Episode 364 - Bumping Uglies

00:00:00[intro theme playing]

Welcome

00:00:24Simon Mackley: Welcome to episode 364 of the parkrun adventurers podcast, a podcast about life, if your life is all about parkrun. I'm Simon Mackley, and I'm coming to you again from Quandamooka Country.

00:00:37Oliver Spake: And I am Ollie Spake, and I'm joining once again from Dharawal Country. And Simon, we've got the keys to the Ferrari.

00:00:44Simon Mackley: We have. Can you hear them? Yeah. Let's take this thing for a spin.

00:00:51Oliver Spake: That's right. Go cruising at Christmas. Yes. Yes. Welcome, everyone. It's our end of year festive episode. And what a pleasure to finally get to record with yourself.

00:01:04Simon Mackley: Yeah. We haven't done it before. And I think that you were saying that you haven't recorded with anyone else but Mel. Yeah.

00:01:11Oliver Spake: Yes, and apologies to anyone that I've forgotten if I have, in fact, but that's my recollection. And, yeah, no, so look, anything can happen, Simon. Indeed it can. Yeah, so look, I think there's only one way we can really kick this off and that's by being just a little bit festive.

00:01:36Simon Mackley: Have you got anything in mind?

Dad joke

00:01:38Simon Mackley: How about a bonbon joke?

00:01:40Oliver Spake: Yes, perfect.

00:01:42Simon Mackley: All right.

00:01:42Oliver Spake: Do we need to crack the bonbon? I think we probably should.

00:01:45Simon Mackley: You grab that end of it.

00:01:46[crosstalk]

00:01:48Oliver Spake: Yep.

00:01:48Simon Mackley: All right.

00:01:50Oliver Spake: Yep.

00:01:52Simon Mackley: Okay. Oh, I got it.

00:01:54Oliver Spake: Well done. Well done.

00:01:55Simon Mackley: I'm just going to put the hat on and grab the joke out. So, oh, it's very parkrun themed. Why did the runner bring a calendar to the Christmas party?

00:02:09Oliver Spake: I don't know.

00:02:10Simon Mackley: Because he wanted to start the year off on the right foot.

00:02:17Oliver Spake: Very appropriate.

00:02:18Simon Mackley: What about you, Ollie? Have you got one?

00:02:21Oliver Spake: I do have a bonbon joke. Now, it's, well, it's one I've cracked before. Oh, okay. Okay. But if you happen to have another bonbon, I'm happy to crack that. All right.

00:02:36Simon Mackley: Okay. Grab the other end of this and we'll see who gets it. Yep. All right.

00:02:39Oliver Spake: Okay. Thank you.

00:02:42Simon Mackley: There we go. You got it.

00:02:44Oliver Spake: There we are. I got it. Put your hat on. Yeah, my other one was an absolute no-go. All right. A hat on. Oh, this is a good one. What did the adventurers say to the Christmas tree during their parkrun?

00:02:57Simon Mackley: I don't know. What did the adventurers say to the Christmas tree during their parkrun?

00:03:01Oliver Spake: I pine for the finish, but you're a tremendous companion for this parkrun. Wow. Who knew that parkrun Australia was getting into festive branded bonbons, eh?

00:03:13Simon Mackley: I know. You couldn't believe it.

00:03:18Oliver Spake: Oh, we could have too much fun with this.

00:03:19Simon Mackley: We certainly could. We probably should crack on.

00:03:23Oliver Spake: Yes. Yes. I like what you did there too. Yes.

00:03:26Simon Mackley: Yes. So, Ollie, where were you this parkrun day just gone?

00:03:30Oliver Spake: Yeah, well, once again, I was at home. It was another very, very warm parkrun morning. I feel a little bit silly saying that to a Queenslander, but that's how it felt for us. And I was joined at Shellharbour by a sizeable contingent. I think you'd probably call them a swather. And... It got ugly. It got very ugly. So it was a delightful morning. I was run directing for the morning and I somehow managed not only to convince my two younger daughters, as Hannah was off to family Christmas on the Central Coast, so was en route at time of parkrun and unable to join, but my younger two daughters both had their brand new uglies. Nice. Ava in her budgies and Zali in the reimagined koala that she honestly still has not taken off since she first received. Nice. So we're on to a winner there. And for the first time ever... Kathy put an ugly shirt on as well. So she borrowed my OG koala, ugly, and came along and volunteered as one of our two photographers. So, yeah, already I knew the morning was going to be great. We had some fantastic First Timers Welcome briefing sessions. Words spoken by none other than the Office Lady and some adventurers from far and wide, including Billo. Oh, nice. Yeah, and Lila. So it was a very festive morning, very enjoyable. We cracked out the water pistols again and were joined by many a tourist, many an adventurer, as I think there were a number of people in town for a music festival that was happening over the weekend. Okay, a few people doubling up, including our Marshal for our final hill, Matt, who joined us from Lake Mac. And Matt came complete with speaker and sound system.

00:05:39Simon Mackley: Oh, nice.

00:05:43Oliver Spake: So no comment on, obviously, the copyright of the music on that occasion. But nonetheless, very, very festive and very, very enjoyable, in case I didn't mention that before. Awesome. Yeah. And for some reason, Zali decided she wanted to do a parkrun. So she took on the course and enjoyed that with Nonna for Zali's fourth ever parkrun. Awesome. Awesome. A whole lot of fun. And it didn't stop there. The next morning, there was a local event kicking off for its first time ever called the Santa Run, which was at a golf course just nearby. And dress-ups were encouraged. I did attempt to be as ugly as possible.

00:06:22Simon Mackley: Nice.

00:06:22Oliver Spake: I was told it worked. And... And there were many Santas, presents, and other great outfits, including some matching festive Hawaiian shirts also. But a few adventurers joined us for that one for a 5K, and then again some for a 2.5K, where both my girls scored their first ever running medals.

00:06:45Simon Mackley: Amazing. Yeah. So, yeah, a whole lot of fun.

00:06:49Oliver Spake: And, yeah, I have children that have discovered fun runs. So, yeah, I'll take that as a big win. That's fantastic. What about yourself?

00:07:03Simon Mackley: Well, I stayed local as well. I went to Redland Bay, so on the lands of the Quandamooka people again. So this was my seventh time there. And in that, I actually completed my last personal challenge of the year, which was to increase my P index. Well done. To seven. Yep. So it now matches my V index, which I got to seven a couple of months ago. Yeah. So there were lots of uglies there. But I noticed in the stats, it was only Tony and I that were registered as adventurers. But yeah, there was probably about 10 different uglies. But I had a twin there. So there was... There was a lady there who had exactly the same visor as me from last year. And she had the budgies shirt on as well. So she came up to me and said, we're twins, but you didn't get the memo. I said, what memo? She said, the memo that said that we're supposed to wear Christmas tree shorts. So she had these lovely tights on that had, yeah, Christmas tree. So she was very festive and she had tinsel earrings on. and festive socks as well. So, yeah, she was ready for the uglies, that's for sure. I don't actually know what her name was, but I know that she's one of the regulars there because I've seen her there before. So, yeah, that was my parkrun day. I ran down there as well, and I should not have done that. I should have driven the car because I ended up getting a lift home because I didn't want to face the hill coming home.

00:08:33Oliver Spake: Oh, so it's uphill on the return? It is, yes, unfortunately. Good on you for running out there. And, yeah, good to hear about the representation with the uglies out there.

00:08:44Simon Mackley: I'm hoping they've posted it. I haven't seen the photo yet.

00:08:47Oliver Spake: Yeah, we'll have to keep our eyes peeled and – I suppose, look, there are some amongst our ranks that seem to excel at festive shorts and other festive attire. I haven't. And, yeah, I'm starting to feel like I'm missing out here. I'm not sure if your twin gave you that feeling too, but maybe there's an opportunity in that time.

00:09:10Simon Mackley: I think there's definitely an opportunity. I'm sure this time of year they're probably selling out as well.

00:09:17Oliver Spake: Yes, I think so. And the uglies do continue to pop up of other makes from different retail stores, from different running clubs as well. Yeah, someone was onto a good thing there, I think.

International Ugly Christmas Singlet Day

00:09:32Oliver Spake: And great to see all of the festivity and all of the ugliness from Ugly Christmas Singlet or Shirt Day asked. And I'm sure that we will hear a whole lot more about that in Dazza's.

00:09:45Simon Mackley: I'm sure we will. But thank you to the elves as well for getting all of the shirts out to us on time. Didn't they do a good job? They did an amazing job.

00:09:54Oliver Spake: Plenty of ugly delight.

parkrun news bulletin

00:09:56Oliver Spake: And in no way a segue, of course, now to our news and discussion. Popping up on the radar was a bit of a statistical point of interest, thanks to Tracy Leiper, who is, of course, Tutu Tracy in the StatsGeek group. Words. Tracy said, New Farm, the second parkrun in Queensland, Australia, launched September 19, 2011, followed by Kirra, February 18, 2012, and Coomera, July 28, 2012. Today, these parkruns held events 563, 562, and 561, respectively. And by the first Saturday parkrun of 2024, assuming no unexpected cancellations, the

00:10:35[14 seconds of audio that could not be transcribed]

00:10:49Oliver Spake: They will all hold event number 566.

00:10:54Simon Mackley: That is an unbelievable coincidence, especially when there's between the three of them, there's how many months? Yeah, there's about 10 months. Yeah, I didn't do the maths. Yeah. 10 months between them starting and, yeah, to line up is, yeah, phenomenal.

00:11:11Oliver Spake: All, of course, at the parkrun independence age or older already as well. So, yeah, yeah, lining up over that distance is impressive. And look, happy 566 when it rolls around early next year. But thank you, Tracy. We're going to have to keep an eye out for more Stats Geek group updates.

Memories and predictionsend-of-year time capsule

00:11:31Simon Mackley: So I've been having a bit of a reflect. I've been thinking back about what we've done this year and I've got a prediction as well. Would you like to hear?

00:11:41Oliver Spake: Yes, please. Yes, please. I mean, it has become a bit of a tradition at this time of year just to savour those memories. So, yeah, hit us up. Yes, please.

00:11:52Simon Mackley: So my memories of 2023... a little bit indulgent, shall we say, is that, yeah, TOC and I became regular co-hosts, which has been amazing. I don't know how TOC feels about it, but I've certainly enjoyed the time that I've been sharing with Mel and with yourself now. Yes. So, yeah, that's one of my memories. And the other one is those little cameos that we've had from Sarah from the West Side as well. So when it was a – I think Mel and her did two all-girls podcast. So yeah, those were some of my memories of, of 2023. I'm sure that there'll be others shared later in the show as well. But my, my prediction for next year for 2024. Okay. Yep. I think that Queensland will regain its supremacy in the parkrun state status when they have all of the alphabet letters except X. So currently we're missing a Q and a J, which as I keep on saying is very strange for a state that starts with Q that we don't have a Q. So I am predicting that we are going to have a Q and a J to round out the letters apart from the X. What do you think of that?

00:13:12Oliver Spake: I think you've just spruced a whole lot of interest there, Simon. And the word supremacy, yeah, this could be an interesting episode given who's coming up next later in the podcast.

00:13:26Simon Mackley: I know. No right of reply here.

00:13:28Oliver Spake: I've come out swinging. Yeah, that's absolutely right. But I think, look, some exciting predictions and I'm fighting the urge to ask, well, where, where could they be? But let's instead focus on those memories. And firstly, might I say thank you. It's been wonderful to have yourself and TOC and, of course, Sarah from the West Side co-hosting the podcast as part of our adventurer community. And it's... Yeah, it's always a favourite of mine when I do get to listen to the other co-hosts and enjoy other people's parkrun stories. But yeah, you've all been wonderful in bringing us not only your own experiences, but many, many others. And really, we should have just had you on before.

00:14:19Simon Mackley: I've been on before as the quiz master, of course. Well and truly, yes. Never peeking inside the curtain.

00:14:26Oliver Spake: Well, that's a good point. I mean, is there a quiz master related prediction? Just to put you on the spot there for next year.

00:14:33Simon Mackley: Okay, my prediction will be the quiz master will be at whichever parkrun we turn up at for Palm.

00:14:41Oliver Spake: There we are. You heard it here. Yes, and just... Yeah, disclaimer here, Simon and I do not have the GOSS on which park grant that is for Park 2024. We do not. Haven't got that memo. But look, it has been a big year. Some personal achievements as well for you, as you alluded with your P&V index achievements. So well done. Thank you. You've done very well and brought us a number of Queensland parkrun experiences along the way. But I'm hoping it doesn't stop there for you, Simon, in terms of Queensland parkruns. Where are you planning on being this coming parkrun day and beyond? Because of course, we may not hear from any of us for a couple of weeks.

00:15:26Simon Mackley: So this weekend, I'm catching up with some of the ambassadors down at Main Beach. So we're meeting up. I Can't remember how many of us there are, but we'll be down there. But the big thing is I'm going to be meeting Sarah from the West Side and Matt. They start their travels. They arrive into Queensland on Friday night, very late. So we are meeting up at Main Beach. So I'm very much looking forward to that. And I'm hoping to be able to catch them on some of their other parkruns they do while they're here. We've organised to catch up a couple of times, so I'm really, really looking forward to that between now and when we next record.

00:16:06Oliver Spake: We look forward to hearing all about that and safe travels, obviously, to yourself and to Sarah and Matt as well. Definitely. And we've got the special appearance in the background too.

00:16:16Simon Mackley: Yes, Jasper started barking for no reason at all.

00:16:20Oliver Spake: Yeah. No, that's lovely. And wishing you and your family and Jasper included, of course, a very Merry Christmas. Might I trouble you for just one more bonbon joke before we wrap up and head off to a special Christmas message?

00:16:38Simon Mackley: Let me see what else I have here. I won't be breaking another bonbon open, but I'm sure I can find one here. Why did the running shoes break up before Christmas?

00:16:52Oliver Spake: I don't know.

00:16:53Simon Mackley: Too many miles between them.

00:16:55[background music]

00:16:59Oliver Spake: Oh, very groany. Yes. Well, let's hope there are a few less groans.

Level 2 with a View

00:17:04Oliver Spake: I'm sure there will be a few less groans coming up when we hear from The Office Lady with a bit of a message. But Merry Christmas, Simon.

00:17:13Simon Mackley: And thank you very much once again for co-hosting with me. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family as well, Ollie. And I'll catch you in the new year.

00:17:31Sam Schroder: Hi listeners, it's the Office Lady here, hopping up out of the comfy chair on level two with a view to go on a bit of an adventure over in South Australia during the break. The bosses are taking a few weeks off and I thought, why not? I will too. So if you're a South Australian or also adventuring in South Australia, maybe we'll see you at a parkrun or two over the break. During 2023, I have so enjoyed engaging with you all on the social media accounts. Over on Instagram, we share the episodes each week. And on Facebook, as you all know, we have our Where Are You Headed posts on Fridays and our Dazza's posts on Saturdays. I've especially enjoyed finding out about all the different kinds of days that get celebrated throughout the year. If you know of a special day that you'd like us to celebrate in Dazza's during 2024, please feel free to shoot us an email and let us know what that special day is so we don't miss it. Wishing you all a very, very Merry Christmas and an absolutely fantastic Happy New Year. I hope you all get the chance to rest, recuperate from what has been another hectic year. Try not to enjoy the festivities too much. And of course, enjoy your parkrunning. We'll see you back at Dazza's on the 13th of January. And I know the bosses are planning to follow that up with the first episode for 2024 not long after. Take it easy.

00:19:07Melissa Ellis: And thank you very much to the Office Lady for your Christmas message and all your help throughout the year. I'm Mel and I'm coming to you from Wurundjeri Country.

00:19:19Tony O'Connell: And I'm TOC and I'm coming to you from Bunurong Country.

00:19:22Melissa Ellis: And surprise, we've taken over from Ollie and Simon to do this next section. So, seeing as we missed saying it in the start of the pod talk, where were you on Saturday?

00:19:39Tony O'Connell: Mel, I ventured a long way from home and went just down the road to Inverloch. And it was actually very sunny. Really? I know. That's not surprising. Everyone knows it's always sunny at Inverloch. But, yep, ventured down, joined with 126 other finishers. We were supported by nine volunteers, nine wonderful people out in their fluoro. And, yeah, I just went along and had a very cruisy, slow run and just really enjoyed myself again.

00:20:15Melissa Ellis: Well, that sounds pretty good. Most people would assume you live at Inverloch, but you actually don't, do you? You live down the road at Cape Patterson.

00:20:23Tony O'Connell: No, Mel. Fun fact, I'm about 13 and a half kilometres from the course. I live at a little coastal village called Cape Patterson, so it's a small hike to get there. Inverloch is my home run, but as an adventurer... I'm probably a bit ashamed to say I don't get there that often. I go there to run direct and occasionally have a run, but we seem to be on the road a fair bit. That's okay. That's what adventuring's all about. It is. What about you, Mel? Your Saturday, where did you get to?

00:20:56Melissa Ellis: Well, I just snuck off and did a little sneaky parkrun up at Puckapunyal, the closed military event there. It was my sixth visit to Pucka and I thought it would be a nice end to the year. It was actually their last event for the year. So they closed down for a month over the Christmas break due to the base, I guess, turning into a bit of a ghost town. And they will reopen again in mid-January. So there was 21 finishes, I believe. And I came first, female.

00:21:34Tony O'Connell: Oh, well done. I didn't even know. Top of the charts.

00:21:39Melissa Ellis: No, until I got home and looked at the results in there and went, oh, male, male, male. I mean, I was eighth, so there was no expectation.

00:21:49Tony O'Connell: No, you were first. Well, yes. First female, you were first.

00:21:54Melissa Ellis: Yes. Often I would sort of have an awareness at the turnaround of how many other females were in front of me, but I was paying no attention. I was in a world of my own, enjoying the nature, enjoying the trail, and I actually got a Pucka PB as well so and that was a surprise because I wasn't going for it or anything I've just obviously picked up a bit of fitness over the last couple of years so yeah it was great to see ed's Michael and Annika and there was visiting ea marcus and his wife Deb denny with their kids so they were out there having their first experience at Puckapunyal as well so it was quite a pleasant morning

00:22:34Tony O'Connell: And running a PB at that course, Mel, it's a reasonably up and down course. So that's a great effort.

00:22:40Melissa Ellis: Thank you. Yes, it's like two Ks of uphill, the first two Ks. So, yeah.

00:22:47Tony O'Connell: And you managed to do it on one of their milestone events too. I believe it might have been their 100th event. It was.

00:22:52Melissa Ellis: Yeah. So there was a few reasons to go up there. And sometimes I just feel like sneaking away and doing a quiet parkrun. Yep. So, yes, that was quite enjoyable. But anyway, enough about that. We've got some memories and predictions for you to give us. I believe Simon has earlier already given his. I don't know what Simon's are, so wouldn't it be funny if yours were the same?

00:23:16Tony O'Connell: Well, Mel, I'm going to... Start with my memories. And my memories, obviously, with the big trip that we had in the middle of the year, I've got three parkruns that really stuck out to me. Every one that we went to was amazing, going to some of the Italian ones with the Prosecco at the end and all that. But the three that really stuck out to me while we were over there, Cinque parkrun in Sweden, the whole vibe of the day, the ABBA warm-up. Like, I'm going to remember that warm-up for all of my life. That was just amazing to see 700 parkrunners dancing to an ABBA for a warm-up. Yeah, amazing experience, amazing day. And looking back, Or looking at Facebook at the moment, I'm seeing the course that we ran on a 30-degree day, went and got ice cream and then went for a swim in the lake. And they've got a foot of snow and they're running in ice and they're talking about salting the course so they can actually run. Amazing change of environment over there from when we were there to now. And where we had 700 and however many finishes, 727, they're back to their regular 16 each week.

00:24:32Melissa Ellis: Wow.

00:24:33Tony O'Connell: The other... Two big memories I've got from over there. Ekebergsletta, I really enjoyed that one in Oslo, just something a little bit different. Sitting back afterwards, talking to the team that were there. Great crew at that parkrun. It's just one of those ones that stuck out. And obviously my highlight would have been the pilgrimage, getting to Bushy. I've said in an earlier podcast, it was a little bit overwhelming for me just to be there. Just an all-round awesome experience. Wasn't as lucky as Maria who got to meet PSH when she was there, but the experience on the day, seeing deer as you go around, all those things that you've heard about, just an amazing experience. So that's probably my highlights. That trip where we crammed 10 parkruns in, we did two junior parkruns and Doing warm-ups at Junior parkrun in both Ireland and in the UK where we might have Australianised the warm-up a little bit. Put a bit of a story to it. Got the kids warming up to a theme rather than just going through the exercises. I created a bit of a story around them about, you know, you're running down the hot sand to the beach. You've got to, you know, quick tap your feet and run and... Wow. All those sort of things. And there's sharks, you've got to get your arms up in the air and wave them around and things. I had an absolute ball. They probably had no idea what I was talking about and what I was on about, but the parents were laughing. So, hell, it was good fun.

00:26:11Melissa Ellis: Have you done warm-up at Eynesbury? I have. Did you do that there? No. Well, then you need to come back.

00:26:18Tony O'Connell: I need to deliver on a promise. Oh. Last time I did warm-up at Eynesbury, I dressed up as The Flash.

00:26:26Melissa Ellis: You did. I know. I didn't remember any stomping down to the beach in the sand.

00:26:32Tony O'Connell: No, my story actually changed from week one to week two. We did Ireland one week, and I had half the story in my head, and I modified it because the look on some of the Irish kids' faces, they just had no idea what I was talking about.

00:26:44Melissa Ellis: Never mind. Well, that sounds very good. What about a prediction? Have you got a prediction for the future?

00:26:50Tony O'Connell: Look. Mine's a nice easy one. It's a nice safe prediction, parkrun in Australia. I'm going to say we're going to hit 500 events by Easter.

00:27:03Melissa Ellis: Easter.

00:27:04Tony O'Connell: By Easter. We're sitting on 491 events now that have launched in Australia. So we've only got nine to go. We launched 27 in 2023. So I reckon it's a pretty safe bet. Okay. So I'm going to say nine by Easter. And knowing a few of the ones that are coming up and a few of the ones around, I reckon I'm pretty safe on that bet.

00:27:29Unidentified speaker: Okay.

00:27:30Melissa Ellis: Well, I like the sound of that prediction.

00:27:33Tony O'Connell: So that's one that'll keep the adventurers guessing. And the other prediction I've got is that Palm is going to be absolutely awesome. And that's a bit of a teaser because we'll probably announce that in the new year.

00:27:45Melissa Ellis: Oh, I was just going to say, do you want to announce it now? But no, no. Let's have a cliffhanger.

00:27:51Tony O'Connell: Let's have a cliffhanger because I haven't got the notes about Palm with me.

00:27:56Melissa Ellis: That's okay. That's okay. Well, all righty, we better keep moving on.

Dazza's

00:28:02Melissa Ellis: Now, we have got Dazza's. So this week, Dazza said, you are ugly, so ugly. Did you get your ugly on? Dazza and the elves have whipped up some ugly snacks and crappuccinos. Come on in, show your ugly selves and hashtag in our budgies.

00:28:22Tony O'Connell: Some of the many comments, Mel, and I love the way that hashtag's going to stick around in our budgies. Don't get much more rocker than in our budgies. Mel, the first comment we've got, Alison King all the way from over the ditch in New Zealand. An ugly frond at Northern Pathway parkrun in Auckland. Lots of comments about the ugliness. Walked with friends and got a new course PB. Now preparing to fly to the UK for Christmas. And the pic that Alison put in was a photo of five adventurers zooming in five different ugly shirts. And the pic was used for the Consolidated Club Report this week. We'll hear most of these five later.

00:29:04Melissa Ellis: Mm-hmm. Now we also heard from Sonja Pohlman up there in New South Wales and she said a cheeky swim mid-parkrun for this tinsel. And there was a photo of Sonja and Peter on the beach with two budgies in their natural environment. Georgina Devine and not really sure who the other person was. It wasn't listed in the post. It was either Cathy Mudge or Janelle Wells, I think, from what I could make out. Now, Michael Sharp also commented... from The Beaches wearing fluffy and budgies with a little laughy face emoji and there was a photo of Michael running on the beach at The Beaches in his fluffy edition shirt in his speedos so well played Michael

00:29:48Tony O'Connell: Mel, just as an aside before we go on with the next one, we wore our uglies on Saturday and I'm amazed at how many people came up and said, oh, where do we buy those? They're the best shirts ever. This year, people have just been flocking to the ugliness. They've really won ugly.

00:30:05Melissa Ellis: Absolutely. And I do think the budgies really shone.

00:30:10Tony O'Connell: They're a hit.

00:30:11Melissa Ellis: And, yeah, I wonder if we could convince the elves to do an extra release.

00:30:18Tony O'Connell: I reckon if I opened it up and advertised it on Inverloch parkrun, I reckon there'd be a dozen of them go, yeah. Anyway, moving right along. Next we heard from Andrew Johnston. Andrew said, Dazza, if I unexpectedly encounter other parkrunners wearing Ugly Christmas Shirts, would that be considered bumping uglies? And the Office Lady replied, Andrew Johnston, Dazza says you're a very naughty boy. And yes, that's what it's called. And Mel, there was no picture with that comment.

00:30:54Melissa Ellis: We're getting a lot of play out of these budgies, aren't we? I hope the elves cross with us. Now, we also heard from Andy Airey over in WA. He said, me and my wife, Deb, were the only uglies on display. In fact, no one we spoke to at Quinns Rocks WA had heard of them. We had them delivered to the UK just so we could bring them back to their home. And we had a selfie of Andy and Deb on the coast, Andy in a reimagined koala tea and Deb in her budgies.

00:31:23Tony O'Connell: Right. Next, we're back into the greater state with Adrian Holmberg. Headed to Rosebud parkrun today before a training run for two bays next month. I think we need a new challenge category. I last did Rosebud on the 23rd of November 2019 in a time of 28.11, my overall PB at the time. Today, you guessed it, just over four years later, 28.11. It made me smile. Oh, you may have noticed the ugly buff on the wrist. And there was a photo of Adrian crossing the finish line and indeed showing an ugly buff on his wrist.

00:32:00Melissa Ellis: That's pretty amazing. Doubling up that time.

00:32:04Tony O'Connell: To think you could get that time four years later to the second without thinking about it, I don't think I've ever got the same time anyway.

00:32:14Unidentified speaker: Hmm.

00:32:16Melissa Ellis: Now we also heard from Tracy Lipa coming to us from Queensland. This is Tutu Tracy. Lots of ugliness at main beach today. Funny story. Someone thought they were doing me a favour by turning my green budgie earring the right way up. But then I turned it upside down again and mentioned it was upside down intentionally to match my cichlid. And Tracy shared a photo of her, you know, budgies with the main beach selfie frame. And I have to say thank you to Tracy. She did share somewhere on social media a couple of months ago that she was buying those budgie earrings and I bought some too. So I also have a mismatched pair of budgie earrings with one that I turned upside down.

00:32:57Tony O'Connell: Cool. Right, next we go over a much bigger ditch, in fact, all the way to the UK for Calum Burrell. For the first time ever, Team Borelli got involved with Ugly Christmas Singlet or T-Shirt Day at our home of Burnage parkrun. I was supporting the brilliant Budgies on martial duties while Lindsay was in her green visor being a Timekeeper. First time I received compliments for my Budgies. Oh, there's our budgies again. And a pic was of Calum and Lindsay there with Calum's budgies matching nicely with his pink UK volley vest.

00:33:36Melissa Ellis: Now we heard from Geoff Glaab over in the US of A. He said fastest time this year at Joe Creason parkrun this morning. Lots of compliments on the ugly shirt. Can't wait to bring it out for Christmas in July next year. Merry Christmas and enjoy your break. And Jeff was pictured in his reimagined OG Ugly Christmas Singlet and his daughter Charlotte, who was volunteering in a blue RD vest.

00:34:00Tony O'Connell: Right. We've come back to mainland Australia and, um, One from one of my favourite people, Janet Reid, the lovely Janet from South Australia. And guess where Janet was? Well, Dazza, yesterday was incredible. We took our budgies to the mothership Lochiel, where there are only two of us in this year's edition. There were quite a few older uglies. And just a comment there, Mel. I don't know if anybody can call them older uglies. So many compliments. I'm wanting to know where we got them. I've done a lot of volunteering, but yesterday I put up my hand to be photographer, a role I've only done at Junior parkrun. And do you know what, Dazza? It's so easy. Me and my phone and 300-plus happy parkrunners out and about. I did two live crossings of our beautiful young girls playing carols, a reel at the start, took and uploaded photos. Honestly, I had the best time doing what is really a very, very easy role. Give it a try if you've never done it before, adventurers. I know you're too busy in the kitchen, Dazza, to try it. Chat again next week. And we got a laughing emoji there. And the pick was Janet and the G-Man in their budgies by the water tank mural. It's never going to get old.

00:35:19Melissa Ellis: Now, lastly, we've got Tamsin Smith, also coming to us from the UK. And she said, a tinsel of three uglies at Southampton this morning. And sure enough, there was a photo of three gingerbread uglies, which was Tamsin, Stuart and Moglin. So that was great to see you there, guys. Thanks for sharing.

00:35:39Tony O'Connell: Now, that was a huge amount of ugliness and a huge amount of budgies going on in that little catch-up there. The elves have come up with a ripping theme this year. I've had more fun with this one than a barrel of monkeys.

00:35:55Melissa Ellis: Oh, I know. I loved your joke. Was it last week? No, the week before when you said there was more budgies than a surf life. Okay. That was really good. I'm going to miss the budgies. Hopefully there's lots of budgies at Palm.

the Obi Award — Andrew Johnston

00:36:12Melissa Ellis: Now, sir, the Obi, and it may or may not be in the envelope, so you might open an empty envelope and make it up on the spot.

00:36:23Tony O'Connell: Oh, we better have a drum roll. And, well, the Obi this week is going to go to Andrew Johnston and the Bumping Uglies.

00:36:30[background music]

00:36:44Alice: Oh, I love it.

00:36:45Unidentified speaker: I love it.

00:36:46Melissa Ellis: Congratulations, Andrew. Oh, dear. Okay, that's enough budgies for now. Now, as this is wrapping up this part of the pod talk to you, would you like to tell us about your Saturday and beyond plans for parkrun?

00:37:10Tony O'Connell: Mel, not 100% sure on this Saturday. I think it'll probably be Inverloch. Christmas Day, Santa's run directing at Inverloch and Santa's put a call out for present giver-outers and a few other things. So I may be there or Santa might be there. I'm not sure who's going to be there at Inverloch. And then Jack and I are going to go for a bit of a road trip up and visit northern Queensland. And we're looking at visiting Inverell, parkrun, Queen Elizabeth and Yamba. So a bit of a road trip up around the northern part of New South Wales.

00:37:45Melissa Ellis: That's going to help some alphabet stats, no doubt.

00:37:50Tony O'Connell: It's going to tick off the old McDonald challenge for a start because trying to get two I's in Australia is a long drive.

00:37:57Melissa Ellis: Yeah, I know. I need another – I still need another I for my name or I'll just change my name. That's also an option.

00:38:07Tony O'Connell: Oh, dear. But to Melissa Budgie –

00:38:14Melissa Ellis: It's better than some of the other options. But thank you very much for joining us. Our final episode for the year and our Christmas episode. It's been wonderful having you step in and record some episodes this year and I hope you will continue next year.

00:38:32Tony O'Connell: Mel, I've got to say it's been a privilege and a pleasure and I love running into people that have heard the podcast and know the podcast. So, yep, definitely back next year. Put me down.

00:38:42Melissa Ellis: Hooray, you're on the roster.

Club Corner

00:38:45Melissa Ellis: All right, now it's time for us to throw to Rachel with her 12 days of Christmas.

00:38:55[background music]

00:39:05Rachel: This is Rachel with Club Corner coming to you from Arrernte Country, and this time we are not talking about the what and why of parkrun clubs. Today I'm talking about the 12 days of parkrun at Christmas. Insert singing voice cough cough me me me me me la la la la. Just pretend that we are on the final stanza, rather than repeating each of the first 11 lines so many, many times. For the 12 days of parkrun, my barcode gave to me a First Timers Welcome, 2K for Junior parkrun, and three special helpers, the Office Lady, the informants and the quizmaster. There are 4 possible parkruns during this Christmas, and 5k at parkrun, obviously. Is it 6 parkrun days until we are back? Actually, I didn't check and I needed a 6, so this stays in. We get 7 sleeps between each parkrun, except for this time of year. We ate things together after parkrun. Did you see what I did there? 8, 8, they sound the same, even though my script has them spelled differently. Nine new challenges are waiting. Choose your own adventure. We have 10 members of the Channel 5 News crew. Thank you to TOC, Johan, Tracy, Lyndell, PK, Cam, Greta, Allison, Sarah, and Mark. There will be more grand adventures coming soon we hope. You need to be 11 years of age to gain your parkrun independence and are there 12 parkrun weeks until Palm? Just kidding, there are more weeks than that. But I didn't want to make more than 12 days of Christmas. And remember, be chill with parkrun. It's fun in the park. It's not a race. And if you would like me to talk about something, drop Mel and Ollie a line on parkrunadventurers.gmail.com. In the meantime, go back and listen to your favourite episodes and then stay tuned for our future Club Corners after the break.

00:40:45Melissa Ellis: And it was great to hear from Rachel one last time for Christmas with her 12 Days of Christmas. She did that very well. Quite impressed. Ollie, hello.

00:40:55Oliver Spake: Hello again. You let me back in.

00:40:57Melissa Ellis: I did, a bit of a crazy episode there's been a revolving door on level two with a view it certainly has it's been a lot of fun I got my jingle bells oh good I couldn't find those earlier on we just had to settle with the bonbons but yeah we had fun feeling very festive yes whoever knew that budgies were a symbol of Christmas forever will be a symbol of Christmas

00:41:21Oliver Spake: Oh, yes, synonymous. That's right. Synonymous. And, again, yeah, not intended to be a segue there, but, yeah, thank you, Toc, and hi and bye, Toc, from Ollie. But this is the outro of our wrap-up episode for 2023, and that means just one thing, Mel.

Consolidated Club Report

00:41:46Oliver Spake: I would love to hear how things went in the Consolidated Club Report.

00:41:53Melissa Ellis: Well, Oliver, thank you for asking. The adventurers Consolidated Club report for Saturday, the 16th of December, 2023, of a total of 524 members, 412 took part on this date in nine countries across 186 locations. In the UK, there were adventurers at 32 events. There were four in South Africa, one in Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Singapore, and America. Now, locally, we had adventurers at 40 events in the Greater State, 36 events in New South Wales, 33 events in Queensland, 11 in WA, the West Side, 7 in SA, 6 in the ACT. The North Island had 5, Tassie had 4, and there was 3 on the South Island. But that's not a bowling strike.

00:42:44Oliver Spake: Not quite, not quite.

the Frond

00:42:46Oliver Spake: And from the frond perspective, we had a largest frond internationally just across the Dutch on the New Zealand side of things at Northern Pathway parkrun, including Andrew Capel, Scott Harrell, Helen Watson, Claire Taylor and Alison King. So... Nice turnout there. But locally, Mel, locally we had some huge fronds. We did.

00:43:10Melissa Ellis: So I think Main Beach was quite surprised to be pipped at the post for the largest frond this week. They came in with a very impressive 16.

00:43:21Oliver Spake: That's right.

00:43:22Melissa Ellis: For a bit of a gathering at Main Beach, you may say.

00:43:28Oliver Spake: Yes. But the ponds came in third. Yes. The Ponds came in third with 11 they did they did yes The Ponds always get good numbers they do one of our regulars but no come on rip off the band-aid who came first yeah ah the aforementioned Shellharbour parkrun had a frond of 17 adventurers completing the course so um thanks everyone there's too many of you to mention I'm sorry but But there are, but yeah, some great visitors, including voluntourists in there as well. What a bunch.

00:44:06Melissa Ellis: And we do jest a lot about Shellharbour, but it is absolutely a stunning course. So adventurers, if you are in the vicinity, I do encourage you to go and visit at Shellharbour over your Christmas break and take in some of the goodness and boost the frond numbers.

00:44:25Oliver Spake: Absolutely, Mel.

00:44:26Melissa Ellis: PBs, adventurer PBs. There was one this week, one that you might know of. It was Zali Spake. Athlete ID 3487780 ran a PB at Shellharbour.

00:44:39[crosstalk]

00:44:40Oliver Spake: Speak to PB. Yeah, go for it.

00:44:43Melissa Ellis: Of one hour, three minutes and 45 seconds.

00:44:45Oliver Spake: Yeah.

00:44:46Melissa Ellis: Which, considering the elevation for those little legs, is no mean feat.

00:44:51Oliver Spake: Yeah, there was absolutely no suggestion that she was going to do the parkrun. I think until the morning of I had somewhat expected her to just come up and sit around. So, yeah, way to go, Nona, for taking on parkrun with Zali there. And well done, Zali. But well done to some of our adventurer milestone achievers as well, including Steve Oreck, who is, of course, Athlete ID 238-2406, running his 250th milestone at none other than, of course, Bells Parade. So congratulations, Steve.

00:45:30Melissa Ellis: Yes, congratulations. And I do believe he had a couple of youngsters pacing him as well, so putting in a bit of effort there to get a good time out there at Bells Parade.

00:45:40Oliver Spake: Yes, and there was another milestone, which shortly followed a birthday, I believe, and I did my best to embarrass said adventurer. It was, of course, Kayleigh Hamilton, who is a 5178431 and ran her 25th milestone at Shellharbour.

00:45:56Melissa Ellis: Hooray. Well done, Kayleigh.

00:45:59Oliver Spake: Yes, so congratulations to you both and, of course, everyone. Please remember, if you'd like us to track these achievements, you can add the Adventurers Club as one of your follow-up affiliations on your parkrun profile. And thank you to the people that have reached out, even in the last couple of weeks, Mel, asking how to do so. It's great to have all of these wonderful adventurers joining the crew, joining the fronds. And although we might not be announcing them over the coming weeks, we do like to look on with interest and give you a little cheer. And I don't know if anyone else is taking a break, i.e. the informant, but for the time being, it's worth checking out www.theinformant.me for all the stats around the parkrun traps.

Launches and anniversaries"Where is the cake?"

00:46:46Melissa Ellis: Yes, so I guess this leaves me to announce the launch. It does. Lucky me. We had a launch in Japan, and I enlisted some help in the pronunciation. So this over to Andrew Johnston to pronounce... And thank you, Andrew. I do believe that also stands for Kitanagase Community Park, parkrun, if you put that into anglicised terms. But anyway, there was 25 participants of which 21 ran their very first parkrun. That's amazing. That's really good. The course will take you around the multi-purpose plaza, Okayama Dome, and oh, I never thought about this part of it, Mirajari, Mirashi, a hill. Thank you for three laps and the Lawn Plaza jogging course for about one lap and the start and finish will be on the jogging course. So I did a little count, Ollie, and it does appear that this takes the events in Japan to 39.

00:48:00Oliver Spake: To the family.

00:48:01Melissa Ellis: Yeah, just as I believe parkrun Australasia, Asia Pacific, was hoping to grow that region and it does appear that that is the case.

00:48:13Oliver Spake: Yeah, well done to the team, yeah, not just at our new event, but you can see I'm trying to avoid saying the name because I haven't practised. But, yeah, well done to everyone who has been a big part of growing parkrun in a region like Japan. I know that there are plenty of adventurers and parkrunners alike that like to make the trip and to take the special opportunity to parkrun over there and, of course, for those local too. Yeah. But, Mel, I think we've had a few memories shared for time capsule episode so far and a couple of predictions. Is it our turn now?

00:48:55Melissa Ellis: I think so, yes. Are you going to go first or is it me?

00:48:58Oliver Spake: I'm going to let you go first. I'm going to let you go first.

00:49:00Melissa Ellis: Alrighty. Well, I would like to start by swaying, by saying there are a swather of memories, but the trip to WA for palm23 was my highlight. Just being, I think that it was my very first trip to WA and I did spend longer than a weekend, so there was so many things new experiences, but I just felt that the whole Palm experience was just really joyous and I really loved it. So that is absolutely my highlight. But also the release of the adventurers Tops series And the way that they've been embraced and how they've become recognisable out on courses. And I love that people wear them. And as soon as Christmas is over, everybody, the budgies go in the cupboard for next year and the adventurers tops come back out. But, yes, no, I absolutely love that. They've just been a success. So, yeah, that's my big highlight. And for a prediction, I'm going to go with a new country, a new parkrun country, Ollie. I've just pulled this out of nowhere. I've pulled up the world map and I had a little look and I think parkrun India.

00:50:17Oliver Spake: Yeah, parkrun India. Yes. Yes.

00:50:21Melissa Ellis: I absolutely do not see why there is no parkrun India.

00:50:23Oliver Spake: I could visualise it. I mean, I haven't been to India. My sister's off there in a couple of weeks, actually.

00:50:30Melissa Ellis: Maybe it's a little bit hot. But no, that's no excuse. It's plenty hot in other places.

00:50:35Oliver Spake: East Coast Park.

00:50:36Melissa Ellis: Yes.

00:50:37Oliver Spake: Yeah, that makes it for a nice challenging parkrun. So yeah, bring it on, Mel. Yeah, I say.

00:50:43Melissa Ellis: Anyway, Ollie, tell me about yours. I'm dying to know.

00:50:46Oliver Spake: Well, for me, look, I have to agree. Palm 2023 for sure. I didn't spend as long over in WA, but the time I did spend and the time and the company and just the fun with everyone throughout the journey was like nothing else. I mean, each palm is special, but I really hadn't, I anticipated how much fun I would have. Have I said it was fun? But, like, and to put it in context, I was having a lousy time at work. I was, you know, feeling pretty flat, so it was a real pick-me-up to enjoy that, the turnout at UWA as well, the Koi Pond. Sorry, you missed it. LAUGHTER But it was a lot of fun.

00:51:35Melissa Ellis: Our international palm visitors too.

00:51:37Oliver Spake: Yes, yes, yeah. How lovely was that? You know, just stretching out our adventurer arms to hug in South Africa and New Zealand and... Yeah. Yeah. Hopefully it doesn't stop there. Jeff, we'll have to hug you in one day too. And many of our other listeners, of course, across the UK and beyond. But I think that the fronding and the events have been a lot of fun as the City to Surf weekend was as well, particularly for me, because that was tied up with the Women's World Cup. So that was a lot of excitement. But yeah, for something a bit of difference, I I think from a pod and parkrun perspective, I'd love continuing to see and hear our Auslan community throughout parkrun. And I know we've had some fantastic Channel 5 News crew, reporters and other adventurous community bringing us not just the Auslan community but beyond. But I was listening back to a great roving report that I really enjoyed this year from Bill O'Connor, with Ian and Lydia and the visit to Werrington Lakes where Catherine Pirotta, one of our own, was run directing in Auslan as well. So, yeah, that's been a highlight, just a reminder that parkrun's for everyone and it's just so simple and easy to enjoy.

00:53:06Alice: But...

00:53:08Oliver Spake: That's enough memories. Predictions. I couldn't pick, Mel, and I haven't gone the new event. I may have alluded last week in the episode that the merch was kind of distracting me, so I have to say in the next year, parkrun dog wear, surely.

00:53:25Melissa Ellis: It would seem the likely choice.

00:53:30Oliver Spake: Yes. But that seems a little boring. So I think on the volunteering side of things, I'm expecting, and I emphasise the word expecting, that someone will be developing the chat GPT run report technology.

00:53:47Melissa Ellis: Oh.

00:53:49Oliver Spake: So I'm expecting AI-generated, brilliant run reports that make our parkrun reporting even more fun and especially good when we do take a little while to write the run report.

00:54:01Melissa Ellis: What about chat GBT show notes?

00:54:07Oliver Spake: that would be handy too that would be handy but um yeah look it's it's there are a lot of things uh I think in the past episodes that have been thrown out there as predictions and I'd echo them again but uh in our off weeks we'll leave it for the listeners to go back and recap what they were international space station parkrun That's right. And we're getting slightly closer to Uluru or Alice Springs. Yes. Alice Springs in that case.

00:54:39Melissa Ellis: Yes, yes. But I do want to reflect too, Ollie, that we've sort of made the City to Surf weekend plus the Bathurst weekend sort of key weekends in the adventurer calendar. So I think I really have enjoyed those smaller coming together weekends as well. I think, though, I need to look at one in the greater state. I need to make, there's just, I mean, there's so much pressure for Palm to be here, so maybe we need a smaller one.

00:55:08Oliver Spake: You heard it here first, everyone. Yeah.

00:55:10Melissa Ellis: It's not.

00:55:11Oliver Spake: Palm 2025. No, no, no.

00:55:16Melissa Ellis: A smaller weekend get together. I'll have a party. I need some people to come for my barbecue.

00:55:21[crosstalk]

00:55:23Oliver Spake: Excellent. Ellis Palace parkrun. Ellis Palace, not parkrun. Yes.

00:55:27Melissa Ellis: It's Toolern Creek. It's the place to be.

00:55:30Oliver Spake: It is. It is long awaited. But I think that's a great idea. And I think the good thing about that question is you could ask so many people and you'll get so many different parkrun or fronder adventure or achievement related answers. And it's been wonderful to share that with everyone. But as our Office Lady alluded or mentioned a little earlier on, and I think as we've pointed out, I've forgotten what I've actually pointed out.

00:55:58Melissa Ellis: It's been a bit confusing.

Sign-off

00:56:00Oliver Spake: Light and tight, I am not, yes. I don't know who I am. This week's episode, though, will be the last for the year and we will be having a short summer break.

00:56:11Melissa Ellis: We are.

00:56:12Oliver Spake: We are, yeah. So what are you going to do, Mel? Where are you this parkrun day and what other plans do you want to share? What will I do?

00:56:21Melissa Ellis: I do not know. I'm going to be a little bit lost without... Preparing show notes and editing, it's going to be a bit odd. But I guess I shall kick back and enjoy. I'll do more walking. That's what I'll do. I'll maybe some more running and work on my fitness. And this Saturday, Ollie, I am going to head to Jindabyne. I've threatened to do it a few times over the last few weeks since it's relaunched. And this weekend it's going to happen. I have booked my accommodation. I'm taking a road trip and I'm heading north. Well, northeast-ish.

00:56:56Sam Schroder: Yep.

00:56:56Melissa Ellis: So that's me for this Saturday. Of course, Christmas Day, I shall be at my very own home parkrun that I haven't been to since last Christmas Day, which is Toolern Creek.

00:57:06Oliver Spake: Lovely.

00:57:06Melissa Ellis: With the man himself, Brendan Peel, and the lovely Jodie Maisie. So I'm looking forward to my little annual catch-up with them. They have also been there the last two Christmases and joined me at Toolern Creek. Then I am off to South Australia. Look out, South Australia, I'm coming to visit. Just like the Office Lady, I'll be checking out a few parkruns. Should I say which ones? I don't know. I guess I will. I'm hoping to head to Copper Trail on the following Saturday, which will be, I think it's the 30th. Is that right?

00:57:40Oliver Spake: That's right. Yes, that's the one. Yep.

00:57:42Melissa Ellis: Port Broughton on New Year's Day and Memorial Park on the 6th before I head home. Excellent. Yes, that'll do me. And a nice little camping holiday actually in the Clare Valley, which will be nice. And I'm very much looking forward to it. Going to be joined by Belinda Taylor. So shout out to Belinda. She's going to fly in from Queensland and join me as our adventurers, Martine and Andrew, coming across with their little caravan. So we'll have a nice old frond.

00:57:48[crosstalk]

00:58:12Oliver Spake: That does sound like a nice way to spend it. And I wish you all safe travels and some fun, festive parkrunning times.

00:58:20Melissa Ellis: Thank you, sir. What about you? Are you going to get all, well, are you going to venture far?

00:58:27Oliver Spake: I'm never going to get my J, am I? Let's face it. Yeah, prediction for next year. Ollie gets a new letter, more than one new letter.

00:58:36[crosstalk]

00:58:36Melissa Ellis: Well, you finally got the cow.

00:58:38Oliver Spake: I did. Or the half Cowell. I did. And I got a V this year as well. So V for Vicarious parkrun Adventuring. Shellharbour for me this Saturday and I will either be participating, maybe Zali will be pacing me to a new PB or I'll be helping out in the volunteer ranks. But, yeah, people won't have to think pretty hard about where to find me the following week, the 30th and the 1st respectively. I'm run directoring. I don't think there was any respectively needed in that. It's collectively. And no plan yet for the sixth. So maybe, just maybe, there will be an adventure. I've got to work that out. There are some little birdies getting in my ear about that.

00:59:22Melissa Ellis: Excellent. That sounds exciting. But you know what we haven't done, Ollie?

00:59:26Oliver Spake: Yeah.

00:59:26Melissa Ellis: We haven't pulled a bonbon. I do know, actually.

00:59:28Oliver Spake: Yes, and we must.

00:59:29Melissa Ellis: Yeah. Do you have one?

00:59:33Oliver Spake: Yes. Yes, I do. Figuratively. Figuratively. Figuratively. Are you ready, Mel?

00:59:41Melissa Ellis: I am.

00:59:41Oliver Spake: Okay. Ready? Yep. And. Oh, you won. I did. I did. I appreciate you going easy on me. It's nice to get the opportunity now and then. Oh, I think I've seen this joke around before, but it is a good one. Just put the hat on, of course. Why did the runner go to the Christmas party with a stopwatch, Mel?

01:00:10Melissa Ellis: I don't know. Why did he go to the Christmas party with a stopwatch, Ollie?

01:00:14Oliver Spake: To make sure he had a good time.

01:00:15[background music]

01:00:19Melissa Ellis: That's not bad. That's not bad. I think a second joke fell out of that. I must be a faulty bonbon.

01:00:25Oliver Spake: I call that extra special. That's not faulty.

01:00:29Melissa Ellis: What do gingerbread men use when they break their legs?

01:00:33Oliver Spake: I don't know.

01:00:34Melissa Ellis: Candy can. in honour of the gingerbread ugly.

01:00:41Oliver Spake: Yes, the vintage.

01:00:43Melissa Ellis: I have seen a few people featuring in.

01:00:47Oliver Spake: Yes, I did try and include that in the costume yesterday.

01:00:51Melissa Ellis: I guess that means it's me. The signing off. Okay. The signing off, yeah. For Christmas. I'll get the sound effects.

01:00:59Oliver Spake: Unless we've forgotten anything, the Ferrari's back in the garage. And as always, everyone, you can contact us via parkrun adventurers on Facebook or our email, which is parkrunadventurers at gmail.com. We may or may not have an out of office for the next couple of weeks.

01:01:17Melissa Ellis: Oh, yes, I must put that on.

01:01:20Oliver Spake: But we're still very interested to hear from you. So drop us a note, let us know what you're up to and we will get up to it. We promise we will get up to it unless we forget. No, but we hope that everyone has a safe and merry Christmas. Thank you so much, everyone, for being a part of the pod for this year. Thank you, Mel. Thank you, Office Lady, and thank you, everyone from behind the scenes as well. Thank you to the Channel 5 News crew. Thank you to all of our guests.

01:01:53Melissa Ellis: The birthday boy.

01:01:54Oliver Spake: Yes. And Rachel. Rachel as well, the birthday boy. So much help. And they've all been a part of 2023, and we hope to see all of them and many, many more next year, including you, for more adventures.

01:02:09Melissa Ellis: And thank you, Ollie.

01:02:11Oliver Spake: Thank you Mel.