Running while camping

[ameinias]

I just completed W8R? back in the city with 0 elevation.

I've been blessed the past two weeks to be able to visit two different cottages. According to Runtastic, the first camp had 83m elevation and the second about 34m - though I found the second place harder, the hills weren't as steep but they were so much longer. I am not really sure what most of the stats on Runtastic mean but this must mean HILLY AS HELL. Definitely makes running a million times harder, and I ended switching back and forth between w8 and w7. Had to walk when I hit a hill I felt I couldn't make it up, but pushed myself to make sure I started running again when I hit the top. It was also really great to swim while I was there. I don't get much arm exercise because I have wrist injuries.

Hill running is brutal, but it does make it way more interesting so you're focused a lot less on how much time is left. Especially since all those super winding single lane roads means the odd time a car shows up it's RIGHT THERE! I'd love to move to the country but I never realized how safe and uncomplicated sidewalks are. I tried to cross the road so I was always taking the outside of bends to get that slight edge on visibility. And the few minutes I spent on a "real" country road I ran against traffic, and on the shoulder whenever it was solid enough to do so.

I likely won't make it back to the country this year, but does anyone have any advice for rural running so I can fantasize about next time?

[linda9389 Graduate]

Sounds like a great experience. Well done not being defeated by those hills - they will have made you stronger! I ran our lanes during lockdown when it was quieter, running against the traffic and coming out wide for visibility on bends. I've stopped again now though - too many cars for me to ever relax. Shame, but better safe than flattened!!!

[nowster Graduate]

A pair of my colleagues went for a run up to Dovestones Reservoir in the Peak District at the weekend. 14.5km in 2h20, and 460m elevation gain!

[acountrycabbage Graduate in reply to nowster]

😵👏🏼

That’s my neck of the woods but there’s not a chance I’m hitting the Peaks just yet! 🥴😅

[acountrycabbage Graduate]

Sounds like you had a lovely trip!

I’m blessed to live in the countryside and am spoilt for choice with quiet country lanes to run on.

As Linda suggests, coming out wide on bends is helpful for drivers and high-vis will automatically help you feel safer.

Have a google for national walking trails. My county provides a list of all the footpaths in the area with length, gradient, difficulty level, etc.

Perhaps not all routes would be suitable for runners but it’s a good place to start researching. There could be one for bridal paths too which might be a better option - less stiles!👌🏼