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!!
Bournemouth HM race report (eventually 😂)
