Running alone in the 'wilderness'?

[fed68]

Hi all,

I've been following JuJu's plan, and I'm on track to run my first 10K on Sunday. I'm in the Peak District this weekend for my union's annual conference, so I'm excited to run on a beautiful trail rather than the streets of South East London. I've roped a friend into coming with me, but I'm doubtful that he'll be awake in time after the karaoke party the night before!

I'll need to set off by 7am and I have no idea what route I'll take. Do you lot run alone in relatively remote areas? I'm a little bit worried, but I don't want to miss out on the chance to run this distance somewhere so pretty. (For reference, I'm a young(ish), small woman.)

Thanks!

Lydia

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

You will have some great scenary fed68, good luck with that 10k.

Are you anywhere near the Monsail Trail. Its where Oldfloss ran her HM last month. There was a 10k that day too. Its a great trail that starts at Bakewell's old disused train station, or you can park and run the trail from Hassop where there is a cafe and toilets.

Lots of people frequent the trail so you won't be alone or in any danger... fairly flat.. Or around Carsington water is another option. Again car park and toilets.

Let us know how it goes! 😊xxx

[fed68 Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Yes, I will! That's what I was hoping to run, although I can't figure out how to get onto it from where I'll be (near Grindleford). Good to know it's pretty busy. I'm going to do 5k out and back, so I don't stray too far from our accommodation.

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to fed68]

Google maps will help you find somewhere. And something like mapmyrun might have a route you could join? Enjoy it!

[Coddfish Graduate10 in reply to fed68]

The best access to the Monsal Trail (if you have access to a car) is at Hassop Station. There’s a nice cafe there. The parkrun starts from there too. It’s a safe family friendly route, loads of walkers, cyclists, runners. It’s also very flat as an ex-railway line. Run in the opposite direction to Bakewell. Depending on how far you can do as an out and back there are 4 tunnels on the route. I think I ran 12k (6k each way) when I was there and passed both ways through 3 of them, starting from Hassop station

Here is a link to the Monsal Trail site. peakdistrict.gov.uk/__data/...

[misswobble Graduate10]

Yes 😃. Grindleford is a busy place. There’ll be plenty of footpaths or trails without being too remote

Have a good time 😃👍🏃‍♀️

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

I do run remote trails alone. My trail running partner is scaling back a bit and hasn't ran much in 6 months but I'm hoping I can convince her to get back out there with me again. I've ran some great distances in the last 6 months but she always kills me on the hills so I'm not worried about her keeping up but she seems to be 😢. I'm also trying to convince hubby (an ex-cross country runner) to join me, but he has no desire to run far and I'm training for a 20k trail race so long trail runs are in my future. I'm also hoping the tracking feature on Runkeeper Go will still work in the remote hills I run so hubby can at least find me if needed. I'm hoping to test that feature this weekend. I'm more worried about meeting up with wildlife on my runs than any unsavoury folk and falling/getting injured given how remote my trails are. From another young(ish) small(ish) woman 😁

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate]

It does sound like great fun and hopefully you will have company..but if not...

Set location sharing if you have Google maps on your phone.

You should be able to get a good route in and around the village to make up distance, without going uphill too much, and to help with that, there is a huge green space area, where they hold the village show.. a car park opens on to a huge playing field, children's play area up to one side too... and it is in the village so not remote....I think you can do a 5K route out and around and back with few issues

There is a walk along the river I think.. towards Hathersage station but maybe not a plan if you are alone..

It is a good idea if you are doing this in the future to have a personal alarm.. I have one... okay you could be out, and away from a lot of folk, but it could scare off any dodgy persons or wild animals

Have a super, super time it is beautiful out there.. and enjoy that first 10K..it is very, very special.. and of course when you run, we will be there with you.. I'll be the one whispering, slow and steady

[fed68 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

I've emailed the place we're staying to find out how to get on to the trail, and they told me it's just across the road! Left for the tunnels, right for Bakewell. I think I'm going to do the tunnels, because I might not get a chance again. Expecting it to be a little spooky, though...

I'm going to tell a few people which way I'm going, and when they should expect me back. Hopefully there will be some other early runners/dog walkers about!

Thank you!

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to fed68]

That is great...I am not sure where exactly you are staying though...But, if you are near to the Monsal Trail... my HM took me through the 3 tunnels, out and back from Bakewell... do layer up..it will be cold in there..and wet drips too...I would imagine there will be other early morning runners, and cyclists.... beware...they can go really speedily...but do take care..it's things like tripping or turning an ankle which can be problematic......

If you do the tunnels, it is slightly uphill..but the good thing is... slightly downhill on the return 5K!!!!

peakdistrict.gov.uk/__data/...

Here is the HM route on Mapometer UK

gb.mapometer.com/running/ro...

Have fun and looking forward to your post too !

[Coddfish Graduate10 in reply to fed68]

They are well lit, don’t worry!

[JonathanP Graduate10]

All the best for your 10k! The Monsal trail is great - particularly the Headstone Viaduct😀

[Agelesslass Graduate10]

How exciting, you’ll love itvfed68xcDoubt you’ll ever be alone on this run, there will be hundreds of people there Im sure. Good luck and enjoy it 😀😀🏃🏽‍♀️

[Rancher18]

Lots of good advice here. Sounds like you’re going to have a blast, I frequently run in relatively remote trails and off trail (Bodmin moor) and it’s simply fabulous. I’d be much more worried running around South East London 😂.

We don’t have scary wild animals in the uk to worry about but if you’re not an animal person do make sure you do your best not to disturb farm and wild animals, I often see people walk, run, cycle right through the middle of grazing stock when they could have left them alone, of course if you have no choice but to plough through the middle of cattle or ponies just slow it down 😊.

Oh and lastly look up and take in the views 😊😊

[fed68 Graduate10]

Thanks so much for the advice and encouragement! I’m happy to say that I made it out for my run, and managed 10k for the first time. The trail was beautiful, and the tunnels were extremely cool and creepy! I bumped into (not literally) lots of other runners and cyclists, so I didn’t feel alone. It’ll be hard to get back to my grey, pavement-based runs after that one! (It was a good weekend all-round actually, as I was also elected Women’s Officer of my union.)

The run really confirmed for me that I enjoy plodding along for longer distances much more than getting round a 5k. I seem to get really comfortable about 5k in, and everything starts to flow nicely.

I have a month to consolidate at this distance, before I start my half marathon training. I’m going to take it easy, I think! Thanks again!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Just found this fed68, so pleased you had such a great weekend. That 10k run sounds brilliant, and you made it onto the Monsal trail!

Congratulations on your first 10k, and I see you have your Graduate10 badge in place!😊xx

Happy running

You could write a run report up about your adventure. This is a bit tucked away on the end of your previous post. xx