Saturday 28 June 2014

parkrun #50


Matthew: runner of 50 parkruns !
I’ve written about “parkrun” before...but I have to just add a little post now, as our family celebrate our son Matt’s 50th parkrun.



Since he took up running, just 2 years ago, he has done far more than the 50 parkruns we were celebrating today...10Ks, half marathons, funruns, sponsored runs, and most recently, a triathalon. He has organised events for local schools/ churches/charities, he has raised funds for several different causes  and he has influenced so many friends and family members to improve their health and fitness levels by joining in. He has also joined the blogging world, and writes beautifully about combining running with family life. ( See his blog listed with those that I follow...." Run Daddy Run".) http://mattpattrunningblog.blogspot.co.uk/

Matt as he comes to the finish line. Rainy conditions probably meant not too many PBs this week !
He has been supported by his wife, Sarah-Jane, and the eldest of his 3 sons, Dexter. Sarah Jane and Dexter run in the 5k parkruns....and Matt and Sarah are now heavily involved with the setting up and development of Huddersfield’s junior parkrun events.

Sarah Jane with Flynn, as she helps organise last week's Junior parkrun.

Dexter, warming up for Junior parkrun
On a personal level, Matt supported me to be able to complete a couple of 5k parkruns last year, as I improved my fitness following my cancer treatment. I have sort of given up on running myself now......knowing I am fit again, and maintaining it by some much more serious walking ( much more sedate for someone of my great age ! ).

Dexter finishing his 2K last week, with Jess running alongside him, and the official high fiver waiting to greet him across the line.
Well done Dexter....Jess hugging Dexter after his run.
So, this post, is just to record how brilliant we think Matt is, and to congratulate him on his 50th parkrun.

 The weather wasn’t kind.....but to be honest, it doesn’t seem to make much difference.

The start.....today, it was in the rain...but no one cares!
 Every Saturday 600 plus people turn out to run the 5K, then on Sunday 160 under 14s turn up to do the now established 2K junior parkrun. So...well done to everyone who is involved with this....and special congratulations to our brilliant Matthew.

Its a whole family occasion.... Grandad Mark and Auntie Jess supporting runners and spectators alike.




18 comments:

  1. Lovely blog Janice thank you very much, and if you ever fancy running a 5k again I'll run every step with you.

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    1. You never know Matt, I may take you up on that ! Jx

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  2. Well done Matthew - and a lovely tribute here from you, Janice. You really have all made it a big family affair. Axxx

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    1. Thanks Annie, he is a star, we are very proud of him. Jxxx

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  3. It is lovely that this has become such an integral family occasion - doing things together as a family is an essential part of a happy, healthy family - you know the saying a family that plays together stays together.

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    1. ...and the next chapter of our "playing" together is in France, so that will be good too. jx

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  4. Your 'great' age....sorry, you don't qualify yet :-) I do agree that walking is the answer tho.

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    1. I'm only 1 year behind you Jane ! Hope the walking is going well...looking forward to being back and continuing with another "trek".

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  5. Brilliant, Janice - both Matthew's impressive achievements and the way you are all involved as a family. You're setting a wonderful example between you.

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    1. Thanks P. It has been lovely to be back in the UK to help him celebrate this landmark !

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  6. Doing something for yourself...and extending it into doing much more for others...well done that man!

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    1. Indeed....he is a star....and lovely with it. always has been....

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  7. Congratulations to Matthew and the whole family, Janice. You will all reap the benefits of being fit and healthy, and it is particularly lovely to see the children getting involved as well. Love the Grandad pic at the end! Thank you for your lovely comment on my blog today :) xxx

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    1. Yes, Grandad is in his element when all of them are around.....and they do seem to adore him !

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  8. Three cheers for Matt - and for your entire family, Janice. All that support helps spur him along, I'm sure. My, how the kiddies have grown. :)

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    1. They certainly have grown.....I cant believe it that the oldest are now 6, that's practically going to college !. Thanks for your comments Penny.

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  9. Go, Matt, go. A very impressive achievement , that makes me feel very lazy.

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  10. Absolutely beautiful family pictures, Janice - even though just the thought of the 50 parkruns has me reaching for the smelling salts!

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