So just about to start w8, and I've had a couple of 'really fun runs', I've learnt from them and can pass on this wisdom to you
1. When starting a brand new route, make sure you check the gradient. On my 2nd 25 min run I set off, all going great, hello Shetland ponies, hello sunshine, oh crap hello river across the road, all going swimmingly, legs aren't hurting, no struggling to breath and then I hit the half way point, turned around and realised I'd been running down a hill 🤭 unfortunately I was unable to run all the way back, I tried but called it and briskly walked.
2. Jackets designed for snowboarding will keep you dry in the French Alps but will NOT keep you dry in a torrential Lake District downpour.
3. Get some running socks, on same downpour I was wearing normal socks and discovered the back of my new expensive trainers are now bright red where my blood has given them a pop of colour, after developing a blister.