No driving to run

[Amblerman]

Well it seems like the Government advice is pretty clear now, we should not be driving to park up for our running fix. I hope that this does impact you all too much. It is great to run in the parks and countryside but in these times we must all do our bit to help the NHS and other key workers.

For me the driving ban is not really a problem. I can walk out my front door and gain access to the linear parks which would give me upwards of 30k to run on footpaths or trails without seeing too many people really. Yes there are some runs down by our local river that have gone for a while but I know I'm lucky.

The picture is from my house. The gap between the hedges is the entry to the parks. I still look back to my first 'runs' on C25K where I referred to the gap as the Gateway to Hell. That seems ages ago now.

Keep running and above all keep safe.

[Womangolfer Graduate10]

That looks like a lovely spot. I am also lucky that I can open my door and go for a run down country roads where I only see a couple of cyclists, walkers or dog walkers.

[Amblerman Graduate10 in reply to Womangolfer]

It's marvellous that you can do that. It would be better still if the courses were still open though. I'm chipping the whole of my back lawn away.

[Womangolfer Graduate10 in reply to Amblerman]

Definitely missing the golf! Luckily we have a big garden and woods behind so can fire balls into there if I get really fed up 😇

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Lol, Gateway to Hell, I assume those were the first couple of weeks of C25K where you had to run, or was it all the nine weeks.?

All of the local and country parks in Scotland are closed to vehicle access, however, you can still walk, run or bike ride in those parks, it will make a big difference in how busy the parks are this weekend as the majority of people who go to them go by car.

[Amblerman Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Weeks 1-4 were hell. 5-9 were just difficult lol.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

Yes, indeed. I'm lucky to be able to gain access to the countryside not far from my gate. It is nice to go out to start points from time to time but I can manage. I'm concerned that some farmers may try to close rights of way in a bid to reduce their own risks but so far, so good. 👍🏻

[Amblerman Graduate10 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Let's hope the gates stay open for you.

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

Looks beautiful Amblerman . Now not gateway to hell but a pathway to great running. 😊😊

[Amblerman Graduate10]

Well a pathway to running certainly, great is a subjective thing.

[Comfortnotspeed Graduate10]

I’m lucky. Our small town means than within 10 minutes we can access the countryside and the lanes.

[Annieapple]

Wow you are blessed as am I having the coast 4mins from my door. Hard for others who now find it impossible to run. We feel for you and pray this Covid wears itself out very soon.

[Amblerman Graduate10 in reply to Annieapple]

Thank you. We are lucky. Please accept my condolences for the loss of your friend that you told us about yesterday. These are horrible times.

[Annieapple in reply to Amblerman]

Thank you! Much appreciated!

[Runningfit67]

I used to think I was lucky but now , every dog walker and cyclist seem to want to share the same paths as me.

[Amblerman Graduate10 in reply to Runningfit67]

Not to mention 'new' runners. Yes it has got busier at all times of day as people take their daily exercise allowance.

[misswobble Graduate10]

Ive not been near my car since 15th Feb when I drove to a party 🎉. I can’t be bothered with it much of the time So much easier to just head out the door. Now that I can run much further than I ever imagined I get about on two legs It’s great 😃

I run errands and run/shop I’ve saved a fortune on petrol 🙂

[Oldgirlruns Graduate10]

That looks lovely Amblerman! I count myself very fortunate to have the seafront only a few minutes warm up walk away. I really feel for all those who are in the city and not near a park . Happy running!

[Sandie1961 Graduate10]

I am in a village so can be out in the country side within 1km. Mind you, I took the dog for a walk this morning and a runner came past commenting that he had never seen so many people out for a Saturday morning walk. Easy to maintain 2m social distancing though

[Coddfish Graduate10]

I don’t live within walking distance of the countryside but I am not much more than 5 minutes away from a lovely seafront promenade and a loop across our common or through a park. The trouble is, a lot of people live within easy reach of the same area, and during last week’s sunshine, it was fairly busy. As a result I have spent more time recently pounding neighbourhood backstreets, not so pleasant, but needing less swerving around. With a bit of luck the deteriorating weather will mean it’s just the regulars out running on the prom this week. I keep signifying myself as a regular runner by going out in parkrun milestone shirts or Great South Run finishers shirts, rather sad really!

[Amblerman Graduate10 in reply to Coddfish]

Not sad at all. Finishing the Great South Run is worth shouting about.

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

I am also so lucky that I have the woods on my doorstep so I go from my front door. I know this isn’t the same for others and it’s such a tough time. I’m so glad you are still able to get out 😀