count of the runners nearing the finish line. I then turned my focus to their feet, tapping as each pair crossed the finish line. It can be easy to miss or add one tap, hence the regular cross checking from Craig.
Cold Fingers
There was a point after 45 minutes of tapping when my fingers were starting to feel very cold. Chatting to other volunteers and runners milling around the finish line several solutions were pitched. They ranged from specialised gloves for use with phones which I personally have not found to be effective. Fingerless gloves , which may keep your hands warm but I found my fingers were still cold. Using my nose (I tried it and it works) but not sure this is sustainable and reliable.
The best option pitched was a normal pair of gloves with a hole cut out for the tapping finger. It just so happens I have the perfect pair at home needing repair which I’ll adapt, test and report on their success.
Magical Results
Have you ever considered how you get your results?
Once all 344 runners and walkers had crossed the finish line the timer is stopped. Phones are taken off airplane mode, results from the time keepers and bar code scanners are then submitted using a QR code. The results are then downloaded to the
parkrun website where the times are matched to the runners from the barcode scanning information. The run director has the job of reviewing all this information. Once he/she is happy that everyone is more or less in the right place, the runners whose bar code wouldn’t scan can be added in the gaps. One final check and the send button is pressed. The results wing their way to the Parkrun UK computer where they are then magically emailed or texted out to everyone.
Make Everyones Life Easier
- Don’t cross the line twice
- Stay in order of finishing
- Collect a token
- Scan both your barcode and token
- Leave your token in the box
Remember no barcode. no result – your time will be recorded but your name will not be against it.
And Smile
I thoroughly enjoyed my volunteering today. Time keeping is another role where you get to see all the runners and walkers. From the sprinters, the plodders, the ‘I’m knackered’ and the last minute overtakers. It’s another opportunity to ‘give your face a joy ride …and SMILE’.
A Reminder To Smile
If you wish to try any of the volunteering roles you can prepare for the role with a quick search using resources at
parkrun where you can read and watch a short video clip. If you’re nervous about volunteering this is a great way to get acquainted with the roles. Talking to other volunteers after your run is also helpful. I get the same buzz from volunteering as I do from running.
I’ve not met a volunteer yet who has not enjoyed their experience of being part of the park run community. Please consider volunteering, there is a role to suit everyone.
Post Run Coffee
The best thing about getting cold is popping into the Lincoln Bowls Club, Cafe Jax to warm up. Today it was a hot chocolate with the Maternity Park Run Group and apprentice run director Ella.
Happy Running
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.
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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
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!
Happy Running
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
