Forest Parkrun

[Digger74]

My first Parkrun today! Yesterday I helped a friend break up her veg patch and woke up rather stiff. My OH sensed an excuse coming on and pushed me out the door anyway.

As soon as I started running the nerves fell away and I really enjoyed myself. It was quite an experience to set off en masse with the sound of 250 pairs of feet pounding the floor. After reading the posts about earphones and running, I left mine at home. I was too distracted to start my phone but it was liberating to run without looking at splits.

I've taken the kids to this forest many times but we always stick to the same paths. This route was so much more enjoyable - it took you through some of the 'rides' of the old hunting forest. No hills, just dappled sunlight and a leap over the 'ditch of doom'. Without doubt, my favourite run yet. Pulled out a sprint finish and my time was 29m13s, which I'm delighted with!

[HelenaShaw Graduate]

Sounds amazing Which forest is it?

[Digger74 Graduate in reply to HelenaShaw]

It's Hatfield forest. Henry VIII's hunting forest no less. I felt really daft running around that I'd never taken the time to explore it further.

[Digger74 Graduate in reply to HelenaShaw]

Did you do Parkrun today Helena?

[HelenaShaw Graduate in reply to Digger74]

Yes I did I managed to run the whole 5k for the first time (48 minutes) My dad (in his 70s), doing his first parkrun, came in 6 minutes earlier!

Helena

[Digger74 Graduate in reply to HelenaShaw]

Good work! You've clearly got the genes on your side then!

[PippiRuns]

Sounds really beautiful. Wish we had parkruns in Denmark. We do, actually, but only a few and I don't think any of them are in a forest.

[Digger74 Graduate in reply to PippiRuns]

It was a beautiful, but I did have to drive nearly 25mins to get there, so it'll be an occassional treat. Where do you run Iben? I imagined by the sea.

[PippiRuns in reply to Digger74]

Nope, live in Copenhagen and not near the sea, so it's in parks and gardens. Really not all that bad, actually. Only ran once in a forest and enjoyed it so much.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Brilliant effort.. well done you! Sounds a wonderful run too...

These husbands.. they are great at getting us out there aren't they!

[Digger74 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I wasn't feeling quite so grateful at 7 this morning! But yes, he's not so bad.

[TreacleToes Graduate]

I'm not too far from there, however I'm not ready to do a park run yet. My closest is Great Notley. Maybe I'll be there in the future too. Glad you had a great time.

[Digger74 Graduate in reply to TreacleToes]

Let me know if you do - I don't know anyone there! I'll have to get down to Great Notley too, also hopefully to take the kids to the Junior Parkrun.

[Madge50 Graduate]

Hi Digger, I've been on hols, wanted to hear how you got on at Hatfield, sounds lovely, ready for the Hoohaah 10k on 19th June - the pathways I've done through woods so far on the other two have been fantastic (even the mudslick at Ickworth) and I know what you mean about exploring these places more, Wimpole is close to me and I've just found out they do cycle routes there too.

Well done on that time, you're pretty speedy! I'm not that quick! I'm getting more used to running without tunes too, seem to be relaxing and enjoying it more, plus I do like a bit of a natter if possible 😄

Well done you

Happy running

Mx

[Digger74 Graduate in reply to Madge50]

Hi! I thought it was pretty idyllic. You'll have plenty of shade/ shelter. The inclines are fairly slight. Cafe stand by the lake when you finish - what more could you want?!

Since parkrun I've been concentrating on slowing it right down to run further - I'm up to 7k. I realise I had a tendency to flog myself a bit, and slowing down and removing the earphones has really made it more enjoyable. Why is it I can smell more without earphones??

Good luck at the Hoohah, I look forwards to reading about how you go. Maybe next year...!

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Digger74]

Thanks, I'm the opposite going from super slow to slow! 😄, I'm looking forward to Hatfield, I have really liked the relaxed atmosphere of the hoohaah's , would definitely recommend.

Mx