Dinton Pastures & Hazelwood parkruns - Nos. 18 & 19

[IAmCharliemouse]

I missed the update last week, so it's a twofer.

Dinton Pastures is right on the edge of a comfortable drive early Saturday morning. That along with the target car park being closed, it was a bit of a rushed start, but I made it OK. The route is really convoluted, but fortunately there were plenty of marshals to show us the way. It's also quite lovely and I will definitely want to come back here in the summer - I do like running around lakes. Not too muddy, as it's on hard surfaces pretty much all the way. Probably could have run in road shoes, but decided to use the trail shoes, which always slows me down but my feet stay dry and my ankles upright. A good run, if a little slow.

Hazelwood is the home of London Irish. The course is basically two loops around the rugby fields. Unfortunately, the top field is really boggy, and you are basically running in muddy grass and a couple of inches of water. See photo. Very heavy going and the time reflected that. All good training though, especially for my leg strength. Small group and very friendly.

Other training is really at maintenance levels now, for the winter. I'm still hitting the gym twice a week for strength work, and cycling once a weekend. Did a little bit of swimming and want this to increase as I get more comfortable with it again.

I am now one run away from joining the Cowell club. I'm still aiming for 25 consecutive tourist runs (a Quarter Cowell) before I revisit some venues.

[JaoJao Graduate10]

You’re doing so well 🙂

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Sounds like a little bit more than just maintenance well done you packing all those different activities into your week.

[Debston Graduate10]

Amazing stuff! I keep saying that I need to fit in some more activities, eg swimming, so you are an inspiration!

[Couchpotato2]

Sounds great! I like a good plan and it sounds as though you have one

[Coddfish Graduate10]

Congratulations on your 24 consecutive tourist runs, that’s quite some commitment. Thank you for confirming Hazelwood is a bit of a mud bath, I had thought as much from the course description. I have worked my way through pretty well everything else in west and south west London, usually when visiting Twickenham either for England or Harlequins rugby matches, and Hazelwood is a not yet done - I now am sure it’s not one to tackle this winter!

[IAmCharliemouse Graduate10 in reply to Coddfish]

Super friendly group though. And very flat. But tough in the wet. I recommend Crane Park. Flat, firm, friendly and fast.

Not at 24 yet, just 19. But aiming for 25 consecutive venues.

[Coddfish Graduate10 in reply to IAmCharliemouse]

Yes my list includes Crane Park, thanks, a lovely one.

[IAmCharliemouse Graduate10 in reply to Coddfish]

Bedfont Lakes, my first, would be good too I think. All paths.

[Coddfish Graduate10 in reply to IAmCharliemouse]

Been there too - I think Hazelwood is my only not done in the area

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Well done on keeping up your ultra tourism Charliemouse. We know where to come for advice on parkruns around London. 😉