So … I’m away for a few days and I wasn’t sure if and when I’d be able to run. The routes round here are tricky and hilly. But I found a back route to a lake and although it was a longer walk to get there, boy - it was worth it! Even though it was a ‘there and back’ run. It was fabulous! Almost a trail - with gaps in the trees for wonderful views.
My walk was largely uphill but even that felt Ok as it was like an adventure! I found the path I was looking for and started to run. A few runners and dog walkers about. I saw squirrels, rabbits and a fox. The birdsong was loud. I was barely thinking about the run!
The route was fairly flat and although the sights were taking my attention I was conscious of speeding up slightly through the run as my body warmed up. I knew I’d get to 3K and mentally I was done then, but I had a few more minutes to go! I thought I slowed down then, but momentum must have kept me going. When I stopped I realised I was warm!
So 30 minutes done. 3.5k (very happy with that) and negative splits to boot! 😊🏃♀️👍
Written by
Jools2020
Graduate
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I actually prefer out and back routes, as I seem to always be on some sort of plan and it helps with getting times or mileage correct.
And that picture looks like a beauty of a route! Congrats for finding it! I can see that there l will be much happy running through the seasons on this route!
Yes, you’re right. I turned round at the halfway bell - forgetting that I run faster for the second half of the run, so had to run on a very narrow path at the end! Long grass and wet legs 🤣.
The path I was running on leads to a fabulous lake. Great for longer runs later as you can run all the way round it! Perfection for me running near water. It’s an 8K run. Can’t wait to drive to it and do that one!
Thanks, Diane. I think the walk to the lake and back is about 8K. I walked it when I was up here last. Then 8K Round the lake itself. Perfect for a 10 miler in the autumn when I’m ready for it! 😊
Beautiful location! It sounds like the whole of nature was out to greet you too! Negative splits an added bonus too. Two to go before you’re a graduate again. Time to plan some celebrations…
From the look of it on your Strava trace that looks like a former railway (Churnet Valley Line) and part of the Staffordshire Way. Round the lake there's a preserved steam railway, too.
There's about 3.6km of good track going NW from where you started, and then about another 2km that might be of slightly lower quality. Definitely a good route for a 10km out-and-back. And going SE from where you started there's another 2km…
Exactly, nowster. It’s gorgeous! The steam railway isn’t full size and isn’t fenced off, so run alongside it. SE from where I started doesn’t look fun, though. Very narrow trodden track and long grasses. Tick territory I would think! Round the lake is listed as 8km. Definitely some of that is lower quality as you say.
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