Conkering Parkrun!

[Slinkymalinki]

I came, I saw, I conkered/conquered! A damp, cool start at the Royal Agriculture College, Cirencester this morning but welcome after the heat of summer.

I find parkruns a bit stressful with so many people & competitive feel (even though I know I'm not racing everyone else!) but knew that 9am Sat was probably going to be the best slot of the weekend for a run so forced myself out of bed.

So glad I did. I find autumn quite uplifting despite the decay that sets in and this route was abundant in autumn treats. It took me through a field of golden stubble, a wooded section of evergreen and a tree bordered trail carpeted with conkers galore.

Conkers are like shiny little precious gems to me and I can still hoard them like a 5 yr old! I realised that I was looking down far too much on that section, ogling the squished prickly cases and smooth nuggets and had to force myself to keep an eye on where I was going.

Good that I had half an eye on my Garmin as to my surprise I was going quicker than I thought. I sprinted the last 30m or so and got another PB of 32.46.

So pleased! I think the new Hokas are helping - much more stability, cushioning & less shin/ankle stress for me. Being able to run for much longer mixed with short, quick mid week quickies also helps! Fear of Parkrun conquered!

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Well done slinkymalinki, that is a great result, and a PB! 🏃‍♀️👏👏👏

I love the idea of running in a real park in the autumn 🍂🍁🍄. Maybe a bit of parkrun tourism is required. I’m looking forward to the sweet chestnuts 🌰 next.

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Mmm, yummy chestnuts. Love having a warm bag of those to munch in my pocket when we do an illuminated walk at night in a local arboretum each December. The idea of parkrun tourism is quite appealing actually. Might look some up....

[Hidden]

Fabulous, I love the autumn generally and especially for running. It’s nice to be out in the cool and damp and sunny days feel precious.

Brilliantly well done and a great time too!

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. Happy autumn running to you! 🍁🌿🌰

[Razouski]

Fabulous PB Slinkymalinki, and what a lovely description of your route, especially the conkers. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Ooh you're close to me! This is one of my local parkruns although I've not done it yet! It's new isn't it? Lots of members from my running club go so you've probably seen them there.

Well done on the PB, hope you had cake afterwards 😋

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Yes, think it started a few months ago. It's a lovely venue - easy parking, easy circuit. Went home for scrambled eggs after but the college cantine is open for bacon butties which will need investigating at some stage! 😉

[Irishprincess Graduate10 in reply to Slinkymalinki]

Yes. My running pals talk a lot about the post run goodies there 😋