Run and Talk

A few months ago at Bedworth we encouraged people to #runandtalk to breakdown the stigma surrounding mental health. We all have our reasons for running, but to lend to this conversation I'll share mine.

parkrun is saving my life.

Yes, that sounds dramatic, but indulge me if you will.

About a year ago, I braved my first parkrun in Bedworth, in the snow. I was slow, and cold, and miserable, but I did it. I kept going, and got to know some people. I started having a coffee, offering a lift, volunteering. People started to recognise me and we would run and talk.

Fast forward to now and for the sake of this report, I'll give you the abridged version. My husband moved to Ireland in November, leaving me solo parenting 3 kiddies (1,3&5) with no other family around. I have always been very open about my struggles with my mental health, but this has been the most lonely, isolating and challenging thing I have ever faced.

The realisation hit me on New Years Eve as I was sharing bottle of prosecco with Graham Norton and his guests, that I may not talk to another adult for a few days. Then I noticed one of the Bedworth core team say she was going to a parkrun event on FB. I had heard of the NYDD (New Year Day Double, the one day of the year, you can register at two runs in the one day), but hadn't had the time to research it (3 kids leaves you very little time to do anything). So in a little bit of stalker fashion, I decided to do the same two New Years Day Runs that the team were doing

I'd never ran with a buggy before, the kids were excited, and I was nervous. New place, about 1000 people, and me and my 3 kids.

I did it, Fionn moaned, but his little face when he crossed the finish line was worth it. The other two enjoyed the ride around the beautiful Sutton Park.

Then it was on to Kingsburry. I wasn't going to go, Fionn was tired, I was tired, but then 500m from the end of the run I saw the Bedworth team, and they asked if I was going. That was it, decision made, now how to make it work. I strapped the baby into the carrier and strapped the older two into the buggy and ran. (Ok, I didn't run, I trudged)

 I could hear people questioning my sanity. I was questioning my sanity, but that was when I realised I was doing it for my sanity.

I got back to the car, and as it turned out, amidst the hundreds, I was parked beside the Beduff Massive. One of the girls ran over and gave me a hug and said happy new year. That was the only person I hugged until my husband got back a week later.

That day I made the decision I was going to run. And if the options were to run with the kids or not at all, I guess Ill be running with the kids. There are weeks where if I don't go to parkrun I wont actually speak to anyone I know. So I go, and despite how long it takes to get around everyone is always warm, and welcoming and encouraging. There's always a friendly face, and a chat.

Everyone's parkrun story is different, but I think we can all benefit from a #runandtalk

Bedworth Run Report

Today at Bedworth we encouraged people to #runandtalk to breakdown the stigma surrounding mental health. We all have our reasons for running, but to lend to this conversation I'll share mine.

Park Run is saving my life.
Yes, that sounds dramatic, but indulge me if you will.

About a year ago, I braved my first parkrun in Bedworth, in the snow. I was slow, and cold, and miserable, but I did it. I kept going, and got to know some people. I started having a coffee, offering a lift, volunteering. People started to recognise me and we would run and talk.

Fast forward to now and for the sake of this report, I'll give you the abridged version. My husband moved to Ireland in November, leaving me solo parenting 3 kiddies (1,3&5) with no other family around. I have always been very open about my struggles with my mental health, but this has been the most lonely, isolating and challenging thing I have ever faced.

The realisation hit me on New Years Eve as I was sharing bottle of prosecco with Graham Norton and his guests, that I may not talk to another adult for a few days. Then I noticed one of the Bedworth core team say she was going to a parkrun event on FB. I had heard of the NYDD, but hadn't had the time to research it (3 kids leaves you very little time to do anything). So in a little bit of stalker fashion, I decided to do the same two New Years Day Runs that the team were doing

I'd never ran with a buggy before, the kids were excited, and I was nervous. New place, about 1000 people, and me and my 3 kids.

I did it, Fionn moaned, but his little face when he crossed the finish line was worth it. The other two enjoyed the ride around the beautiful Sutton Park.
Then it was on to Kingsburry. I wasn't going to go, Fionn was tired, I was tired, but then 500m from the end of the run I saw the Bedworth team, and they asked if I was going. That was it, decision made, now how to make it work. I strapped the baby into the carrier and strapped the older two into the buggy and ran. (Ok, I didn't run, I trudged)
 I could hear people questioning my sanity. I was questioning my sanity, but that was when I realised I was doing it for my sanity.

I got back to the car, and as it turned out, amidst the hundreds, I was parked beside the Beduff Massive. One of the girls ran over and gave me a hug and said happy new year. That was the only person I hugged until my husband got back a week later.

That day I made the decision I was going to run. And if the options were to run with the kids or not at all, I guess Ill be running with the kids. There are weeks where if I don't go to parkrun I wont actually speak to anyone I know. So I go, and despite how long it takes to get around everyone is always warm, and welcoming and encouraging. There's always a friendly face, and a chat.

Everyone's parkrun story is different, but I think we can all benefit from a #runandtalk

199 people congregated at Miners Welfare Park this morning for Bedworth's 50th event.
30 people were new to the course, and 9 were new to parkrun. Despite very strong winds, and freezing temperatures a whopping 42 people achieved a PB. There were no official milestones, but perhaps James CONDLIFFE (28:54) is saving his 200th run for the big first birthday next week?
Chris HORTON was on fire as not only first finisher, he achieved a new PB and set a new Age Cat VM40-44 record (17:17).
Hot on his heals was Christopher LIMMER, setting his own PB (17:29)
I can't tell you who finished 3rd, because they forgot their bar code, in fact 9 people forgot their barcodes, and thems the rules. No Barcode, No Time!
Top 3 Ladies this week were
Helen TALBOT (20:46) Sadie WALKER (21:56) Celine GUERY (23:38)

Bedworth parkrun #54

Talk about all weather running, we had 4 seasons in one day this week at Bedworth for event #54

The sun was shining as 72 first timers joined us for the New Runners Brief; 53 joined us for their first parkrun, while there were 19 tourists new to Bedworth. Including Peter DUNNE (40:13) from Tymon parkrun in Dublin, who ran a post knee operation PB.

The clouds began to cover as RD Anne-Marie welcomed 272 participants, including the graduating C25K class from Nuneaton Harriers, as they ran their first full 5km. What a privilege it was to witness so many happy runners achieve their goals and continue to encourage each other around the course and across the line. We hope to see everyone back next week for that difficult second run.

The heavens opened as the first finishers crossed the finish line. Adrian PAYNE (18:29) lead the pack running a new PB. He was followed by Glyn BROADHURST (19:10) coming home second, with Steve TAMPIN (19:41) PB just behind him to make up the top 3 men. The women were lead by Zoe MOORE (22:32), a PB, followed by Penny MASSER (22:47) and Jessica DALY (23:18).

Despite the intense winds, a whopping 55 people achieved a PB and there was even a new Age Category record set. John GABRIEL (24:03) VM70-74. What an inspiration John, well done!!

Two people who joined us for milestone runs were Charanjit SOOMAL (23:60) who ran their 50th and Bruce ROGERS (25:14) who ran their 100th. Congratulations to you both.

As it was International Women's Day this week, I found it inspiring to see so many women run, an almost 50:50 split.
It was also inspiring, to see so many people don some bright accessories and take out their earphones to talk to each-other. Following the news of Prodigy font man Keith Flint's untimely passing, and learning he was a member of the extended parkrun family, quite a few people ran   #5forkeith There was definitely a sense of chat and community amongst all runners.

As usual there was a gathering post run, in the newly refurbished Mayor's Cafe, were coffee, cake and most importantly chat, was enjoyed by all.

This week a special thank you go to the Nuneaton Harriers who supplied a number of high-vis heros, as well as everyone else who made this run possible.
Alex BRUCE  •  Alison Not Cambridge CLARK  •  Anne JOHNS  •  Anne Marie MATTHEWS  •  Cathy MCKEOWN  •  Chris J HAMER-HODGES  •  Daniel HARRISON  •  Derek GORDON  •  Emma BILLINGTON  •  Emma BISGROVE  •  Eric FOWLER  •  Ian CARWARDINE  •  Jenna DAVIES  •  Jon KING  •  Karl PERCIVAL  •  Martin SWAN  •  Neil ADCOCK  •  Pete MARSHALL  •  Peter BARZETOVIC  •  Richard ARNOLD  •  Sam JEPHCOTE  •  Sharon CANAVAN  •  Stephen WHITE  •  Toby CLARKE

Tymon parkrun #244

As a visitor to Tymon from Bedworth in the UK this week, the first thing I enjoyed was the extra half hour in bed. (We usually start at 9am) Apparently it's to allow for the sun to rise, I used it as an excuse for an extra pint on Friday night!
The second thing I noticed, was how many women were running, every other run I've been at has been dominated by men, so it was lovely to see an almost 50:50 split.  

The course it's self is two laps and all on path, meaning it was perfect for a few hardcore parents running with buggies. There was almost a surprise around every turn, one minute you're running by a pond with some kids feeding the ducks, the next you can hear the cars on the M50 what feels like 10ft from your head. There was GAA training, kids soccer training and quite a few excitable dogs. Who knew there was so much life at 9.30am on a Saturday morning?!

First finisher was Kevin ENGLISH (17:56), followed by Eoin FITZPATRICK (18:44) hot on his heals was Fionn CARROLL (18:49) who ran his first parkrun and finished 3rd.
The first of the ladies home was Sinead TANGENY (21:14) achieving a PB, followed by Sophie MC GOVERN (22:39) also a PB (and an impressive time for a JW runner) Pamela NOONAN (24:47) rounded off the top 3.

There were also a few milestones to note this week, Jessica MURPHY and Carmel RYAN both ran their 50th parkrun, and Olive O MALLEY celebrated her 100th!!

There were no course records set today, but of the 243 finishers there were 50 First Timers, 39 of whom ran their first ever parkrun and 36 PBs were achieved thanks to the great effort of the pacers.

I couldn't help but notice the encouraging voice of Lee from CoachApproach, a new running club, who were represented by 24 new runners, as they continued their C25K training.  Check them out at www.coachapproach.ie

But it's not all about the running, parkrun are teaming up with the Irish Heart Foundation and Get Walking Ireland for "Park Walk at parkrun", a 6-week walking programme
Starting Saturday 2nd March and happening every Saturday at 9:30am at all 85 parkrun events throughout the country. All the volunteers at Tymon would be delighted to welcome even more walkers next week, so follow #parkwalkIRE and spread the word.

The warm and friendly environment at this run is testament to the volunteers who made it all possible
Adrian LANIGAN  •  Aisling COPPINGER  •  Alan CONROY  •  Alan FAIRBROTHER  •  Alan O'BOYLE  •  Caoimhe CARTON  •  Carol MCDONNELL  •  Conor WARD  •  Craig GUTHRIE  •  Declan HORGAN  •  Enda O'HANLON  •  Graham MANTLE  •  Ingrid MCGOVERN  •  Mairin OMAN  •  Margaret POYNTON  •  Nuala O ROURKE  •  Paul MITCHELL  •  Paul TESTER  •  Ray CUNNINGHAM  •  Shane REDMOND  •  Sinead TANGNEY  •  Stuart VAN DER BLIAKE  •  Tara JOHNSON  •  Tony MCDEVIT

Sharon Canavan

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Brickfields parkrun #67 27/04/19

As a visitor to Brickfields from Bedworth in the UK this week, I think I still had the UK start time of 9am in my head. As I arrived to the park at 8.50 and could see no-one. I panicked thinking another run had succumbed to Storm Hannah, but no, a quick lap of the course and I found Run Director Lorraine MITCHELL, out clearing branches and debris ensuring a safe run for all.

It was wonderful to see more women than men running. I don't think I've been to a parkrun before with more Female finishers than Male, so bualadh bos do na mná!

The course it's self is four laps and all on path, meaning it was perfect for the few hardcore parents running with buggies. There were also some very good doggies ensuring they kept their owners on a short lead, and who were grateful of the bowls of water provided at the finish line. 

I found the park charming, and actually very quiet. There was very little noise pollution, which is a welcome change, especially in Dublin. There is a fantastic playground, with some beautiful wood carved animals my kids loved. And despite there being no cafe, there was all sorts of refreshments available at the finish line, all brought by the wonderful volunteers. Teas & coffees, and even cake! What is parkrun without cake right?!

As the run started, the wind was fierce. I thought I must be mad pushing my two youngest around in a buggy and dragging my poor Mammy out of her bed, but by 9:45 the winds died down and the sun started to appear through the clouds, making for perfect running conditions. 

First finisher was Damian KELLY (19:10) for this first time at Brickfields, followed by experienced runner Colm FLAHERTY (19:57), Conor MCHUGH (20:45) rounded off the top 3.

The first of the ladies home was Siobhan MCNAMARA (21:49), followed by Jennifer O'MALLEY  (23:32), Isabel NUNEZ SIERRA (26:48) was the 3rd lady back. 

There were 3 Junior Runners who also deserve a mention, Noah JOHNSON (31:44) achieved a PB, hot on his heals was Rory NULTY (31:58), and first timer Eabhann FARRELL (43:25), hope to see you, and your responsible adults, back next week. 

There were no course records set today, but of the 77 finishers there were 12 First Timers, 5 of whom ran their first ever parkrun and 6 PBs were achieved despite the wind. Special mention to Diarmuid MCGOWAN (25:30) who completed the dreaded second run, and Cathy TRENAMAN (31:59) the most experienced runner on the course today (198). 

But it's not all about the running, it was wonderful to see so many walkers on the course today also. Following a very successful collaboration with Irish Heart Foundation and Get Walking Ireland for "Park Walk at parkrun", a number of people came and continued their walking program. And that's the wonderful thing about parkrun, no matter what your time, or ability, you will be welcomed and encouraged.
Everyone at Brickfields would be delighted to welcome even more walkers next week, so follow #parkwalkIRE and spread the word.

A huge thank you to the team of volunteers who braved the storm to bring parkrun to Brickfields this week.

Glenn LOCKHART  •  Jp LONERGAN  •  Karen SLYE  •  Lorraine MITCHELL  •  Martina CONDON  •  Oonag O'MAHONY  •  Sharon CANAVAN  •  Winifred GREHAN

Sharon Canavan
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Marlay parkrun Run Report #299

As a visitor to Marlay for event #299 from Bedworth in the UK this week, I definitely enjoyed the extra half hour in bed. (We usually start at 9am) It's actually to allow for the sun to rise, but as I had convinced the girls I was travelling with to start our weekend with a run, It allowed for an extra glass of wine Friday night and time to coax everyone out of bed in the morning. 


Upon arriving, I could see this was going to be a big run. Ample parking and a huge open area for a warm up made it feel like there wasn't that many people there, but by the time we rounded the first corner, I could feel the whopping 592 runners around me. 

As I climbed the first long hill I started questioning my sanity. was a parkrun at the foot of the Dublin mountains really a good idea? Thank fully it was, as what followed was a beautiful and varied one lap course. At one stage it felt like the cars on the M50 were going to to cross my path, but a minute or two later the course crossed a lovely little stream, and opened up to the impressive sight of Marlay House, followed by a winding forest trail before running back along the model railway back to the start/finish line. 

There was more sport on show than I could have imagined for 9.30 on a Saturday morning; children's soccer matches, GAA training, cyclists, tennis players even a group playing cricket. 
And for the weekend that was in it, it was lovely to see so many Dads out with kids in buggies and on scooters cheering on Mammies. 

There weren't as many junior runners as I'm used to seeing at parkrun (normally I have my 3 with me), but the 22 that did run were fast!! Leo SIMPSON (18:31) PB was first junior back, followed by Zach SILVERMAN (21:19) and Bed MAHER (23:58) PB was 3rd junior home. 

First overall finisher was Alban COGHLAN (16:15) PB, followed by Mark STITCH (17:57) PB hot on his heals was Christopher OREILLY (18:04) PB who finished 3rd. 
Normally I'd only list the first 3, but seeing as the first 5 home all achieved Personal Bests, it's only fair to also congratulate No. 4 Conor DEANE (18:12) PB and No.5 Rory GOLDSMITH (18:20) PB

The first of the ladies home was Paula PRENDERGAST (21:02), followed by Isabelle CAIRNS (21:37) for her first time at Marlay. Clara GERAGHTY (21:42) rounded off the top 3.

There were also a few milestones to note this week, Emer O'BRIEN (32:52) and Amy O'SULLIVAN (33:42) both ran their 50th parkrun, and Aileen WOOTTON (26:18) celebrated her 200th!!

But it's not all about the running, parkrun have teamed up with the Irish Heart Foundation and Get Walking Ireland for "Park Walk at parkrun", a 6-week walking programme happening every Saturday at 9:30am at all 85 parkrun events throughout the country. All the volunteers at Marlay would be delighted to welcome even more walkers next week for the last event in this 6 week program, so follow #parkwalkIRE and spread the word.

The absolute army of volunteers worked like a well oiled machine under the watchful eye of first time Run Director Delourdes SEYMOUR making sure everyone was well looked after. 
Thank you to all who made it possible. 

Aileen WOOTTON  •  Colette KELLY  •  David TREANOR  •  Delourdes SEYMOUR  •  Dexter HODKINSON  •  Ella DORAN  •  Eoin DALY  •  Fionnuala MCCOURT  •  Frank KELLY  •  Gladys OCONNOR  •  Ian ONEILL  •  Jack ADMIRAND  •  John KEEGAN  •  Kristina FOLEY  •  Lauren MCCAMBRIDGE  •  Liam ACHESON  •  Liam LAWLOR  •  Liam MCCAMBRIDGE  •  Lynda TUOHY  •  Margaret FLYNN  •  Mark ROWAN  •  Michael ROBERTS  •  Natalie RUSAN  •  Peter STAFFORD  •  Roberta ALLAN  •  Shane ROSS  •  Sharon CANAVAN  •  Tadhg SULLIVAN  •  Tony BRUNTON  •  Veronica STAFFORD

In order to save our local high street, we need to support our local high street.

I will never understand the mentality of people who continuously complain about shops closing in their local town, and then travel to a big complex, miles away to spend their money in the same shops that are struggling, in their own town.

There's a thought that somehow it's all the councils fault, or the retailers. But that's not the full picture. Consumers are changing their habits. Fact. The internet is killing the high street, there is no doubt about that, but the final nail in the coffin, is shoppers refusing to shop local.

I've seen in from both sides.
In Nuneaton, managing Accessorize, customers would come back to us on a Monday, after spending loads of money at the weekend in a bigger store, normally Fosse Park when it was open, to get refunds or just comment that the shop was so much better. I covered management in the bigger stores too and would see the same customers, picking up the same bags and scarfs we carried in Nuneaton, saying how much they hated the town and much preferred travelling to Fosse/Birmingham to shop. As if Nuneaton wasn't good enough to spend their money in. I've never known a town to complain so much, yet do nothing so help themselves.

This attitude is not surprising, as it's coming from the top down. Conservative MP Marcus Jones, while quing for a coffee my first year managing Accessorize, confidently told me his wife loved the shop, and she would get vouchers/ money for Christmas and loved to shop in Monsoon in London, but that it was so convenient having a local store, so she could return things she changed her mind on.
This man is the locally elected MP, and even he admits to spending his money elsewhere.
Both the leases of Monsoon and Accessorise in Nuneaton are up for sale (along with a number of other stores in the town), and are unlikely to be renewed, if current losses continue to when the leases are up in 2020.

You don't have to look very far to hear Nuneaton people complaining about Nuneaton. In-fact, I'm looked at like I have 10 heads when I say how great I think the town is. It takes an outsider to see it I think. The negativity, especially online, is actually unbearable. No one seems to be taking responsibility for their own town and just expects it to magically pick up.
Comparatively, to other towns our size up and down the UK, our High Street is holding up pretty well. Despite a number of stores being in trouble (Debenhams, New Look, Select, HMV) their Nuneaton branches aren't on the closure list. But that may not be the way if people continue to shop else where.

There are very few brands missing ,and those that are make business sense not being here. Primark don't open in towns, they open in cities and destinations. M&S have changed their structure after financial trouble, and so focus on cities and destinations too. It obviously wasn't making money when it was here, so makes sense that it closed. The same can be said for MotherCare and Trespass.
Evans closed, due to profitability among other issues. There was clearly a market for a plus size retailer though, just at a lower price point as Yours is doing quite well.
Roman opened, despite being surrounded by competition. Schuh also saw an opportunity and opened in the old Faith unit. A brand missing from the high Street for 5+ years now, but still available in Debenhams. JD also have Nuneaton on their plan for the future.
People saying they want Hollister just make me laugh. The same as Zara, The White Company & Tommy Hilfiger just wouldn't make money here.

But what we do have are brands are starting to recognise that the Nuneaton shopper is notorious for sale. They love a good bargain. That is why the likes of Top Shop & Monsoon always carry sale. And when I say there are some good deals to be had I'm not lieing!! When exclusive ranges are marked down, and are size fragmented across the midlands, they are consolidated to Nuneaton, so you can shop them easily. I recently got a pair of Ivy Park running tights for £12! Don't mind if I do!
Warren James even opened an Outlet here.
It would make sense for the council to invest and explore the idea of inviting more brands to do the same. This would increase the variety of brands, and increase footfall. Something which I think all the cafes and independent retailers would be more than happy about.

The council aren't completely blameless obviously, parking charges are a pain point for a lot of locals. And I would have to agree, parking is extortionate in Nuneaton compared to surrounding areas, and no free Christmas parking is just a kick in the teeth. But by the time you paid petrol to somewhere else, the couple quid for parking isn't too bad. Debenhams will even refund your parking if you make a purchase there. Not that it's their responsibility, but they are being adaptive to the climate. I have a feeling more stores will follow suit. I'm actually surprised The Ropewalk haven't yet joined this initiative too considering their fantastic step up in marketing in recent months.

I have made a point this year of doing as much shopping as I possibly can in Nuneaton. I knew the High Street here was good, but I was rather impressed at the amount of big brands we actually have.
As well as a huge number of small and medium size enterprises. Jewellers, Mens' tailoring, Womens' fashion, shoes, gifting, furniture, beauty & cafes. (Molly's is a favourite!!)

If more people made an effort to shop local when they can, the local high street would get a much needed boost, and so many stores may not face closure. We can't expect anyone else to fix our town.


For the record, I've lived and worked in Nuneaton for 6 years, after growing up in Dublin, where I worked in and managed a variety of stores across the retail sector.
I love my new town, and I proudly tell people about the wonderful parks, museum, library and other amenities we have here.