My favourite place to run!: My mum has... - Fun Beyond 10K & ...

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My favourite place to run!

BLEWI profile image
19 Replies

My mum has a holiday place by the sea and it’s my favourite place to run! There’s a footpath that goes from Kingsdown village to Deal which is flat, straight and oh so pretty!

It’s here that I did my very first 10min run, 5 min walk and 10 min run. It’s also here that I ran my first 5k so I was looking forward to running 10K here!

My route starts with a walk down to the beach, pass the pub to the start of the path. Through the gate and start running.

It’s a stony beach here and the path is a tarmac path with beach one side with wild flowers growing among the stones and a row of pretty houses the other side.

After 1Km I run past Walmer Castle and have to resist the urge to yell “mind the cannons” like we do when we’re in the car with the kids.

The path is quiet but there are people walking their dogs who may not appreciate it!

There’s lots of benches along this route facing the sea, dedicated to the memory of loved ones. One is covered in bright pink ribbons and bra print bunting.

Past the castle is the sheep field and the lambs have grown a lot since I was last here. Then it’s on to Walmer, past the sailing club and the lifeboat station. There’s having an open day today and the men are busy trying to erect a marquee.

This was turning point when I ran my first 5Km but today I’m going further.

On to the fishing boats and a reminder to book a fishing trip for hubby, and past Deal castle (v boring but ok on a rainy day when you’re desperate to entertain x3 kids)

I’d planned to run the length of the pier but it was still closed so on I ran to Deal sailing club and coast guard.

My watch let me know the first 5Km were done and I could start the run back. Now I could see France in the distance and the ferries going back and forth from Dover.

A man was sat on a bench sketching and smiled and I wondered if he’d include a runner in his final picture.

7:30am and a group of men had gathered at the entrance to the pier with their fishing rods waiting for it to open.

Back past the castle. I wondered what Henry VIII would make of Brexit and also thought of Dunkirk and the boats that would have sailed out to help. There were some red poppies growing at the edge of the beach.

The men at the life boat station had got the marquee up and were getting out tables.

By now my legs were beginning to feel tired and I regretted the fish & chips we’d eaten on the beach last night.

Past the sheep and onto Walmer Castle. Getting there. Had to walk a bit to have a drink. Not much further to go but really tired. Looked at my watch - no wonder... I’d been going at quite a pace. Final push, past the houses on the road back to the start. Someone was having bacon for breakfast and it smelt amazing!

Reached the 10Km point - 53:52!!! And amazing PB but no surprise when it’s my ultimate happy place!!

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BLEWI profile image
BLEWI
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19 Replies
ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Marathon

Sounds like the perfect place to run, really lovely. And boom that’s a fab time too... well done!

BLEWI profile image
BLEWI in reply to ju-ju-

Thank you! It really is my happy place and lovely to have so many running milestones here as it shows me just how far I’ve come!

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsHalf Marathon

OMG that is an amazing time, BLEWI, I am so impressed. And such a lovely run report; I enjoyed reading it, so thanks for posting. 😘

BLEWI profile image
BLEWI in reply to Sadie-runs

Thank you!! I think I’m so relaxed here I can’t help but run quicker than normal! It’s just beautiful and the scenery has enough changes to keep my interest. The sound of the sea is so much nicer than traffic!

Sqkr profile image
SqkrHalf Marathon

What a cracking time! I know that area well, my dad lives in a village near Sandwich—I have lovely memories of riding on Sandwich Bay when I was younger. I'd never thought about running round there for some reason though. But your post makes it sound so perfect, I really must!

BLEWI profile image
BLEWI in reply to Sqkr

Saw a sign saying Sandwich was only 5 miles away and wondered if that would end up being next years challenge!! It really is lovely you should give it a try! And of course if you run to Kingsdown you have to finish at the Zetland Arms!!

Bluebirdrunner profile image
Bluebirdrunner

Lovely report BLEW! I felt like I was running with you reading that... Congratulations on a super quick time too! Phew..can we sit down now😊xx

BLEWI profile image
BLEWI in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Yes of course you can sit down - but make sure you do your stretches first!!!

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Half Marathon

Wow! Super speedy time and lovely post. Well done!😀

BLEWI profile image
BLEWI in reply to Sandraj39

Thank you 😊 just driven to Deal for dinner and realised again just how far it is!! No wonder I’m slightly tired now!!

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatHalf Marathon

Wow! A great report of a fantastic run and an incredibly speedy time!

ancientrunner profile image
ancientrunnerHalf Marathon

That sounds wonderful. I've only ever heard of Walmer Castle as a pub - how ignorant.

BLEWI profile image
BLEWI in reply to ancientrunner

Well fun trivia fact for next time you’re in the pub... The Duke of Wellington spent a lot of time at Walmer Castle and so the original Wellington boots are there!

ancientrunner profile image
ancientrunnerHalf Marathon in reply to BLEWI

Ooh, I shall store that one away!!

roseabi profile image
roseabiUltramarathon

This is so lovely - 7 kinds of wonderful!!!

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnMarathon

You have a gift with words there - you've made me almost feel homesick for a place I've never actually been 🙂

Great run, great write up ☺

BLEWI profile image
BLEWI in reply to Irish-John

That has to be the best compliment ever!! Thank you 😊 maybe one day you’ll get to visit and run it for yourself

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnMarathon in reply to BLEWI

It would be wonderful :)

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappHalf Marathon

I live by the sea, so I can completely agree that it is the best of places to run! I hope you get to enjoy a few more before you have to head home.

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