Inaugural Alnwick park run

[ChrisAllen1]

So I drove 30 miles up the A1 to take part in this morning's first ever Alnwick park run.

I was unsure what to expect but having parked up I walked across the old stone bridge over the river Aln, gave a nod to the emblematic Alnwick lion guarding it and arrived at the field where the run was to take place. Although basically a sheep pasture I have to say, what a sheep pasture with views across to Alnwick Castle.

The route was 2 and a half laps, part of it along the river, all of it dodging sheep and molehills and with great views across to the castle. Turnout was about 180 which will probably increase as we get to better weather and it's becomes more well known, and the whole event was brilliantly marshalled.

As far as the actual run is concerned, I'm still struggling with all the crap on my chest and asthma but at least managed to duck under 35 minutes.

Well done to all who ran this morning.

I think realistically I'm going to have to adjust my target for the month due to the weather and illness.

Will settle for last year's total plus 10 per cent so I'm looking at doing 80k. So far I'm on 50k so should manage it.

Run happy, run safe.

[Runninginsingapore]

What a beautiful setting! And a great time too. Well done!

[ChrisAllen1 Graduate10 in reply to Runninginsingapore]

Thanks so much, it is a stunning setting.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Brilliant Chris. How exciting to be there for Run 1 👍😀

[Hidden]

Well done Chris. Crap in the lungs is no fun. I have it from dog allergy and it slows me down when it’s bad. Love your description. It’s one of the areas I really want to visit 😊🏃‍♂️

[ChrisAllen1 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

The whole of Northumberland is stunning and you have scenic park runs at Whitley Bay, Druridge Bay, Newbiggin and now Alnwick!!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Huge well done Chris...magnificent effort all round...yes definitely adjust, you can't help falling ill.😊xxx

One you will enjoy again by the sound of it!

[ChrisAllen1 Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Yes, I think in the summer it would be a good one to do a dog walk after.

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Wow! Isn't that impressive ChrisAllen1? And to be among the first to run it - very special. It sounds like you need trail runners on that course though. You are doing well to run at all with a chest infection, take care, and get well soon.

We had a parkrun invigilator today, checking on our processes. It was only our highest attendance (546) and a newbie run director - poor chap.

[ChrisAllen1 Graduate10]

I know, I do 90 pct of my running on road or pavement, footwear wasn't really right.

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Well done! Good time too especially as recovering from the lurgy still. 👏

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

What a pretty spot to run! Have you been able to keep up with your 5k per day with your asthma and chest issues? Please take care.

[ChrisAllen1 Graduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat]

No I have had to give up and be sensible!!!, I'm going to make sure I beat last January's total though!!, might have another crack at it in the better weather

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to ChrisAllen1]

That’s good. I was a little worried there! You’ve done amazing though with the streak you did. Your asthma has to take priority though. I’m sure once your chest clears a bit you’ll have no problem reaching your goal.

[ChrisAllen1 Graduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks for the encouragement, in have my first 10k event of the year Feb 17th so want to shake it and be ready to run a decent pace (for me!!).

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to ChrisAllen1]

You will! Just take care of yourself first and get those lungs clear again. A rest will be good then you'll get back in your groove and nail that race!

[ChrisAllen1 Graduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat]

What's the weather like over where you are?, are you able to get out and run?

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to ChrisAllen1]

Our weather is all over the map! I was out running yesterday at -13c, but tomorrow is above zero (3) and we’re back to -15 by next weekend. So typical week for us 😂. I had a bit of a break over Christmas break while we were away skiing and snowmobiling but am trying to get back on track with my 3 weekly runs. I’m struggling more with the ice making my evening runs a bit too scary so have had to resort to the treadmill for one of my runs last week. This up and down weather with snow can make for some really sketchy walkways!

[Anniemurph Graduate10]

Wow, what a place to run! And how great to be in on the inaugural run Hope your chest clears up soon and you can get back to your best.

[ChrisAllen1 Graduate10 in reply to Anniemurph]

Yes will definitely do it a couple more times in the summer, it's just a bit far to do regularly.

[jayval70 Graduate10]

Looks beautiful. Well done 👍