by Dawn Thomas | Aug 9, 2024 | Events, Health And Fitness, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, WhatsOnLincoln
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
by Martin Thomas | Sep 17, 2023 | Lincs Connect, What's On Lincolnshire, WhatsOnLincoln, WhatsOnLincolnshire, WhatsOnLincs
WhatsOnLincs Explained
WhatsOnLincs is the Lincolnshire based community web page on the LincsConnect website. You can use it to post free adverts from markets and car boot sales to charity events and entertainment, jobs, volunteering plus much more. You can even include pictures as well as links to websites. It’s all FREE so be sure to use it to find out What’s on in Lincolnshire.
During one of the weekly #LincsConnect Hour evenings on Twitter (X) the overwhelming response to “where do you advertise to reach new customers locally” was “there isn’t anywhere”.
Don’t get me wrong, there are other websites available in the County but they focus on the larger events. As a result I devised the WhatsOnLincs page to include sole traders and small events as well as the larger ones.
Free Advertising
Free advertising – can this really be true?
All adverts are on the page are free to post. No commitment and no catch!
Sponsorship
While adverts are free to post it is possible to sponsor the website. Each paid advert will appear on every page of the site including the pages where people post their free adverts and where the general public search the website.
If you would like to sponsor the website with an annual advert please get in touch. Your sponsorship will help to pay for the additional storage space and upgrade of the package that will inevitably be required to grow the site.
WhatsOnLincs – Part Of The Dream
This page has been a part of my dream for LincsConnect for many years. As a community, self funded project finances have been tight. As a result, being a bit of a technophobe, I’ve struggled to get the website updated.
With finances in short supply for this community project, good will and community spirit are what’s needed to make things happen. I’m a firm believer in helping others with no expectation for reward. However, it’s really good news when someone steps forward to offer help.
WIN, WIN With WhatsOnLincs
Discover Events And More on WhatsOnLincs
Advertising is FREE so that means WhatsOnLincs is a great place to search for events, sales, special offers, jobs and much more.
Using the site is easy. It’s open to everyone to view so locals and out of area visitors alike can take advantage of WhatsOnLincs. The page is located on the LincsConnect website and is easily searchable from Google and other search engines.
Arriving on the page you’ll immediately see some of the free adverts. Searching by ‘date’ is a good way to find out what’s on in Lincolnshire and our surrounding area. The site really is easy to use but if you happen to encounter any problems please do get in touch.
With categories being added as they are needed I’m sure you’ll find something here. There’s everything from markets to jobs and festivals to lost, missing and stolen.
Have a look to see what you think and please don’t forget to tell your friends.
How To Upload An Advert
When uploading your advert consider these tips:
- When choosing a title for your advert make it look like something you would search for on Google or any other search engine. Typing “Join Us On Saturday” doesn’t tell people (or search engines) what you are actually advertising. Instead you should be more specific. “Lincolnshire Show” is a very specific title that will definitely result in internet searches.
- When typing your text (staying with the same example as 1. above) start with something like “Lincolnshire Show – find me at stand xxx on both days. Be sure to say hello and let us know where you saw our advert.
- No 2. above is a very specific invitation to get people to visit you at the show. Be sure to add your name in your advert so that people know who they are looking for. Likewise, add your own website or social media details in the contact info while posting your advert.
- Adding a date for your event: If your event is over one or two days then include those dates when typing the description for your advert. However, if your event is over several dates during the year I highly recommend that you place an advert for each date individually to make them stand out. There is no harm in copying and pasting your text from your original advert onto subsequent adverts to save yourself some time.
Advertising Your Posts
Possibly the most important task for you after having posted your advert and having it approved is ‘sharing’ it.
Once your advert/post has been approved (usually the same day as it is submitted) it’s really ‘really’ important that you visit your advert and share it on your social media platforms by clicking on the icons supplied at the bottom of your post. Not only will your post be delivered to your social media platform immediately but you’ll also be given the opportunity to make additional comments. When you’ve done it once, you’ll see how easy it is.
Advertising your post in this way will make life a lot easier for you but it will also help to keep the website at the No 1 position on Google as well as reading the word about the site.
Thank You
My dream to help connect the County and our neighbours was given a huge boost when Jason from J & S Plumbing And Heating came forward to help set up the page on my website for me. Thank you Jason, WhatsOnLincs wouldn’t have materialised without your help.
With community in mind, Jason has also produced some helpful information blogs and videos so please do take a look at his website to see them for yourself.
Here is a link to one of his more recent blogs:
Click Here to go straight to the blog
Additional Blogs By #LincsConnect
Click or tap on the picture to go to the blog:
Fancy a brew?
by Martin Thomas | May 13, 2023 | Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, What's On Lincolnshire, WhatsOnLincoln, WhatsOnLincolnshire, WhatsOnLincs
LincsConnect In Lincolnshire
The LincsConnect account is here for you to use. Here’s how to make the most of the hashtag in Lincolnshire:
Many people choose to add the hashtag #LincsConnect to their posts and rely on the @LincsConnect Twitter accounts to repost for them. However, it’s possible to get much more from the hashtag and this video will show you how:
Leaving your post for @LincsConnect on Twitter, @LincsConnect on Facebook, @LincsConnect on @Bluesky or @LincsConnect on Threads to repost for you has its limitations. Many people (wrongly) assume that @LincsConnect is run by a marketing company with dedicated time to manage the account. The reality is that the accounts are managed by one volunteer with limited time to spend on the account during the day and evening.
By following the tips on the YouTube clip above you’ll be able to create your own network from the #LincsConnect users. When you support each other, your network will grow and by using the hashtag, others will see your conversations too. As a result, while you are busy growing your own network, you’ll find it’ll also improve organically as more people join you. With almost 13,000 ‘local’ Lincolnshire followers on Twitter and a growing following on Bluesky, joining the @LincsConnect family will make perfect sense for you, your organisation, business or charity.
Why You Don’t Need To Include The @LincsConnect Address
While using the #LincsConnect ‘hashtag’ it’s worth noting that you don’t need to include the @LincsConnect ‘address’ in the same tweet! When you use the # hashtag you’re sending your tweet to the database for all to see and interact with. However, if you use the ‘@’ account name you’re sending your tweet to just one person! It’s all in the video so hopefully it makes sense now.
‘Quote’ Sparingly
When retweeting posts you’ll be given the option to ‘Repost’ or ‘Quote’ (Repost with a comment). The retweet (or repost as it’s now called) is by far the most effective way of helping to increase the visibility of tweets by others. Retweeting shows you support others by moving the retweeted post onto your timeline. It’s a very helpful way of supporting others, especially if they have very few followers.
The ‘quote’ option is only helpful if you own a powerful account that enjoys lots of engagement. The quoted tweet is shown as your own tweet for your followers to see. However, if your account isn’t powerful with a large engagement rate you won’t be doing anyone any favours by quoting! When quoting someone else’s tweet instead of retweeting it you’re effectively stopping the tweet from being seen by others. Think carefully before quoting a tweet and use the option sparingly.
LincsConnect In Lincolnshire Is Non-Political
The aim of the #LincsConnect hashtag is to support each other. However, please be aware that the hashtag is strictly non-political and non-religious. As a result, any political, religious, hateful or offensive (including bad language) messages will be dealt with swiftly.
LincsConnect Hour In Lincolnshire
Join us on Monday evening at 8.00pm for the #LincsConnect Hour where you’ll find lots of locals chatting. We often have guest hosts too so it’s always interesting. Follow the instructions in the video above to join in with the Hour. If you would like to host the Hour please do get in touch.
Join the Twitter based #LincsConnect Hour on Mondays at 8.00pm
WhatsOnLincs By LincsConnect
During a #LincsConnect Hour one Monday evening I asked where people were advertising for their events etc. The overwhelming response was that there is nowhere to advertise that covers the whole County!
After suggesting a dedicated page on the website for everyone to advertise for free the response by 100% of the people was ‘yes please’. You can use it now to discover what’s on in Lincolnshire and our surrounding area as well as post your events and much more.
I asked, you responded so I organised it. The WhatsOnLincs website page has been developed especially for you. You can use it to post your events, special offers, vacancies etc by completing the simple ‘Event Submission’ form on the LincsConnect website. It is hoped to cover the whole of the What’s On Lincolnshire categories. However, if you try to post something and can’t find a suitable category, just ask me to add it for you. If you want to find out what’s going on in the County just go to the ‘WhatsOnLincs’ page and type in the date that you are searching for. This is quickly becoming a very popular site to find out what’s on in Lincolnshire and surrounding areas.
It ‘is’ that simple!
Click or tap on the link to go straight to the WhatsOnLincs (WhatsOnLincolnshire) page
Paid Adverts
If you would like to advertise on the LincsConnect website please get in touch. Paid adverts are visible on every page and will be seen by anyone placing a free advert or searching for information on the WhatsOnLincs page. You can contact me through the ‘Contact‘ page on the website of click on this link to email me directly: martin@lincsConnect.co.uk
Additional Blogs By LincsConnect:
Social Media Trends
LincsConnect Stars
Free Advertising In Lincolnshire
Sponsored Blog
Mobile Massage In Lincolnshire With Mandarin Therapies
That’s It For Now
I look forward to tweeting with you soon.
by Martin Thomas | Sep 23, 2022 | Advertise, Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Mandarin Therapies, Social, WhatsOnLincs
Free Advertising In Lincolnshire With LincsConnect
Free Advertising in Lincolnshire – #LincsConnect – Make it your ‘go to’ hashtag
This is probably the shortest and most important blog you have ever read!
We all like something that’s ‘free’ but we probably also know that nothing is truly free! Twitter – that’s free! Facebook and Instagram are also free too so where’s the catch? Simple! If you want ‘free’ advertising/exposure on social media you’re going to have to invest your time. By investing your time your posts are more likely to be seen and acted upon. Would you like to know how to do it?
Ditch The ‘Like’ Button
Free Advertising in Lincolnshire – Ditch the Like button
Free Advertising In Lincolnshire with LincsConnect – Ditch The Like Button
If you’re using X (Twitter) I highly recommend that you ditch the ‘Like’ button. Rules vary from Twitter to Facebook/Instagram but it is now official that the ‘Like’ button on X is pretty much redundant.
Twitter is an interactive platform so your best results will come from interacting with your followers. That’s one of the main differences between Twitter and other platforms. What does the ‘Like’ button say about you on Twitter?
- I don’t have time for you so I’ll just press the like button instead of saying ‘thank you’ or interacting.
- I’m not that interested in you so I’ll just press the Like button and hope that you read my posts.
- I don’t understand algorithms and how they work so I’ll press the Like button and hope for the best.
- I can’t be bothered to talk to my followers.
- I don’t want to share your post with others.
When scrolling down your twitter timeline you will see tweets from people you follow, sponsored (paid advertising) tweets and tweets that have been retweet by your followers. You’ll never see a ‘Liked’ tweet!
The ‘Like’ button does have its uses though. It’s a good way of saving tweets for future reference. Beyond that, I’m struggling to think of a good reason to use it on Twitter!
Free Advertising And Social Media Interaction With LincsConnect
I’ve said it many times before; the clue is in the name. ‘Social’ media should be exactly what it says in the title. Actually ‘talk’ to your followers.
There’s a TV advert for a room freshener implying that the character has gone ‘nose blind’. In social media terms, if you post, post, post with no interaction your followers will see your posts but they won’t register in their mind. However, if you ‘talk’ to your followers they’ll remember you as that nice person/business who takes an interest. Obviously talking to your followers doesn’t mean telling them how good you are and what you have to sell them. Instead, you need to show an interest in other people to let them know you care about them. Given time they will ask you what you do and what you have to offer. As a result, you don’t need to do the ‘hard sell’.
#WhatsOnLincs – New To The LincsConnect Website
“…WhatsOnLincs is the new community web page on the LincsConnect website. You can use it to post free adverts from markets and car boot sales to charity events and entertainment, jobs, volunteering plus much more. You can even include pictures as well as links to websites. It’s all FREE so be sure to use it to find out What’s on in Lincolnshire…”
Take a look at the blog link below to read the full #WhatsOnLincs blog. Don’t forget to recommend it to your friends and out of town visitors too so that they can discover what’s on in Lincolnshire.
Helpful?
It’s probably my shortest blog ever read but I hope you find it useful.
Advert
Massage Bliss with Mandarin Therapies. Mobile complementary therapies.
Additional Blogs By LincsConnect:
Don’t Rely On Algorithms
See the #WhatsOnLincs blog in full
That’s It For Now
I hope you found this Free Advertising blog useful.
