374 replies to this topic

[Blues Buffett]

I'm just formalizing a proposal here on CR that I recently put to a few CR colleagues via Facebook.

There are several monthly Sydney CR time trials around: Bay Run, CR West etc. I'm suggesting another informal, social running group, where we may start at different times - like for CR T/T - and end up roughly finishing together. The difference is that some may choose to go longer distances and finish later than others. I'm thinking distances between 12k and 21.1k. The only timing would be done by the individual.

The location: start/finish Circa shopping centre Norwest (Circa Boulevarde, Norbrick Drive), running from there across the footbridge to the start of the M7 bikepath - it's only about 800m - as far as desired, then return. No traffic either.

After the run is completed, Cafe McKel's (open 9am to 4pm Sundays, indoor and outdoor seating available) awaits. I'm sure we'll get good service as it's owned by a Hills runner connection. Good to support the running community in this way too.

There has been an initial positive response, from CR's such as Gogirl, Fred, Thomo, NTR, HillsAths1, Coogee1979M and ratdog.

Parking in the shopping centre and surrounding streets is plentiful and the Parramatta-Rouse Hill T-Way bus goes zooming past regularly.

The trick is to have it regularly but avoid clashing with major events that many potential runners might be entering. Oh, and to start/finish when it's Goldilocks weather.

With all that in mind, I suggest the following dates for this calendar year (clashes to avoid in brackets):
Aug 15   8:30am       (C2S 08, W2B 21)
Sep 26   8:30am      (Fathers' Day 05, Hills Run 12, Blackmores 19)
Oct 17    8:00am      (FF 09, SMC 24)
Nov 7     7:30am      (GNW 13-14, SMC 21)
Dec 12    7:30am     (SMC 19)

I'm sure we could easily mark off various kms along the way on the first run if required; there are plenty of garmins out there.

Hope to get further expressions of interest; I'll certainly be there for a 15/08/10 8:30am start.

cheers, BB

Edited by Blues Buffett, 27 June 2011 - 09:31 AM.

[HillsAths1]

BB with an 8.30 start what distance were you expecting to run and what time were you expecting to get bake to Circa?

The reason I ask is that I know a lot of the runners like to get their runs over early in the morning, at an 8.30 start time the reegular 11km runners from Roxborough could have their normal run, have a long chat afterwards(euphemistically called stretching) and still make it to the start by 8.30.

I do agree though that it is a great idea.

Now just got to work out how I am going to survive the Hills trivia night at Castle Hill Country Club on the 14th of August and a run on Sunday morning!

[Blues Buffett]

Hi HillsAths1

Hope you pulled up well after Cowells Lane.

The whole purpose is to have the run fairly flexible. In some ways, over the summer months, it might be better to do a slightly longer run just because Cafe McKel opens at 9am. Of course if you could influence the owner to open at 8:30am with a near-certainty of plenty of customers that would help.

For now, I feel that 12k would be the typical distance. This would take us somewhere not too far past Sunnyholt Rd. Interestingly, a 15k run would take us to the turnaround point for the marathon (as I discovered yesterday). I would think that will get us all to the Cafe by 9:30am.

There may be others who want to do longer though, and that's fine as I'm sure the Cafe will still be patronised when they return. Plus the longer runners may also be the faster ones, so the times mightn't be too far apart.

Hope that clarifies. I'd like to think that it is primarily a social running group, with the composition changing monthly due to commitments and motivation. I'll be there each month though, like I am weekly at the moment (though not patronising the Cafe much).

cheers, BB

P.S. since you're plugging Hills Trivia Night, I thought I'd mention 12/09 Hills Fun Run (there is another thread of course), and the Rouse Hill Classic 10/10 with 7k/14k options. It was mentioned in the local paper and I have asked for more details.

Edited by Blues Buffett, 26 July 2010 - 11:08 AM.

[SMC42K]

hi BB, This is a great idea. My only concern is the late start. I'd prefer either 7:00 or 7:30 am. If running 12 - 15 km we would still be able to enjoy a coffee after cooling down & changing. With a late start, by the time you finish & cool down, it would be quite late, and also quite hot in the summer.

[Blues Buffett]

Hi SMC42k

Thank you for your feedback and interest!

It does show, of course, that it's difficult to satisfy everyone's needs. The current preference - purely from those I have spoken to - is for an 8:30am start in August moving to 8am October then 7:30am in November.

Unless HillsAths1 can get the Cafe open earlier, we would be faced with a decent wait until 9am with an earlier start and only a 12km run. I am planning to do longer runs when it's warmer and we start earlier.

The feeling so far is for a relaxed social run that doesn't require leaping out of bed too early when it's cool. Of course, there may be those who want to do 21.1km or more and a 7:30am start in August/September would get them back about the same time.

Look forward to more comments and ideas.

cheers, BB

[OurDogScruff]

Hi

Sounds like a great idea to me, very interested.  Although with a stag night on the 14th August, I'm not sure I can make the first run.    

Personally I'm a fan of a 'later' start.  All runs seem to start at silly o'clock, so it'd be nice to have one starting a bit later.

Cheers

[Fred]

I am keen for the 8.30 start in winter and progressively getting earlier as the weather heats up!

The dates look good, it is hard to please everyone, but I'd be looking at clashes with the likes of Willy to Billy, Fitzroy Falls and the Running Wild series - I think there's one clash there in the September - so looks good!

Nice work BB!

[photogirl]

Good plan BB.  I prefer a later start too with a progressive earlier start as it warms up- I'm always happy AFTER I've done a 7am run but getting there in the colder months doesn't always happen! 8.30 would probably guarantee I WOULD make it.  I'm not fast though so the cafe will be well and truly open when I get back. If I want to run longer than 12km I will just start earlier.

Alison

[runhard]

Great idea.  Not sure if I can make the late starts though.  Might be able to make one or two but I will have to put it past the wife!

[crazycatwoman]

I like the sound of this.  It is good for us slower runners too with the out and back.  The sleep in also sounds good.  I probably wouldn't make it till November as rosters are already in for the next few months.  

CCW.

[Martin Dugdale]

I may spare a thought for you all as I run down and struggle up Quarry rd these Sunday mornings. but if I do it will be when watching a startled kangaroo or lyre bird and wondering why you want to run on concrete when the bush beckons

[thomo]

8:30am start suits me.

I work normally in the afternon. So early starts don't suit me.

Some others who showed an interest previously have a distance to travel.

People who want an early start can incorporate the run as part of their training session.

[Puglet]

I'm terribly slow, but I'd be keen.  What if you did an out-and-back where everyone turns around at say 30mins, and then it's a race back to the start.

[Blues Buffett]

Hi Puglet

I guess for now the only thing we need to agree on is that this type of run is a good idea!

Frankly, there may be a whole combination of slow/medium/fast runners who want to do, in any given Circa/M7 run, more or less distance than other times.

Quite likely, there'll be people who are keen to finish quickly, have a swift chat and drink and head off. Others may want to stick around longer. That's the beauty of having a social run.

Hope we continue to get positive feedback about this opportunity.

cheers, BB

[Brick]

I would be interested but an 8:30 start makes it impossible for me.
Family commitments.
7:00 start would be good, but it is your Fatass BB so go with what you want to do and enjoy.

[HillsAths1]

Brick, on Jul 27 2010, 11:35 AM, said:

but it is your Fatass BB so go with what you want to do and enjoy.

Brick I am not sure that we need to bring name calling into this matter!

BB I apologise in for any anguish you may feel for this slight on your body shape, which in this case I do not believe is waranted!

[AaronR]

I like this idea, but a variation on the theme would be good. Pick the end time, let's say 8.30 and runners turn up and run the respective distances at there pace to get them back to the end at the 8.30 time. IE a runner running 5k @ 6min will start at 8.00. A runner doing 20k @ 5min pace would start at 6.50 etc etc. That way , if you happen to go out for your long run at the same time as another runner, great, if not you get your run and get to socialise at the end.
I reckon that would work well. Or maybe that is what you intended. i dunno, i skimmed the post

[CaptainSmeg]

Looks like this run is generating a lot of interest!
I might be able to join occasionally on my longer runs... It's just about close enough to Silverwater for me to run out there, do a 10k, and run home. And if I am running with NiteTimeRunner or Chunderbolt from their house, it's even more attractive.
Great idea, BB!  

[Chunderbolt]

I'll be keen to join a run when my knee comes good.

[Ding]

Hi BB,
Excellent idea & I would be keen to join, but I prefer my Sunday long run to be finished by around 7am (even over winter) so I can get to enjoy the day with the family.  
But that's ok, just wanted to say well done on initiating this though & all the best for it.
Cheers,
Ding

[georgegd]

Hi BB
This sounds like a good idea. I do my long run on a Sunday morning so I could quite easily incorporate this into it once a month. I live about 4km from the proposed start/finish so running there would suit. The times you suggest work well with me as that's pretty much the times I run during winter and summer.

If it's a goer, then let me know.

George.

[Blues Buffett]

Hi georgegd

Thanks for showing interest!

I can confirm that this Social Run will definitely go ahead, as planned. First run Sunday August 15 8:30am.

cheers, BB

[georgegd]

Great BB
Booked into my diary. Will see you on the 15th August 8:30am.

[Coogee1979M]

For all those lovers of buses, the T65 goes from Parramatta Interchange (departing 6.55am and 7.55am) to Norbrick T-Way, arriving at 7.16am and 8.16am.

http://www.cdcbus.co...lsBus-Maps.html

[KiwiShazza]

I'm guessing this run is still going ahead on Sunday?  Myself and a friend are building up our long runs for the Blackmores half in Sept so will be out there on Sunday to do 16km.  Hope to meet some of you at the cafe afterwards.

[HillsAths1]

I have been in Contact with McKels Cafe and they are ready and waiting for an influx of Blue and yellow shirts and caps on Sunday.

The will have plenty of rehydration available in the form of Coffee, Hot Chocolate etc as well as the required nutritional fare such as Cakes, salads, Croissants etc.

[Brick]

Any chance of a lift back to Pennant Hills after the run anybody?

I will run to the start of the run but to make it back for family duties will need to have a lift home.

[nite_time_runner]

I believe this could be a great social run!!  

Its out and back - plenty of chances to hi five each other and give encouragement
On a no-brainer course - you cannot get lost if you tried
Cafe at then end
Great CR's supporting it

Have fun everyone! ( well done BB for getting it started! I am interstate this weekend, but will try for next one )

[thomo]

I will hopefully be there, probaly be on bike escort duty though.

[ratdog]

Anyone coming along to CR West 5 km challangeon Saturday at Nurrajingy Doonside?

Was that a hijack?

[Blues Buffett]

Answering in order: no, yes

[thomo]

ratdog, on Aug 11 2010, 11:26 PM, said:

Anyone coming along to CR West 5 km challangeon Saturday at Nurrajingy Doonside?

Was that a hijack?

Blues Buffett, on Aug 12 2010, 07:47 AM, said:

Answering in order: no, yes

One way to keep on the front page for both run / food / gabfests.

[Blues Buffett]

Thomo, why are you cycling not running on Sunday?

I thought you'd fully recovered.

[thomo]

Blues Buffett, on Aug 12 2010, 07:52 PM, said:

Thomo, why are you cycling not running on Sunday?

I thought you'd fully recovered.

    

[Blues Buffett]

So 71:58 for 14k C2S, nearly 10 min. faster than last year.

However you're not yet ready to run maybe 12k at a gentle jog then relax at Cafe McKel's?

[thomo]

That's right B.B, shame me.

[KatieR]

ratdog, on Aug 11 2010, 07:26 AM, said:

Anyone coming along to CR West 5 km challangeon Saturday at Nurrajingy Doonside?

Was that a hijack?

I will be at Nurrangingy.
Oops!!!! I have been found out.I am a secret lurker to this forum

[Blues Buffett]

Well KatieR

I therefore expect you will back up Sunday 8:30am for the inaugural Circa/M7 Social Run.

I'm sure you planned to be there, since you are commenting on this thread.

[Princess Odette]

I'll be there.  I'll start at 8:15 though.  I need to leave before 9:30.

I'm sure you guys will overtake me before I finish anyway  

[runhard]

I will be on a plane so will miss tomorrow!  Hope it all goes well.  I hope to make it to at least one.

[Blues Buffett]

Looking forward to seeing whoever is able to attend the first Circa/M7 social run tomorrow 8:30am.

Location: Circa Boulevarde, Norbrick Drive, Norwest, Bella Vista

Run as far or as short as you like, then come back to Cafe McKel's for a drink/bite to eat.

I'm aiming for 12k at about 5:50 pace.

cheers, BB

[thomo]

Blues Buffett, on Aug 14 2010, 07:40 PM, said:

I'm aiming for 12k at about 5:50 pace.

cheers, BB

I will have to bring the racing bike then.

[Blues Buffett]

5:50/km not 5:50/mile like you Thomo.

[thomo]

Nice turn out for The Inaugurals.

Blues Buffett shamed me into running. Though he was polite enough to keep me company.

We had a very nice breakfast and there was great company.

Well done BB!!!

[Blues Buffett]

Well, timing was perfect today. A huge storm has just hit Kellyville (12 noon).

Congratulations to the Inaugurals:
Blues Buffett 12k
thomo 12k
photogirl 14k
Princess Odette 10k?
georgegd: special mention 21.3k
Anne Lurker 10k (Anne, please re-activate your CR account!)

KiwiShazza & friend who ran 16k from 7am and finished by 8:30am.

McKel's provided good swift service. It's a well-run, decent coffee shop that will welcome future iterations of the Circa Social Run, the next one of which will be

Sunday Sep 26  8:30am

See you then, BB

[georgegd]

Hi BB and fellow runners.
You're right It was perfect timing as we missed the hail.
It was a good and enjoyable run especially running with you guys. Got back to lonely normal after I left you at 6km but pleased to see you all at the cafe upon completion.  
Looking forward to the September run - will be recovering from the blackmores marathon so 12km will do me nicely.
Have a good month with hopefully lots of running.

Thanks BB for taking the initiative and organizing this.

George

[Princess Odette]

yes BB, I did approx 10k.  i just ran by time or i'll be late.

if i have nothing on next time, i'll start with u guys n have brekky.  i think it'll make me run faster if i'm trying to keep up with u guys before i have to head back

thanks for organising

btw, I won't be turning up for the Nov run cuz Run4Fun is on.

[photogirl]

Thanks for a great run today - can't believe I managed to get slightly lost  -  

Nice time of day to run, good location, excellent coffee and breakfast afterwards and great company of course.

Thanks for organisng this BB.

Alison

[KiwiShazza]

Thanks to BB for organising this.  It was a great venue for running and the breakfast at McKell's Cafe afterwards was very good.

Shame I got confused so myself & friend started early to finish at 8.30 instead of starting at 8.30am!  Probably for the best though as we were doing a long run and would never have kept up with all of you.  Would have got back to the cafe in time for lunch!

It was nice to at least meet you all before we left.  Look forward to seeing you all next month and hopefully enjoying breakfast at the same time as you all.

[RUNM7]

Okay so  this is my first post.

Just wanted to thank Blues Buffet for getting this run going in my backyard it was great fun to run with you all on the M7.  I would also like to thank Photogirl, thomo and georgegd for making me feel welcome at my first Cr event.

See you all on the 26th September.

Anne