Changing where you run - and finding new favourite routes :)

[pippkins]

I started C-to-5k at the start of Feb 2020 as a total newbie to running, and ran my course around a gorgeous lake/parkland. Three-and-a-half circuits of the lake equated to 5k so it was a brilliant place to practise and get an idea of my pace.

Due to recent events and the need to social-distance, I had to abandon my usual haunt and hit the pavement two weeks before graduation; the lake had become congested with folks and it had become stressful avoiding them along narrow bits of pathway.

I missed the soft, muddy track (so ran a bit slower on the pavements to be gentle on my knees) and of course the amazing wildlife and waterfowl, but upon doing my consolidation runs in April, I took it easy and decided to explore areas that I only ever used to drive past. Oh, and to be nosy and look at the pretty gardens!

The result has been discovering some sweet stretches of road to run along, whether they be one long, open stretch or shaded by an avenue of trees (perfect when the weather is hot!) or just a quiet area out of the way.

So I say to you, when you decide to do a "slow" run day, try a new area, look around, let your legs gently do the work while you let your mind drift off at the distraction of something new to look at

I now set out of the house with a rough idea where I will begin my run and then at a certain junction it becomes lucky-dip which direction I turn; I have GPS so it keeps track of how far I have gone etc. this way I can keep my run experience fresh - and avoid too many pedestrians!

Have you discovered new routes recently, due to having to change your usual path to avoid the crowds?

[OldSpeckledHen]

Only having to extend the route to account for longer run times .... but it was *busy* out along the canal between 630 and 7 this morning!

Need to experiment, just need the nerve to try somewhere new! (As I *know* I can run the current route! The really c****y hill at the furthest point, the sweet spot as you turn for home! The lovely views! The peace and quiet!

How do you all find new routes?

[pippkins Graduate in reply to OldSpeckledHen]

I find my new route by letting my feet choose for me, LOL!

For example this afternoon, I ran down the main road, saw a lot of folks on the left, so my feet took me right... and I ended up in an extended cul-de-sac, which was quite fun to explore!

I was doing intervals, so one moment looked like I was plodding along and then the next like I was running away guiltily after stealing something, haha XD

I managed to arrive at our local parkrun park, too. Weird thing is, it suddenly looks smaller than the last time I was there (a year ago?) anyway, it was handy to do my sprints there, nice and flat lawns!

[Fionamags Graduate]

My lovely canal run has been heaving with people ever since lockdown so Ive tried a few different routes - some of which involves running on tbe roads. My go to though is running around a large oark near me as I much prefer to be surrounded by greenery. As long I keep to the grass and avoid the paths its not too stressful as the majority of people are on the paths.

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

I run around the park😊