Hello my favourite running buddies!
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 
Have fun, run safe,
Neil 
Too many hills...😩
Last run of the year, so better make it a good'un!
Magic 6K in week 2 of JuJu's plan
How can I run up hills if there are no hills?
