It has been a great couple of weeks of running with the Boathouse Runners and elsewhere. All topped off by news of the entries opening for the Pete Hayes Handsworth 10k Fun Run in September. You can enter by clicking here and registering on the British Heart Foundation website.

The first Sunday we met up was International Women's Day and we were proving ThisGirlCan in the park while the Saheli women took on a bike ride from Cannon Hill Park to the Bull Ring. It was great to see them achieve this together but it was of course a shame to not see them and say hello as we ran. 

The 8.30 group had a good crowd, with Dennis and granddaughter joining in early for a few laps until he did the very sensible thing and went off. He wasn't feeling right so he left early rather than do himself in by battling on. Sometimes we feel better running on some days rather than others and although there is the balance that we are often pushing our physical boundaries when running, it is important to be aware that sometimes the right thing to do is stop and respect how you are feeling. We have all been there at some time. The highlight of the session was the presidential guard formed around Kathleen when there were dogs ahead on the path.

In both groups there was lots of talking to go with the running as usual, which helped us all to go further than we anticipated. The quick group was boosted by three very brave runners, who joined us on the other side of the park and indeed stretched their own boundaries. We all finished together and stretched as usual. 

I'm happy to report that the midweek groups were stronger than ever, especially the Thursday group where more people than ever got together and runners were even being brought into the group.

The runs on Mothering Sunday were special. We were joined by Saroj at 8.30 and took in a great deal of the park on a slightly colder morning. Great to hear that John Clinton has signed up for the Birmingham 10k and is considering the half marathon. It is looking like we will have small teams of Boathouse Runners at the runs listed below so check them out if you want to be involved too.

We were joined by a new member of the boathouse runners when Roy joined us at 10. I knew his face was familiar and it turns out that we have seen him before at the Perry Hall Parkrun. There was bravery in the air because everyone took the plunge this week; the whole group crossing the railway bridge and running on the other side of the park! We all made it around a short circuit and while boundaries had been stretched, nobody hit a barrier they couldn't get through. However, the nearly 2.5 miles completed in the end felt like a lot more for most of us. We are all very proud of how far everyone has come and how open to a little push and change you all are.

So I'll be running in Handsworth Park on Sunday again. Looking forward to it already.

Well it has been a slightly different couple of weeks. It started with the Parkrun that most of us did not make on the Saturday, but Lorna and Michael went along. Lorna managing the first 5k that Michael had braved the week before, and he managed to take almost 4 minutes off the PB he had set the previous week.

The Sunday saw Tony and myself abandoning the group. I was running a 10k in Huddersfield and Tony was marshalling a run in Bristol. All I can say is that it will be a welcome break to be back running in the park, after the 3km climb at the start that led onto at least 3 more shorter but sharper climbs before the end. It was a beautiful setting for a run but very gruelling.

It was great to hear that everything went well. John took the 8.30 group and everyone worked together to help Sarah run her first 10k. It is great to see that milestones and achievements don't end at that point, after doing the same thing herself only a few weeks ago, Wendy was around to support her into the same achievement. We can all be there for each other, and just because we are new doesn't mean we can't help others. So we will see how soon Sarah will be passing on the knowledge too.

Another great 10am group followed with Tonia. Another great week ahead of running including our Tuesday and Thursday groups.

It was great to be back on Sunday to catch up with Wendy and Lucy, who told me the Tuesday group is going very well, with Hina, Balbir and Dennis often joining them for a run. Talking to Dennis as well this week I found that the Thursday group continues to draw in some of our regular runners for a social run. 

The 8.30 group met up in a chill wind. A good group of us ran together, even Wendy with Molly who managed a good few laps of the lake despite having a very energetic weekend already. The rest of us continued and managed the best part of a 3 mile run, managing to dodge the works vehicles parked around the lake. We also welcomed the return of a boathouse runner who hadn't been with us for a while, Kathleen. It was great to have you back with us.

The 10am group borough lots of familiar faces and lots of runners challenging themselves. Dav came along hoping to manage a couple of hills while running around the lake and managed 4. Dennis and Merlin pushed themselves in the quick group and got around even when it got painful. We all stretched together as usual by the boathouse, Tonia was recognised and we discussed putting together some extra training for anyone thinking of doing the Sutton Fun Run or the Birmingham Half Marathon. If that is you, stay tuned to find out about possible Saturday sessions that might happen soon, maybe once a month, taking in a longer distance.

We look forward to seeing you this weekend or the following week. If you are able, come and join us in the park this Saturday for a lantern parade, starting at 6.30 from the Sons Of Rest building. Should be atmospheric!