I cannot believe we are in week 5 of the selfie challenge already, and we've now had 4 weeks of (not)parkrun as well.

(not)parkrun

Around 40 people registered to Pomphrey Hill parkrun are logging a (not)parkrun time each week. This is similar to a freedom run, but can be logged on any route - it doesn't have to be at Pomphrey Hill, or any other parkrun course. You simply log on to your profile and submit your own time. For more details, see the parkrun FAQ page.

Well done to this week's 31 runners who logged 40 (not)parkruns between them, and 16 of them logged personal best runs.

This week's Rogues' Gallery

This week we visited the cricket nets marshal post for selfies. Over the years, this corner has a few nicknames. When the course was first measured, there were no storage containers which now hide the view of the cricket nets themselves! However, the spot was often called after the marshals who enjoyed cheering there; first it was Caroline's corner, and later it was Roy's favourite spot as his dog, Cooper, had plenty of space away from the runners. Many of you may remember Roy's story, as he went on to have a go at running the course!

On another occasion, a junior marshal had an adventure there as he lost a tooth during the run! All worked out well on that day too, leaving nothing but good words to be said about the cricket nets (maybe because it's one of the first posts to be visited by the tail walker on their final lap!?).

Visits this week were logged by:

Gary, indecisive about which diretion to walk the course in!

Val and Richerd, who say: "We are submitting a picture of us tail walking with our dog Sadie. This corner we know as "Roy’s corner" - we hope if he reads this he is well and look forward to seeing him again at parkrun. This corner is also where Richard did his first ever marshalling duty for parkrun. We opted to tail walk this week’s selfie as we don’t think we could run the course at the moment (we also need to train Sadie into the role of tail walker). Hope everyone is keeping well.

Janet and Jenny, out for a morning run.

Martyn, finding the cricket nets, and I'm sure he knows where the marshal should stand :)

William, saying "Hi folks!".

The next two weeks in the Selfie Challenge are:
18 July: The Pond - our normal route runs along one side, but feel free to be creative. Just don't get wet!
25 July: Bottom of Pomphrey - start practicing your "Up Pomphrey!" shout

Adrian.

Trust me, it's this way!

Hi everyone,
It was good to make it back to Pomphrey, my first time back since our birthday on March 7th. It was great to see it looking so lush and green. Despite all the rain we've had over the last week, it was very dry compared to early March when I saw it last!

We had five selfies this week at Car Park Corner, so thank you to Janet and Steve, Martyn, Danny and Jenny for adding their photos to mine.

Janet and Steve, rocking their lockdown hair.

Danny, modelling his summer hat. Shame the weather is more autumnal than summer!

Martyn and friend, enjoying a slight break between the rain showers.

Jenny, enjoying her run at Pomphrey.

The next two weeks in the Selfie Challenge are:
11 July: Selfies at the Cricket Net Marshal Spot (it's where the path splits just past the cricket nets and containers)
18 July: Selfies by the Pond

And finally,

Yours truly. Unlike Janet and Steve, I'm hiding my lockdown hair until its had a proper, professional cut!
See you again soon,
Ris

Another week, another lot of selfies from you beautiful parkrunners.
The core team and I want to thank you all for your efforts with this fun challenge while we all wait for our favourite Saturday morning social to resume. I however, would personally like to thank this weeks stars not only because it’s my week as virtual RD and I needed some pictures but, because the weather has taken a very British turn which meant there was a lot of rain this weekend. Yet you lot smashed them out again providing me with some lovely shots, so without further ado, here are this week’s pictures from the start.

Timers, are you ready?

Richard Breakspear, wondering why it's so quiet!

Gary Woodruff, showing me how it's done. Needs work on his "selfie"

Janet Jenkins, prepped and ready for the off!

Your RD for the week, yes it's me! Martyn Poole on my 7th KM with future parkrunner

Everyone knows Ruth, showing her lovely smile while braving the weather

Fellow RD Adrian Grimshaw stepping out of the house for some deserved downtime

Last but not least, Andrew Banfield, he's actually listening to Travis while he remembers our last run together in March

Next week I am handing over to our chief and commander Ris. Please post or email in your selfies. I'll be there, will you?

Selfie Challenge 4th July: Car Park Corner
Selfie Challenge 11th July: Selfies at Cricket Net Marshal Spot

Until next time; be safe, stay healthy and look after each other.
Martyn

This week was my first turn as the Guardian of the email and Facebook and as always, my involvement in parkrun hasn’t failed to make me smile and feel a little better about life.

Thank you to every lovely person who posted a picture from the pavilion. The pavilion is a much loved spot, not just for The Hatch and it’s delicious snacks, but because it has been our protective hideaway on a Saturday morning when the weather has been sub optimal (can’t let those biscuits and cakes get wet). I have very fond memories of lining up all the starters under its protective roof for one of my first (and very wet/blustery) parkrun RD stints.

I hope you enjoy the fabulous collection of smiling faces at this very familiar spot as much as I did.

Barbara Field in motion!

Gangsta Gary.

Ruth Dorrel enjoying a refuel.

William and Catalina Lee (hopefully enjoying the fact they are not having to remind people to “keep the path clear”).

The Fields searching for their bacon roll.

Janet Jenkins missing her parkrun posse.

Richard Brakespear enjoying his takeaway veggie sausage sandwich.

Martyn Poole just making absolutely sure no one was home.

Steve Jenkin’s selfie.

Next week I am handing over to Martyn to be Guardian of the email and Facebook. Please post or email in your selfies. I promise to add mine to the bunch.

Selfie Challenge 27th June: Start Line
Selfie Challenge 4th July: Car Park Corner

Trudy

On Monday evening, the Pomphrey Hill parkrun Core Team gathered via Zoom. We discussed the latest updates from Head Office, decided to try out a new Selfie Not-Run Report feature (please see below), organised who will be the virtual Run Director aka Guardian of Email and Facebook for the next few weeks and Steve 'volunteered' to host a virtual Bingo Night (which was brilliant fun - thank you Steve and Anne).

 
The location of this week's Selfie Challenge was the middle of Mr Hill. Martyn, Ruth, Gary as well as Steve and Janet have all submitted their spectacular efforts for Week 1. Thank you!
 

 
The locations for the next two weeks of the Selfie Challenge are:
 
20 June: Selfies by the Pavilion
27 June: Selfies by the Start
 
To be part of either Not-Run Report, either email your selfie to us at pomphreyhill@parkrun.com or post it as a comment to our Facebook post. You can take your selfie at any point in the week and please follow Government guidance on social distancing and the number of people you can run/jog/walk with.
 
Until next time, stay safe,
 
Ris and the PH Team

Hi folks here is another batch of Pomps People Profiles.  We hope you are enjoying this way of keeping in touch with some of your friends at Pomphrey Hill while we can't get together in the usual way.  So in a virtual way let me start by saying '3-2-1 go!':

Sian Harris

Q1 - What originally brought you to parkrun?

I first heard about parkrun many years ago in a conversation at Frankfurt Book Fair. I can't remember how it ended up as part of that catch up chat that you have with work friends you see about once a year but it stuck in the back of my mind as a cool idea that happened somewhere else. Then my husband started running and he told me about this new thing that had started pretty much across the road from our house and I realised that cool thing happening far away was now also happening very nearby. My first Pomphrey parkrun was when it was still quite new and small. I came first in my gender-age category and I think 60 something overall, which, considering I’ve never run faster than 34 minutes, would never happen these days. But, as we are reminded, it’s a run, not a race and there’s usually fun to be had at the back of the pack!

Q2 - Which running or volunteer story are you most proud of?

My favourite volunteer role is tail walking. The beauty of parkrun is that it is so inclusive and the tail walker often has the privilege of being able to encourage people who are likely to be newer to running or may be facing additional challenges. Also I just enjoy chatting!

Q3 - What are you doing to remain positive?

In general I’ve been fortunate with lockdown – being able to work from home, having family with me  and having Pomphrey playing fields and other great places for walking and running on our doorstep – so I’m aware that it’s easier to stay positive than for others. Indeed I’ve quite appreciated the chance to slow down and not spend so much time commuting. A big part of maintaining social connections has been being part of Emersons Green Running Club (other running clubs are available and also doing good things!). Since we stopped being able to meet in person we’ve had a succession of fun challenges to keep us running and keep us connected. We've been taking selfies with things beginning with different letters of the alphabet; teaching each other interesting facts about the local area; and following a trail of Star Wars pictures on May the fourth (this was the work of parkrun RDs Steve and Anne). The photo is from a challenge to run 5k with a teddy bear, and I was pleased to introduce my bear to “Up Pomphrey” (which we walked up!).

Q4 - What are you doing to remain active and fit?

Thanks to running club activities and lots of walking I think I’m actually exercising more than I was before. I really miss swimming though, especially in this weather, so I’m hoping to head over to the swimming lake in Bradley Stoke soon (the lake is open but the changing facilities and toilets remain closed so I’m probably going to need to drive over there in my wetsuit!).

Q5 - Apart from Pomphrey Hill, which is your next favourite parkrun and why?

I’ve not done much parkrun tourism (I’m not a great morning person and Pomphrey is so convenient) but Bovey Tracey parkrun in Dartmoor is beautiful - although with a killer hill that may beat ours!

Q6 - Is there anything else you would like to share?

Missing parkrun and all the parkrun family, although I confess I do quite enjoy Saturday morning lie-ins! Hope you are all keeping well.

Sandra Drakett

Q1 - What originally brought you to parkrun?

At the end of 2014 my friend Sally suggested that we should do this thing called parkrun. She said we could meet and catch up weekly with our friends doing something healthy, instead of meeting at a Pub or friend's house for drinks. In my naivety I agreed. So the first Saturday of 2015 I stood freezing, without ever having run before and any real idea of what I was letting myself in for! Everyone clapped as it was our first run which felt really welcoming. I followed everyone around the course and up the muddy Hill. I'm not going to lie, I thought I was going to die! As if once up the Hill wasn't enough, to my horror there were another 2!! I couldn't believe the support, enthusiasm and encouragement given by the volunteers, all the way round and to the finish. I can't describe the immediate sense of achievement. And so from that moment began a running addiction and a whole new way of life.

Q2 - Which running or volunteer story are you most proud of?

I'm most proud of my milestone 50th parkrun, purely because I never thought I could have achieved it.

Q3 - What are you doing to remain positive?

I'm making the most of the great outdoors, with such fantastic weather, I've rediscovered nature and encouraged wildlife into my garden to watch. I'm even having a go at growing my own veg!

Q4 - What are you doing to remain active and fit?

I'm fortunate to belong to two great local running groups, Staple Hill Runners and Stanbridge Flyers. Each have set weekly challenges throughout lockdown to get me involved and keep me motivated.

Q5 - Apart from Pomphrey Hill, which is your next favourite parkrun and why?

Pomphrey Hill is without doubt the most sociable. If I had to choose another it would be the Eden Project parkrun - gorgeous gardens/scenery, a nice cafe and free entry afterwards, to take your time to have a look around properly.

Q6 - Is there anything else you would like to share?

I'm so grateful to my friend Sally for suggesting it and for sticking by my side all these years later. For the many parkrun buddies that I have made. For our tourist group, who share lovely memories and breakfasts.

I have signed my work up as a parkrun GP practice and can't wait to share this Runderful community with them!

I miss you Pomphrey People! Until we meet again.

William Lee

Q1 - What originally brought you to parkrun?

I had started running with Staple Hill Runners back in 2013 and a few people talked about going to a weekly 5k running event.  Chris and Jackie and Alan and Maggie had been and survived the experience so rather nervously I agreed to go along as well. It was fine, I soon found out there is nothing to worry about, although I do remember continuing to have mixed feelings for a little while about getting up early on a Saturday morning to go and run around a park.  Now I'm well and truly hooked of course.

Q2 - Which running or volunteer story are you most proud of?

My very first time as a volunteer at Pomphrey comes to mind.  There was nothing remarkable about it, it was event #3, I was one of the Timekeepers, there were 64 runners, and it all went smoothly.  But looking back it was actually quite remarkable.  Before that day I hadn't met any of the other volunteers.  Now, because of parkrun, I am fortunate to be able to count Anne, Laura, Martin, Megan, Meryl, Hollie, Colin, Ruth, Rich and Katie as friends from the volunteer roster that day.  Being part of parkrun, especially when you volunteer regularly, can have such a positive impact on your life.

Winning the birthday bake-off at Pomphrey's first birthday event was a proud moment.

I also like the Facebook post that introduced the term 'Mr Hill' which seems to have stuck!  You can see the post here.

Q3 - What are you doing to remain positive?

The sunny weather we had until recently has helped.  Not being able to go far away has meant being able to focus on things closer to home that might otherwise be taken for granted.  I have found pottering around in the garden surprisingly rewarding, although I remain a non-gardener.  I'm also on a learning curve with baking sourdough bread.

Q4 - What are you doing to remain active and fit?

Still running.  Not as much as before but not having races to train for and take part in has allowed me to enjoy doing whatever I do without any pressure.  We have also been cycling quite regularly.

Q5 - Apart from Pomphrey Hill, which is your next favourite parkrun and why?

I’m not a dedicated parkrun tourist but it  is always nice to try somewhere else when you're away from home.  Locally I would pick out Burnham and Highbridge parkrun.  It is a great combination of a park, riverside path and seafront promenade.

Q6 - Is there anything else you would like to share?

Missing you all!  When we do finally get to start again it will be so emotional!

Until then, take care, keep active, and carry on eating cake...

William

If you'd like to see your name in lights, then we would love to hear from you.  Please email us at pomphreyhill@parkrun.com with answers to the following questions:

- a photo of yourself (or a link to a photo)
Q1 - what originally brought you to parkrun?
Q2 - which running or volunteer story are you most proud of and would like to share?
Q3 - what are you doing to remain positive?
Q4 - what are you doing to remain active and fit?
Q5 - apart from Pomphrey Hill which is your next favourite parkrun and why?
Q6 - is there anything else you would like to share?

There have been a few virtual challenges going on and running clubs have been doing their own versions as well. We think it would be great if we can do a Pomphrey Hill parkrun virtual challenge. So if you have any ideas or suggestions please contact the team via email before lunchtime on Monday the 8th of June, so we can discuss at our next core team meeting.

I was in charge at the very last parkrun event before the pandemic took over and that seems a long time ago now. I was actually taking a look through the photos from it and it's hard to imagine how we can ever get back to it the way it was, but I'm keeping positive and I hope its not to long away.

There have been a few virtual challenges going on and running clubs have been doing their own versions as well. I think it would be great if we can do a Pomphrey Hill parkrun virtual challenge. So if you have any ideas or suggestions please contact the team via email before lunchtime on Monday the 8th of June, so we can discuss at our next core team meeting.

Steven Burge

Q1 - What originally brought you to parkrun?

It was free... how cool is that. I was aiming to become my running clubs club champion in the year 2013 and you could gain a point for each mile you ran. 3 miles every weekend for free was a good score for my total. My first parkrun was at the Little Stoke inaugeral event, such a long time ago.

Q2 - Which running or volunteer story are you most proud of?

11/11/17 was an amazing day... our wedding day and what better way to kick it off than a few laps around Pomphrey Hill parkrun, roles reversed. I wore the dress and Anne wore the suit, so many friends came along it was so lovely.

The milestone clubs are great, and I love having something to aim for... so reaching 250 parkruns was amazing. I also love being an RD at Pomphrey Hill and my first stint was on Xmas Eve in 2016, it was a very busy event to say the least.

Q3 - What are you doing to remain positive?

I am very lucky to have not been massively effected by recent times, and I am quite a positive person when it comes to life. I am concentrating and praying for a few racing trips we have booked up later on in the year still taking place. Anne and I have also kept in contact with friends and family as much as possible, and knowing they are all well makes us feel better

Q4 - What are you doing to remain active and fit?

At the start of the pandemic we grabbed a cross trainer, or what could  also be known as a "clothes drier", off of my in laws. We've been doing that quite a bit, but with recent restrictions of one daily exercise allowance being eased, we have tried to get outside more. Anne and I are currently on a running every day streak of 70 days in a row.

Q5 - Apart from Pomphrey Hill, which is your next favourite parkrun and why?

That's a tough question as I've done a few. I would have to say Bushy parkrun, where it all started. I've done it twice, both times were different courses and its such an amazing location. I highly recommend it.

Q6 - Is there anything else you would like to share?

I'm missing everyone involved at Pomphrey Hill parkrun, and hope to see you all very soon.

Emily Pitcher

Q1 - What originally brought you to parkrun?

When I first moved to Bristol my now husband suggested that we went to Pomphrey Hill parkrun. Although I ran at the time, I had never heard of parkrun before.

Q2 - Which running or volunteer story are you most proud of?

For our 50th parkrun I managed to convince my parents to Marshall at Pomphrey Hill parkrun wearing Minnie Mouse ears. They didn't know what to expect and if I'm honest were not keen on the idea but they absolutely loved it and they are now doing a couch to 5k course so they can run their first parkrun.

Q3 - What are you doing to remain positive?

I'm looking forward to races that have been postponed and taking part in brilliant motivational challenges arranged by my running club.

Q4 - What are you doing to remain active and fit?

Walking my dog Jasper who usually attends parkrun with me and training for the London marathon.

Q5 - Apart from Pomphrey Hill, which is your next favourite parkrun and why?

Tamar Lakes parkrun is fantastic, not only do you get to run in Devon and Cornwall in one parkrun but it's also a perfect 5km loop.

Q6 - Is there anything else you would like to share?

Jasper is missing everyone so much, he cant wait to give you all kisses when we get back to normal.

Jack Pitcher

Q1 - What originally brought you to parkrun?

Some guys from work went so I joined them for one back in 2016 and I loved it.

Q2 - Which running or volunteer story are you most proud of?

Got to love Stephen Jenkins at the top of the tarmac hill every week giving encouragement to every runner that goes past!

Q3 - What are you doing to remain positive?

I'm leading a group of people to do virtual running challenges and also have put on an event for the amazing Emersons Green running club, EGRC have also been brilliant in putting on fun challenges to do during lockdown.

Q4 - What are you doing to remain active and fit?

As above I guess! Haha! But also plan to start marathon training again just in case there is an Autumn marathon

Q5 - Apart from Pomphrey Hill, which is your next favourite parkrun and why?

My next favourite one was Roma Pineto cos we went there on Emily's 30th, they were on event 5 and it was great to see a new event taking shape, plus the views of the Vatican weren't that bad I suppose.

Q6 - Is there anything else you would like to share?

Well done everyone for keeping positive through this tough time, it won't be long now until we can all pull on our Apricot and tackle that hill again, can't wait to see you all out there!!

If you'd like to see your name in lights, then please email us at pomphreyhill@parkrun.com with answers to the following questions:

- a photo of yourself (or a link to a photo)
Q1 - what originally brought you to parkrun?
Q2 - which running or volunteer story are you most proud of and would like to share?
Q3 - what are you doing to remain positive?
Q4 - what are you doing to remain active and fit?
Q5 - apart from Pomphrey Hill which is your next favourite parkrun and why?
Q6 - is there anything else you would like to share?

These will be published over the coming days and weeks on our parkrun website and our Facebook page. Wherever you are, we hope you and your family are well and staying safe.

Steven Burge

Run Director @ Pomphrey Hill parkrun