It's definitely looking much more spring-like outside today π π, though there's mention of a last wintery blast heading our way βοΈπ¬, makes sense I guess to seize that moment and well...... RUN π.
I had a rough idea of a route (subject to change if the legs decided they wanted to go home. The weather was said shorts so the knees were exposed, the new very long socks (picture Paula Radcliffe but slower π) one long sleeved base layer, a simple tee shirt and a buff, two trainers the brooks cascadia, I'm good to go.
The dynamic stretches all done, and a brisk warm up walk down the lane mingled with little jogging sections and arm swings π.
Run-time.... The first section is a 5klm tarmac, footpath, following the road to Llangollen, traffics nice and minimal and I'm definitely glad of those long sleeves as it's all in the shade edging on chilly in parts. My route leaves the main road just passed the golf course, and picks it's way on the edge of a housing estate. Then it's into the countryside and onto a nice quiet lane, running into the bright sun, so bright I almost didn't see the other runner (another younger faster runner π§) but hey it doesn't matter we're all different, and this is my run πββοΈπβ .
The lane ends at almost 5k and then it's steep, ( very Noooooo extremely) steep. But if you can't run WALK! The surface is loose shingle and rocks, there's evidence that the mountain bikers hurl themselves down here as tyre tracks as in the odd muddy sections. As the trail allows I'm mixing running and walking, this is ok though, it's all propelling me upwards and forwards, Passed πsheep of varying colours all with glorious woolly coats. Pheweeeee level ground at last. The trail ends leading out into the lanes above home.
I'm not lost either I actually know exactly where I am π₯³, and as they say in the running world, what ever goes up has gotta come down β‘π¨πββοΈπββοΈ yep running down hill is hard, it's tempting to simply let go, but I'm mindful that this body ain't the youngest so I'll take it just nice and steady, I always feel clunky running down gradients especially on tarmac trail shoes probably not helping as the cushioning is much less than either my brooks adrenaline or ghosts.
The hill ends where I'm to escape the tarmac, and it a grassy run following the public footpath, leading into the castle grounds ( the national trust property still shut- lockdown rules) but the grounds and walks are accessible so that's a bonus. It does actually have its own weekend run (not a park run)
nationaltrust.org.uk/featur...
I've not been but I'm sure I've probably touched on sections of the route as I meander through the grounds towards the exit.
Existing the castle grounds it's towpath time, perfect. The legs are now feeling it a little think the hills zapped some of my vavavoom π¬. So it's nice to simply enjoy the slow and steady run back to home. Passing ducks that refused to move off the towpath, heads tucked under wings and enjoying a duck-snooze π.
There's just one short walking break through the last tunnel and then it's plain sailing to home.
A nice outing and perfect Thursday outing!
Hope you lot out there in running land have enjoyed those runs today, however long or short, it doesn't matter. Remember a runs better than no runπ
Stretches? What stretches...
The eternal question - to stretch or not to stretch
I am a runner, and runners RUN πͺ
Stretching the truth?
Burnage parkrun meet - leg 1 complete!
