I've had a few days rest as my left leg was complaining a bit, to be honest I think it was still sulking from that 12.5k I did a couple of weeks ago, but given that I am off this week, I decided that a new challenge was in order.
I have long wanted to do the Lyme Park parkrun, but never had the courage because a) it's a parkrun, and b) it's practically the hilliest in the country. But given that c) it is the closest parkrun to where I live, I decided to check out the course this morning, putting no pressure on myself for speed or time. I just wanted to see what it was like.
As you can see from the pic I shall shortly attach, overcast, hilly, dramatic scenery, but so much fun! Oh, and I didn't actually die, though at one point it was a close thing
Bear in mind I'm used to towpath running. Canal towpaths are flat because water always finds its own level, so this was a bit of a shock to the system. I still don't quite understand the physics of this, but it felt like it was actually all uphill, even though I ran a circular route. I was slow, I was very slow, like nearly 10 minutes slower than my usual 5k time, but to be fair I was learning the route, stopping to take pictures, and I got lost, so I reckon I could shave a few minutes off that without even trying.
The route is really lovely, but all trail-style running, so I think I need to invest in those trail shoes I've been coveting. My lovely Clouds coped well though, and my feet felt comfortable, though I would have appreciated the extra support that a dedicated trail shoe would provide. But, oh, the hills!!!!
On the way up a particularly steep part towards Lyme Cage, see top right picture, it came to me that the muscles which were screaming at me are the ones that I use occasionally during running, and clearly would benefit from the extra exercice, and that if I wanted to strengthen those, what a fun way to do it. Consequently, I think I shall revisit Lyme again, and try to get good at this. If I can do this, surely I can do a nice flat parkrun like Marple, isn't that right RunaroundSue?
I'm starting to waffle now, but I am really really happy that I conquered my fear of the Lyme Park hills, and am really looking forward to improving my time. So next run - Lyme Park or a long flat run? Decisions, decisions
That looks like a beautiful run, man! And between hills and flats? BRING THE HILLS BABY! Can't beat a good hill! Preferably long, with a decent gradient. Not too steep to kill you off, but enough to make you be thankful it's over at the end.
Well done Neil, the hills really are alive with the sound of running, fab running at that!! Hills are not something I like to run but, like yours, the bits of my calves that aren’t used to being used should maybe have an outing now & again?! Nice scenery, looks like a lovely place to run...enjoy your work free week 👍🏼
These are good photos you have taken of that hilly new 5K running 🏃 route you completed this morning, so glad😊 to hear that you enjoyed your run🏃. I had a slight hip injury about 6 weeks ago and haven't been able to run until last Wednesday when I resumed C25K with W1R1, on Saturday and today Monday I ran weeks 2 and 3 respectively. Once I get to W5 I'll go straight to the third 20 minute run and guess what, I have decided to run that along a towpath at the side of the Forth and Clyde Canal about 8 miles from where I live, I agree that canal towpaths are good for running as they are not hilly. Once I run a full 5K (which I have not run even after graduating) I may start hill training.
Completely better Neil, thanks for asking, this morning I reran W4R1 and there were no problems whatsoever, tomorrow morning I will be spectating and cheering on the runners at my local yearly 10K fun run
Well done Neil, isn’t that the parkrun that Jay66UK did as his first park run many months ago? This puts my little ascents from the promenade back into perspective. I’m definitely not a mountain goat and have great respect for you runners that tackle hills.
Yes it is! And 5 days on, my legs have still not recovered, never mind, I might be able to run again soon I pushed it too hard when I think I had a slight issue with my left leg anyway, which just made it worse. I shall return though, and probably do something equally daft lol
Ooh, that's a challenge and a half Neil and you did it. I'm cheering you here in the Welsh valleys "hip hip hooray for Neil, yay, yay" 👍👍🎊🎊
For your next one I think I'd do a long flat run, maybe your time can be increased on that. I bet you'll do it, I have lots of faith in you and so does everyone else here too 😊
Thank you well I did manage a 6k on Wednesday but I was really slow as my legs were (and are still) basically dead. Back to something short and slow tomorrow if I can manage it!!
What a lovely jaunt! This is what running is all about I think - exploring new places, trying new things, challenging ourselves! Looks like a lot of fun. Well done on getting out there and exploring, I am very proud of you. 😊
Hills aagh! You are very brave, but there comes a time for every runner (who is used to the flat) to have a go! Short steps, slowly - that’s the key! Hope your calf muscles are doing okay after that! Do some calf raises whilst brushing teeth twice a day - that has strengthened up my pins no end. 😁
Go buy the On trail shoes. You deserve them. Oh, and I suggest a slow, long run for you next. Less hard on quads and calf muscles. 😬
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4km recovery run and 'chewing up' a hill...twice
Hill free hill workout
How can I run up hills if there are no hills?
When is a hill a hill? 
First 5+ K run (with hills), new route, new shoes
