Adam in Runderland

It was a chilly, overcast morning as we gathered for the 182nd Northampton parkrun. The golden leaves were still clinging to the dozens of Lime trees that line the route; but on the day the clocks went back there was a definite autumnal chill in the air. Happy Birthday Gerald. It was a big day for a number of people including Gerald Billis who celebrated his birthday by running in his 57th parkrun and brought chocolates to share with the other 309 runners. Karen Young was running in her 50th parkrun and there were visitors from as far away as Reading and Isle of Wight. 22 clubs were represented and a team of 10 volunteers led by Race Director Jo Lee ensured the event ran smoothly. Jo Lee gets us underway Andy Green was the first male across the line and Rebecca Leadbetter was first female in only her third event. There were an impressive 48 PB's meaning that one in six people ran their fastest 5K, a great effort. 25 people joined us for the ...

Today I had my best run for six weeks. Since August I have struggled to find my running mojo. Runs have been laboured, boring and painful. It has been a mental battle as much as a physical one. My back and hips have been sore while my mind has done everything possible to sabotage me. I thought I had fallen out of love with running. The few runs I have done included the Northampton Half Marathon , a seventeen mile fundraising run around the town's churches and parkrun. It has been an effort to put my trainers on and get out. I have been relieved to finish each run and questioned why I do it. I did have to force myself out on this wet, grey, damp autumn day but once I started I soon found my rhythm. After the first mile my breathing was settled and my mind began to relax. I started to notice the incredible colours of the trees in Abington Park. Bright yellows, deep reds and russet browns. There was a gentle breeze and, despite the lack of sunshine, it felt...

This Saturday I was due to attend a course at St Mark's church in Peterborough. As it started at 10 o'clock I thought I would squeeze in a tourist parkrun beforehand. The city is around 40 miles from Northampton and takes just over an hour via the A605. The journey was uneventful as I made my way through the early morning mist covered meadows. As the fog cleared a stark blue sky revealed itself. The air was cool, an autumnal feel to match the vibrant colours of the trees, their fiery extremities flashing in the sunlight. I was heading home. Peterborough was the place of my birth almost 40 years ago although my parents moved when I was less than a year old so I have no recollection of the place. I arrived at Ferry Meadows Country Park with time to spare. It was well signposted and had plenty of parking available. I noticed a visitors centre, a café and was impressed by the immaculate toilet facilities. A small crowd began to form outside the café while I took a...