From the Santa Dash To The Parbold Hill Race and beyond...

by Ann Gregory

How did this all happen?

• a red dress( slightly tight!!)for a New Years Eve do
• a mad suggestion from a fellow pink panther ( who shall remain nameless but she knows who she is )
• great encouragement from all fellow panthers (especially our chief panthers Diane and Yvonne, and my running buddies Elaine, Carol, Nikki and Robbin)

Way back in November 2006

The story begins with an epic struggle up the quarry in Hilldale- Elaine, Helen Carol Nikki and I wheezed our way up the road (with my mantra of red dress red dress going through my head!) A throw away comment was made about what an achievement it would be to DO the hill race and the tale goes on.

• I'll do it if you will?
• Will we look stupid coming last?
• Can we do it?

The doubts went on but Carol the true optimist kept telling us what a great achievement this would be.

The seed was planted. Rumours started.

• Are you doing the hill race?
• You will be able to do it.
• No! You won't be last.
• You will enjoy it

The voices of encouragement from other panthers came.

December arrived...

...and so did the Pink Panther Coach trip to the Santa Dash in Liverpool, you go to all the best places with the Pink Panthers. Dressed in a stylish red suits we trundled our way around the city, a fun run in every sense. Full of seasonal cheer thoughts turned to the next event- maybe a drink down the pub, New Years Eve (could I get into my red dress or would I be going in this Santa suit)

NO!! This was the Pink Panther Coach

You're doing the hill race aren't you?

Was that a question or a statement from the more experienced Panthers around the coach. We'll never know.

The running continued through December after all I still had that red dress to get into.

The Saturday runs seemed to include lots of hills including one in fancy dress up Stoney Lane (At least we got breakfast at Diane's as a reward afterwards) Thanks to all the more able runners who waited patiently for us or even ran the hills twice giving us moral encouragement- though at the time I couldn't speak and HATED their ability to run up hill and talk and make it seem so effortless!!!(In fact I still do - it's jealously)

The Break Through Run

on December 30th 2006 a major break through occurred I ran The Parbold Hill Course. Yes I did walk some of the hills and I started from the village hall in Hilldale not the Farmers Arms but I did it in 1 hour and 34 minutes

This race was doable AND the following Night I wore the RED DRESS.

January 2007

A new year and the running continued -Three times a week- Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays (and sometimes even Sundays). The race was entered, no going back now. Whatever the weather we tried to run, but there was a severe lack of good cheer running up Parbold Hill one Tuesday Morning in sheet rain with Nikki and Elaine. Soaked to the skin was an under statement even our knickers were wet!!!! but we carried on was it madness or fear of failure on the day?

Saturday February 17th

The Race Day dawned bright and sunny-

were we ready for this? It's too late now? Got to give it a go!

The start was incredibly daunting everyone looked professional but we were lookin' good in our panther vests !! (The Best Kit around)

There was loads of support along the route, Robbin always speeding up when she heard the cheers!! Our chief Panther Yvonne was not running so she and Kevin always managed to appear when we were sneaking a quick walk!! Encouraging us.

At the Finish the welcome from the supporters was brilliant! The cry of sprint came. Robbin and I rose to the challenge and the legs went a little faster and the finish came ever closer!! With Robbin crossing the finish line a second before me! After 1 hour 25 minutes of running I had completed a challenge that 4 months before I thought was completely beyond my capabilities as a runner and an individual. What a feeling!

Congratulations to Elaine, Carol and Nikki who also managed to complete the course all 6.75mls and 3 Very big Hills of it

Thanks everyone!

I am now a dress size smaller and a stone and a bit lighter. The moral is for those out there who are lacking motivation and are feeling somewhat daunted by the thought of joining us If I can do it so can you!!! I can remember what it was like to be unable to run up the Common without having to stop.

So grab your running shoes and come and see the Pink Panthers on Saturday. You will get loads of encouragement and a warm welcome.

Ann Gregory

PS What's Next ??

• The Women's 10 km Sefton Park, Liverpool 13th May
• The Race For Life Knowsley 22nd May

And hopefully -

The Chester Half Marathon.

That's 13 miles

Health Warning

Beware this running is contagious

It makes you feel and look good ( well at least after you've had the shower and time to recover!!)