Finding a longer route is not too easy

[Lizzie_NewStart]

I am appalled at whoever designed the street layout in our area. They did not give a thought to how I could increase my running distance without having to double back on myself. I think a letter to the local council or even my MP may be in order. I think I will add a few suggestions of which houses they could demolish in order to add some more usable return routes. There are a couple of houses that have an awful taste in curtains so they will be top of the list. I am sure if any of those are occupied by runners, they will be sympathetic to my cause.

We have resigned ourselves to the fact that a gradual increase in distance will involve retracing our steps to some degree. However, four times now my boyfriend and I have left home with a specific turning point in mind and gone past it without remembering. I blame him for not interrupting me at the appropriate time. I am sure he just switches off and lets me rant away about whatever I have on my mind at the time and forgets. By the time we realise, we have gone too far to turn back, so carry on.

Once we get to over 7K, there is an estate (that is just under 4K way) that has loads of little roads and cut-throughs that should allow us to have a bit more flexibility. But, until then we will have to persevere and hopefully find some way to remind us at the appropriate point. A watch alarm failed to get noticed and our other idea of driving round and writing on the pavement in chalk seems a bit excessive. Also, it would probably rain and wash the marks away!! I am not pinning my hopes on the council as they cant even fill a pot-hole, let a lone build a new road for me! 😂

Any suggestions???

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

I do have my doubts Lizzie that if you asked the council to demolish several council houses so that you could run longer distances they wouldn't be happy with your request, perhaps just extend your running route around those houses or go and do your running in the local park.

[Cmoi Graduate]

Beg, steal or borrow a bulldozer and a few tonnes of asphalt? And should the police arrive to enquire as to your activities, ask them for a lift. Sorted.

(Oh, and should you require a more serious answer, I did longer warm-up and/or cooldown walks.)

[Lizzie_NewStart Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

Good plan, the police may even help with some of the grafting!!

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to Lizzie_NewStart]

And you could chat about the "bleep test" to join the police. See if they think you'd be OK.

[Kevin41 Graduate]

don’t forget to get the local newspaper to take a photo of you looking sad and pointing at the offending houses………maybe a petition too, runners all tend to help each other out so we could have it debated in parliament in no time…

[MissUnderstanding in reply to Kevin41]

🤣🤣🤣

[Gthants in reply to Kevin41]

"We, the undersigned, recognising the import of our right to run (and hating your curtains), do hereby wish to inform you that your house will be demolished by high-vis workers, backed by even higher-vis runners ... "

[SweatyHettie Graduate]

while you’re at it can you also demolish the “temporary” fence ( been over a year ) which currently blocks my route to the beach and stops me doing one of my favourite 5Ks without having to double back on myself 😡

Honestly people are so inconsiderate

[Gthants]

Well I'm thinking of writing to the Pope due to parking on the pavement outside the local Catholic church, so developers "trimming" a few houses and the council building an entirely new road for you sounds totally reasonable!

[MrBassmanjazz Graduate in reply to Gthants]

Cut out the Monkey and go straight ot the Organ Grinder.

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate]

This made me chuckle! It’s difficult to find runs that suit at times doing laps is boring I prefer an out and back 😂

[Fionamags Graduate]

come on Lizzie - you need to consider the housing crisis - you can’t demolish houses! I think it more likely that the council will build some flyovers - for runners only! They will be laid with turf and have motivational messages from Denise Lewis placed at strategic intervals. Let us know when it’s done!

[MrBassmanjazz Graduate]

I'm not condoning Graffitti, but spray paint might be better than chalk? (I have to admit to similar thoughts).

Meanwhile, while waiting for the Council to demolish the houses, I suggest averting your eyes from the awful curtains and not letting them spoil your run.

[Gottamakechanges Graduate]

I'm with you - start with the badly curtained houses 😂