Thornley Woods 5K

Finally, a weekend run again. Let's quickly recap what I've been up to. Or not.

First, I've not been running. Parkrun has had to be abandoned, as I'm taxi driver every Saturday morning now at parkrun time. 

Secondly, I've not been running or even cycling or swimming since the snow-halted attempt at Blyth in early January.

Thirdly, I've got a job again. From March 2025 to February 2026, I went without an income, which was probably the most prolonged stress and confidence-shattering period of my life. But... I'm now employed again, but the job's requiring a lot of hours right now, so exercise has been way down the list of priorities. 

Today, however, the running buddy and I got back out again, heading to The Land of Oak and Iron (i.e. the Derwent Valley) for an easy 5K in beautiful woodland and mainly along the old railway line there (gentle gradient ahoy!). Really glad we didn't just go to Weetslade Colliery Park (my initial suggestion), as it can't hold a candle to the Derwent Valley. Gorgeous sunshine, trees, meadows, spring flowers, valley views, and lovely, ever-present birdsong.

Frowny man strikes again. I simply can't do selfies. 

As for how it felt physically, I was fine until about 3.5km in, at which point my left hip started moaning. Then maybe another 1km later, my left knee joined it. And this was despite what was a gentle pace for me. I'm still paying the price for too much kneeling down on the floor playing board games over Christmas. Yes the effects really have lasted that long. 

But... nothing actually stopped me. I'll see how I feel tomorrow, but for now, I'm planning another such run next weekend and really looking forward to it. Just need to pick another great route.

At least one of us can do selfies!

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