10k 🏃‍♂️, Hills ⛰️, so much fun!!! 😂

Hello lovely running friends!!

Apologies for the blatent overuse of the emoji in the title. I have no excuse really.

Interesting side note, if indeed you can have a side note before you've even started, I actually used the "mountain" emoji here, as they didn't have one for hills, and to be honest, todays run did feel like it was up a mountain.

Down to business then. I decided that I needed to explore a new route I had looked at leading into Lyme Park. I also decided that it was a bit chilly and a bit rainy, but I was going anyway, and I was just going to wear shorts and a tshirt. Oh, and running socks/shoes. Obviously. It turned out to be about 8°C out, which is borderline for needing long sleeves as far as I'm concerned. Since I knew there'd be a climb, I also knew it'd be a little colder and more exposed up at the top, but I had a plan so cunning you could stick a tail on it and call it a fox. I was going to go for a fast first k, so I'd be nice and warm and not even worry about feeling cold.

So - although I had selected a slower running track than normal due to the impending hills, I still set off pretty quickly, and did my first k in 6:10, which I was pretty happy with. The second k , still along the canal at this point, was also pretty fast (for me), but after that the hills kicked in and of course I slowed down. Not that I mind, I wasn't aiming for speed, just to get through the planned run.

The next stage was up a fairly steep farm track (for farm track read mud bath), which eventually led to the back gate of Lyme Park. At this point the path was well maintained and I didn't need to worry about slipping. Next was a sharp downhill followed by another uphill bit, and a short downhill until it finally it levelled off as I approached the main carpark and Lyme Hall. If I remember to include them later from my phone, there might even be pics. To be honest, at this point I was just glad to have made it so far without keeling over, some of those hills were pretty challenging. But - we weren't done yet.

The route back from Lyme took me down the main drive. Rather than risk getting run over by excitable visitors, I decided to run on a path next to the drive, which went at a gentle incline for the first 0.5k or so. I didn't mind at all, compared to what had gone before, this felt like nothing. I was probably only at about 6.5k by the time I got back to the main road, though it felt much further. I then ran back down the main road, through all the traffic fumes, back towards home. This was also hilly, but I didn't even notice, after the previous few k.

I realised I was going to get to my finishing point and be at about 8.5k. It would be just rude to stop at 8.5, right, so I continued on the local streets up until 10k, because, why not!!

So what can I take away from this run? Well firstly I am chuffed to bits I managed it at all, I'm thrilled that I got to 10k on this route too, and also pretty pleased that my very hilly 10k was quicker than my first ever 10k which was completely flat. I was only quicker by a minute, but still, it's something. I'm also thrilled that I'm better at getting out in questionable weather.

What on earth has happened to me???!

That's all for now, happy running everyone

Neil

p.s. Just looked at strava. 130m elevation gain! No wonder it was hard

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

As ever, well done Neil. 👏👏 You are a machine! You’re clearly a natural mountain goat embracing all those hills! 🐐

Please never feel the need to justify the (over) use of emojis. I find myself searching for all kinds of different words. I too am disappointed there isn’t a hill one - but mighty happy with the 🐌 !

5k for me on Sunday after volunteering at parkrun tomorrow! Have a great weekend! 🏃🏃‍♀️

[Hidden in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks for your lovely comment cheekychipmunks . To me, emoji's should be colon-dash-right-bracket. That's the only allowable one. The youth of today have hijacked something that was supposed to be geeky and made it commonplace. Not only that, they're replaced the text with silly pictures!!! Ok - grumpy old git mode off now I did feel my excitement justified a gentle smattering of them this time

Oh - I forgot to day, well done for volunteering, that's brilliant. Hope you have fun and don't get too cold!!

[Hidden in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Hey notice the profile pic change

[Goforitmama Graduate10]

Yep, you are a mountain goat for sure! I love the challenge of the hills and the free run down the other side wooo hooo!

[Hidden in reply to Goforitmama]

Thank you! I don't know about mountain goat, can't see me balancing precariously on top of a mountain just yet, but I'm certainly relishing a change from the boring flat towpath where I normally run, and am delighted I can actually do hills without injuring myself now. My physio is a superstar. He did this triggerpoint thing today which hurt like hell, but gave me about 10° extra movement in my right knee. Genius!!

[Goforitmama Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Interesting.

[Hidden in reply to Goforitmama]

What physios do is just amazing. The first time I went I was feeling like I might never run again, and within a 30 minute session he transformed me and I never looked back. I really don't understand the science, but it works for me!! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myofa...

[Goforitmama Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Neil, interesting link.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

Great job... there’s some serious climbs behind Lyme park... I walked up to the viewpoint recently and I have to run it one day. 130m of up? Wasn’t so long ago 130m flat hurt 😂

[Hidden in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I used to hate running in Lyme Park. Now I just love it. Every single view seems to be amazing. The climb up to the cage is quite severe for example, but the view at the top across to Manchester is truly stunning. I haven't dared venture up the gritstone trail to Bowstones yet, but it's on my todo list!! If I do that though, I shall probably start from Lyme, and finish up at Lyme for a nice hot chocolate or something.

I completely agree with you, a year and a bit ago, 130m would have been impossible. I love running!!

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Oh Neil, that looks like such a lovely place to run! After pounding the mean streets of London in the dark mornings this week, I feel very jealous! And well done on a fantastic 10k! With hills, no less. Your fitness has gone up to the next level! I am very pleased for you, and also very proud, VRB. I hope you treated yourself to a hot bath and something good to eat after that brilliant run! And some rest for a couple of days to let those hard-working muscles to recover and rebuild.

I am hoping to get out to my beloved park this weekend, but am also inspired to search out some new routes now!

Happy running, pal!

Sadie-runs xxx

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

Hi Sadie!! Yes, it truly is. *cough* come visit *cough*

Thank you as always for your lovely encouraging comments. You really are the best running buddy anyone could ask for. I treated myself to a quick shower, a banana and then a trip to the physio who did some horrendous trigger point thing which hurt like hell but gave me 10° extra movement in my leg.

You're right of course, I should rest tomorrow, and I probably will as the weather forecast is basically water, and lots of it. But a little run would be sooooo tempting. Just a teeny one.

I hope you get out and enjoy your park. Running's great, isn't it? And hills? Who'd have thought I'd be enjoying the hills?!

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

You should get that cough seen to, poor love, but yes, one day I would love to come visit and run that beautiful route with you! What fun we’d have!

Your physio guy sounds brilliant! It’s quite amazing what they can do, and I am so glad he is sorting you out. You sound so full of joy with your running right now, and that warms the cockles of my heart. You are a great buddy too - your run yesterday inspired me to get out and do a 10k today, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Has been a fair few weeks since I have run that far.

Sadie-runs xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Fabulous O'Neil... wow... quite a climb... but what a run.... well done you! Great pikkies too!

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks dear Floss! In case you hadn’t noticed, hills are fast becoming my new favourite thing. No idea why, it makes no sense. Lyme Park is such a beautiful place to run, it’s not difficult to enjoy the hills. I was hooked after my first running adventure there, which was the reason I ended up at the physio I still can’t believe I ever completed C25k to be honest, but you were one of the reasons I did x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

You did it because you are strong, in so many ways....... !

Hills are great...if you have them.. you do use and get used to them.... and they do strengthen our running...It is just sometimes... that I, (because of my great age.. ) do crave flat.... which is why I looked for a flattish run for my first HM in March

Go you... you are doing wonderfully!

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Awww thank you Floss, that's a lovely thing to say. Don't get me wrong, I do still like to run on the flat, but faced with the beautiful scenery at Lyme, you can see why I am developing a liking of hills. Before I split up with my wife and came to live back with my parents (yup) I lived right by the sea. I could have had the entire length of Morecambe prom to run along, but I wasn't a runner then. I turned to running as a last-ditch attempt to sort myself out mentally after the breakup of my marriage, as I was really struggling with depression. I feel the beautiful scenery round here somehow makes up for the scenery I'm missing. The seaside was such a beautiful place to live.

Enough wittering from me now lol

[Hidden]

Sounds like a great run Neil, fantastic hill work too! It must feel incredibly rewarding to look back and see the progress you’ve made since your first flat 10K. A very inspiring post that makes me want to go and explore the countryside! ⚡️

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Hidden . Yes it most certainly does. Looking back further, never in my wildest dreams did I think I could run at all, and in a year and 4 months I've come to where I have. I love running. I love running. Never thought in a million years I'd be saying that!!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Lovely run, lovely Neil💪😊

You know I am fond of the odd emoji 😉...

I think what has happened to you is that you have become fitter physically and mentally and have pushed out the goalposts to strive to greater things. What a great example to your girls and to all of us sharing your posts...

Your new profile pic is perfect...

Go Neil😊xxx

[Hidden in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you Jan, I guess you must be right. In my head I’m still really unfit, but all the running I keep doing must count for something, right?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I should have added... you are such an encouragement Jan, thank you!

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

You are a glutton for punishment Neil with all those hills. Button you’ve done absolutely brilliantly. 🏃‍♂️👏👏

[Hidden in reply to Dexy5]

Yes, I think I must be, but I’m already seeing an increase in my stamina and speed. What do you know, the theory actually works!! Thank you so much for all your support over the months. Kind, positive words are priceless!

[Richard7 Graduate10]

Nice one Neil - well done for embracing the hills I am still on the nursery slopes! 😉

[Hidden in reply to Richard7]

Thank you Richard! I’m really enjoying the hills, but at a nice slow pace. The sense of achievement is incredible, I’m a bit addicted to it!! And for the record, you are one of the many runners on here that I really respect and look up to!