Victoria's Secret

No, not that Victoria's Secret.  Instead, the venue for run #2 of 40 was East Belfast's Victoria Park.  This is the location of the newest Parkrun to appear in Belfast following in the footsteps (literally) of the hugely popular Waterworks Parkrun in North Belfast.

The plan for this morning was an early(ish) departure to Belfast with Ben and Zack.  The running gear was laid out the night before which I'm fairly certain is an obsessive habit of most runners.  Everything was going according to plan when Zack decided not to run.  I was astounded to hear this 5 year old say that there was no point going.  He declared most of his top competition would be running in the International XC at Greenmount that afternoon??

This was a first for my eldest boy and as we waited on the start line, I was extremely proud that he was going to join me on this occasion.  The whistle was blown and off we went, 3 laps of the lake.  Our approach to the run was to follow a walk/run strategy.  We walked between landmarks such as park benches and then ran to the next point on the course and repeated this tactic.  Despite a cold wind, Ben ran well and maintained a steady approach until the last few metres when he shot off and beat me over the line.  The 'Fleming' competitive gene is alive and well!!

What secrets are found at the Victoria Parkrun?  Well, it's a beautiful spot nestled in an area with such industrial heritage.  Shorts aircraft factory can be seen alongside the route and of course the famous Harland and Wolff cranes towering over the runners.  The SS Titanic (it was ok when it left here) was built minutes away.  My thoughts turned to those involved in it's construction and the leisure time many spent with their families in this very park

There is also plenty for the birdwatchers, with an array of wildlife including Canadian Geese and the lesser spotted 9.20am Flybe departure to London.  The huge smile on Ben's face as the plane took off from the adjoining runway and flew above us was fantastic.

Afterwards, the famous Parkrun hospitality was on offer with free tea/coffee/juice, chocolate muffins etc on offer.  As I was about to get a coffee I was amazed to be greeted by a girlfriend from over 20 years ago!!  I'm not sure which one of us was more surprised to see the other at a running event.

Without wishing to embarrass Joanne and her friend Maxine, as highly skilled medical professionals they both work with individuals suffering from cancer on a daily basis.  As I drove home I was really heartened by the thought that there are many others like them.  Many who dedicate their lives to finding new treatments.  In doing so improving survival chances.  It would also be amiss not to mention the many nurses/volunteers/charity workers who work to improve the quality of life for everyone affected by this disease.

Only run 2 out of 40 but already this journey has been great - getting to run with family and friends (new and old).  Thanks to everyone today for their words of encouragement along the course and especially the great folk from Orangegrove AC.  You should be very proud of the support you give the Victoria Parkrun.

Have I missed something?  Oh yes - How did the run go?

Peter Fleming finished in FORTY minutes and FORTY seconds (just behind his eldest boy!)

Victoria Parkrun Results
Victoria Parkrun Info
Waterworks Parkrun Info
Results-Antrim-IAAF-Cross-Country