Last weekend I was in Suffolk. I stayed in my sister in law’s static caravan which she very generously shares with the family, for a couple of nights so that I could do a trail run nearby which was then postponed until November! Oh well I thought, I will just do a half marathon by myself on routes that I know well around Aldeburgh. A plan. Then I remembered another run postponed from last year happening today (May 2nd), and not relishing the thought of two half marathons on consecutive weekends I decided to shorten the Suffolk run to around 12km.
Last September I ran a half marathon in this area which I wrote about here. It is an area I know quite well by now, and a lovely place to walk or run.
Pathways:
And the sea!
What a beautiful run it was. So peaceful.
And then today I ran the first half marathon I’ve done since last September, and that weather dominated half in Suffolk when I ended up soaked through and frozen!
The run today was organised by Phoenix Running and was a repeat of the route I did last year in August (blog post here). Four laps out and back along the towpath at Walton-on-Thames equals a half marathon. I did wonder about doing another lap as it’s an event where you can do as much as you like in 7 hours. However after 21.1 km my legs said No! It was a another beautiful spring morning and there’s always lots to see along the river. People on paddle boards, rowing boats, motor boats and narrow boats. And of course lots of people cycling and walking.
I didn’t take a lot photos today but it was a really beautiful day as you can see.
Double the Force! Or two medals for the price of one!
Last September I took part in a virtual running challenge organised by Ealing Half Marathon, to run in or to 13 of the lovely parks we have here in the borough of Ealing. It was a lot of fun, visiting new parks as well as those I know well.
It was so popular that it’s being run again in April, with 13 different parks to visit. And this time there’s an option to do 13 parks in your local area if you don’t live in Ealing!
RUN ONE
Perivale Park
I started off on 1st April after work, with one of the nearest parks to me – Perivale Park, which I have run in many many times, and have written about here.
RUN TWO
Beautiful blossom in Hanger Hill Park
Run 2 happened on a bank holiday so I had more time in hand. I worked out a little route that took in four parks/ green spaces. First was Drayton Green, which was purchased by the council in 1866 when the area started to be developed. For centuries it had been farmland. There has been a running track on the green since 1932, and a children’s playground since the 1950’s (hopefully not the same one, haha! Remember the infamous witch’s hat roundabout thing? So dangerous but so fun!).
Next stop Haven Green, right outside Ealing Broadway station which is having a huge makeover for the Elizabeth Line – Crossrail. Haven Green has its roots far back in Anglo Saxon times. It was at the crossroads of some major routes east to west, and north to south. Farmers would drive their cattle and sheep to market in London along the Uxbridge road, resting them on the green, while they went for refreshments at The Feathers Inn. This later became the Townhouse, and is now a bank and apartments.
Then off along the Uxbridge Road just a short way up to Ealing Common, a big open space that is used for all sorts. Nowadays football and dog walking are major activities. In the past cricket was popular, and the pub that is now called the Grange was originally called The Cricketer. It’s used for funfairs and circuses too (in ‘normal times’).
Then I made my way up to Hanger Hill Park, up the infamous Park View Road, which is the first proper hill on the Ealing half marathon route. There are lots of trees here and natural springs that run across some of the paths. There are views from the top across to Wembley and the stadium.
Altogether this run was shorter than I had anticipated – under 10km. Apart from some busy roads in some places it was a nice route.
RUN THREE
More blossom in Elthorne Park
I did run 3 on Easter Day – just a quick local run to Elthorne Park, which I’ve written about here. I saw a few people also running or cycling through the parks and along the canal for the Queen of the Suburbs Challenge! It’s nice to say hi!
RUN FOUR
In Southall Recreation Ground
On Easter Monday I did a longer run along the canal towards Southall to tick off two parks there. Wolf Fields was a bit uninspiring, although I am sure it’s lovely to have that space if you live locally. And maybe I was a bit underwhelmed because it was a very grey and chilly day. Southall Recreation Ground is nice, with a big children’s playground and some beautiful mature trees. And it’s right next to the canal.
RUN FIVE
This beautiful oak is in a field just near Horsenden Hill.
And this weekend I did run 5, which took in three parks in the north/northwest of the borough. I actually went through Perivale Park again, and Northala Fields (which I’ve written about here!) to get to Lime Tree Park. Apparently this was originally a featureless flat space, which lent itself to antisocial behaviour such as joy riding and traveller encampments. But the council, in conjunction with residents and an environmental company, developed the landscape to discourage such activities. It now has undulating grounds, with trees and pond area. There is also a children’s centre at one side. This whole area was developed from farmland in the 1950’s, and I have met many residents who have lived here from that time, moving from crowded and dilapidated housing in places like Notting Hill, Shepherd’s Bush and Hammersmith after the 2nd world war. It really was the countryside then, with farms and stables.
After this it was a short run to Belvue Park and the lovely ancient St. Mary’s church. This area has a connections to the Iron Age and the Romans, and there are informative signs around the park. (This is why some of my runs take so long – reading the info and taking photos!).
I managed to find my way easily to the canal and ran back towards Perivale and Horsenden Hill. I have often run along this way, but funnily enough I almost always run east to west, not the other way round. Everything looks different going the other way! Even though I was pretty tired by now I just had to go and find the Gruffalo before I headed back home for a second breakfast/brunch!
A selfie with the Gruffalo is compulsory!
I just have two more parks to tick off the list now, and that will most likely happen next weekend. I did make a cake today – but that will wait for a separate post.
In 2015 I was lucky enough to get a place in the 2016 London marathon ballot. I must admit when I entered the ballot I did not expect anything, and when the text came to say I was in I was quite taken aback. It came at a particularly busy time in my life when I was working full time, and just started on a full time MSc programme with one day a week during term time to attend lectures and study etc. My first thought was that I would defer. But anything can happen at any time. Maybe the following year something else would come up… so – carpe diem! The training would just have to fit in around the rest of my life.
Easter weekend 2016 – the Longest Training Run – 3 hours in the cold and wet. At least I got to eat the bunny!
It was hard to squeeze it all in, given there are only 24 hours in a day. I was up very early most mornings, and had to prioritise study, work and running. There was not much time for a social life! The marathon itself was just such an amazing thing to do. Painful, wonderful and uplifting. Running among thousands of other people who have also done those long runs through winter, sacrificing Sunday morning lie-ins in warm beds to run for 2-3 hours in the freezing rain. Running among thousands of people who have cajoled and begged friends and family (and complete strangers!) for sponsorship. It was very emotional.
Anyway – when it was all over I vowed I’d never do it again! I never have – yet 😉 Instead I’m doing 12 half marathons in 12 months.
Now I can’t quite believe that I did actually run for 26.2 miles!
I just love running. On Thursday evening I did my weekly long run, that I usually do on Sunday morning. I wasn’t too sure about doing 2 hours after work, but actually it’s good to mix things up – it was a fantastic run.
Bluebells in the evening sunshine
The weather was perfect. The canal side, woods and parks were in their finest spring beauty. Bluebells in the woods, and leaves on the trees still with that bright lime green freshness.
It’s my favourite time of year. I love the colours of spring.
Eat Cake And Run 