A weekend of running in Southampton

Southampton parkrun

We were finally back in Southampton for a parkrun, which was great. I love visiting new events, but I also like seeing my friends at Southampton. It was my turn to run with M in her buggy.

I’d not run far when I saw my friend and former colleague, Lorrayne. We settled into a comfortable rhythm and completed the run together. Lorrayne has recently come back from a trip from Australia, where she managed to fit in some parkruns.

It’s now a year since I completed my 250th parkrun. I’m counting down to my 300th parkrun and Stu is inching closer to his 250th parkrun. It won’t be long before it’s time to celebrate… but in the meantime, I’ve ordered an apricot t-shirt as it’ll be a few years before I reach 500 parkruns.

Spectating at Southampton Marathon and Half Marathon

Last weekend, I watched London Marathon on television for the first time in quite a few years. (In recent years, Southampton Marathon has taken place on the same day and before that I went to London to watch friends take part).

Afterwards, I entered the ballot yet again. Maybe I’ll be lucky in 2020 as I’ve entered every year since 2011.

On Sunday morning, we took M for her swimming lesson. Afterwards, we cycled to the Common to cheer on people taking part in Southampton Marathon and Half Marathon. I would have loved to have seen the 10k as well, but the route doesn’t head to the north of the city and we wanted to stay somewhere that M could run around safely.

By the time we arrived, the fastest runners had been through. I think the first runners we saw would be finishing the half in around 1:40. There were a lot of runners with their families in the location we went to. We were also opposite SUTRI who had a sound system going, so there was quite a party atmosphere.

I recognised so many local runners who I know through parkrun, Lordshill Road Runners and Southampton Tri Club. We had brought along a selection of M’s bells, so we could really encourage the participants. I was particularly pleased to see Sarah and Lauren who was taking part in their first marathons and Inez who was taking part in Marathon #6 or #7! Next year I’m determined to take part in this home town event.

What I’ve been reading recently

• Why the bicycle’s future looks bright
• London marathon runners ‘called fat and slow’ by contractors
• Why some people can’t stop running, according to sport psychology
• ‘I was devastated when I found out I was pregnant – am I the only one feeling this way?’
• Mom and 8-Month-Old Daughter Shatter Stroller Half Marathon Record

Thanks to Paul A. Hammond for the main image of Inez running in Southampton Marathon.