Paisley Park parkrun

Posted on October 19, 2024 by lindaharley

parkrun #379 event #103

Regionnaire status regained!

The newest addition to Norn Irn’s parkruns is Paisley Park, in north Belfast. I visited on their event number 3, on a beautiful crisp sunny autumn day.

Access:

It’s in Belfast, so it will be pretty easy for locals and visitors alike to get there. Bus routes are listed on the parkrun page, but I managed to get a lift there, and met enough running chums there to arrange a lift home again (Thank you Liz and Emma!)

Facilities:

There is very little car parking on site. The area is shared with a playing pitch so there are football things happening at the same time. A few loos available in the changing rooms. No cafe on site, but a number of options nearby, including McDonalds where the team meet. Its launch was celebrated with a plaque, commemorating the breaking of a 4 minute mile here in Belfast.

Crowd:

Being fairly new, there are lots of tourists such as myself making sure we have ticked off all the events in Norn Irn, so I recognised quite a few faces. I was also “cow cowled!” by a visitor from further afield. There were 176 at this, their number 3, I’d expect that to level off around 80 in weeks to come.

Course:

I did find it a little confusing. It starts with 2 laps of the track, once on the outer lane and once on the inner, before heading past the car park onto the greenway, where 2 loops have to be run, before heading BACK to the track for a final 2 laps. I only did one of those final laps, oops!

Most of the path is tarmac, so road shoes are advised, and watch out for slippy leaves. The views, though, are stunning, over the city, and I found myself reciting Wordsworth:

Earth has not any thing to show more fair:

Dull would he be of soul who could pass by

A sight so touching in its majesty:

This City now doth, like a garment, wear

The beauty of the morning; silent, bare,

Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie

Open unto the fields, and to the sky;

I did take lots of photos, but my stoopit iPhne is playing up and didn’t capture them. It is slightly undulating, but not overly so. But the 2 loops do mean that there are parts where there are runners going in both directions, so remember to keep left where indicated.

Gear:

I was in my usual windproof trousers, long sleeved base layer, blue T with handy zips (for my debit card, bus pass and emergency fiver), cow cowl, headband and world tourist cap. Zipped waist belt for phone. Could have done with gloves!

Time:

My official time was 41m15, but as I had inadvertently omitted the final lap that wasn’t strictly correct.

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

Filed under: belfast, Parkrun, running | Tagged: , , , | 1 Comment »

parkrun tourism: Thames Path, Woolwich

Posted on September 17, 2024 by lindaharley

event #102 parkrun#376

Reason for visit: My daughter’s West End debut, why thank you for asking!

Access:

The meeting point is in James Clavell Square, where the statues don high viz vests so that the many visitors can find it.

The course page is very good at using “what three words”, and when I discovered that the code for this was “tulip.patch.runner”, well, there was a location with my name on it! (Have I told you about the tulips?). I was staying in theatreland, and rode one stop from Leicester Square to Tottenham Court Road, where I changed onto the lovely sparkly new Elizabeth Line (referred to by all as The Lizzy Line) to Woolwich, a journey of about 20 minutes.

The Lizzy Line has great big long trains, so I’ve never found it to be crowded (but then I’m not commuting). I did have to remind myself that parkruns in England start at 9.00, rather than the Irish and Scottish civilised 9.30s that I’m used to.

Crowd:

It’s a fairly recent addition to the London parkruns, so still attracts a lot of visitors. I got chatting to a few fellow cow cowls, as well as someone who was doing their first ever parkrun and had already invested in a barcode wristband! A few buggies and dogs, and a handful of walkers alongside speedier runners.

Course:

The original “Curly Wurly”, with a spiral section, was Somerdale Pavilion, but this course also incorporates a spiral path section in Gallions Park, with a circuit of the bench at the top. So some have christened it the “Walnut Whip”.

Aside from that part, it’s pretty flat, run mostly on the Thames path along the river, affording cracking views. Encouraging signs, featuring the swirly spiral symbol, bring a smile.

Facilities:

There are loos nearby, and any number of cafes for parkfaffing afterwards. Sadly I couldn’t stay as I was meeting J for breakfast (and therefore quite grateful of the 9.00 am start)

Gear:

It was quite a warm day, but I was in my wind-proof black trousers, turquoise top with little zippy pocket, where I kept my bank card for zapping in and out of ticket barriers, and my waist belt for phone and tissues. World tourist baseball cap and sunnies. Wore my Saucony’s for travelling in.

Time:

I am not running regularly at all these days, and was adopting a “jog a bit walk a bit” approach (did not try running up the walnut whip, but ran all the way down), so I was quite happy with a run time in the low 40s.

Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:

I had so many earworms from the show the night before, and was also enjoying listening to the birdsong, and the lap of water from the rivers edge.

And the Rest:

Well, J was just amazing in the wonderfully mad, over-the-top, riot of laughs that is Why Am I So Single – it was just beautiful to watch her signing programmes at the stage door afterwards. Go see it!!!!

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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parkrun tourism: Mile End

Posted on June 10, 2024 by lindaharley

event #101 parkrun #374

Back in that London for the second time in a week, this time to see the legend Barry Manilow. After the excitement of my 100th event last week, I wasn’t too bothered whether I ran or not, but the day dawned bright and sunny and so off I went. And a very enjoyable morning it turned out to be.

Access:

Those of us who don’t actually live in London sometimes find it hard to work out which one to choose. It’s all very well looking at a map to see which is closest, but that may not translate into easiest to get to. I toyed with Victoria Dock and Burgess, but in the end decided that Mile End would be the simplest to get to, being only 5 stops on the Central Line from where I was staying near Covent Garden. From the charming tube station, turn left and you’ll soon find yourself at an entrance to Mile End Park. Start and finish is by the stadium.

Facilities:

Loos are in the stadium, bikes can be left there too. There’s a Raggedy School museum and cafe for afterwards, or other cafes nearby.

Course:

The park itself is a long narrow strip crossing over the main road via a bridge. So it’s sort of “out and back” with a tight turnaround point (watch out for those bollards!).

The paths are like a dual carriageway, faster runners tend to use both lanes at the start, but as the crowd thins out keep to the left. Tarmac path all the way, some slight inclines over the bridge, and super views of the city skyline.

Crowd:

I got my first ever “Dolly or Bev” in the wild, from Ruth and Brian, currently on 126 with no repeats. I also chatted to visitors from Manchester and the Netherlands. The crowd seemed youngish in age, and the course is also suitable for buggies or dogs (but not both). Big numbers, so a complicated finish funnel.

Gear:

I had travelled in my blue Hokas, and wore my wind proof black trousers and my With Me Now t shirt, and of course my cow cowl.

Time:

I stopped to take photos, so my time was just under 50 minutes.

Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:

I didn’t have headphones in, but we had put Barry on Spotify that morning, so I was humming Copacabana to myself.

All My parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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parkrun toursim – The Fisherman’s Walk

Posted on June 2, 2024 by lindaharley

event #100 woohoo, full cowell

regionnaire status regained

My parkrun tourism is severely hampered these days due to 2 factors. Firstly, I have a part time job, which often requires Saturday working. Secondly, we are now a one-car family (being more environmentally friendly), but my other half needs the car on a Saturday morning. So if I DO have a Saturday off, I am reliant on the kindness of friends who can offer a lift. Step up Heather, fellow Jog Lisburner, who was my chauffeuse for the road trip to Portglenone. Thank you!

Access:

Portglenone (usually pronounced “own” but often jokingly called “one”, and in my lexicon now Port glen onehundred) is a charming little village on the north side of Lough Neagh. It has a marina, some lovely wee cafes, and a very pretty forest, famous for its bluebells. The parkrun is NOT at the forest, though, but at a riverside walk just outside the town. Good directions are given on the parkrun site, but you’ll need a car.

Facilities:

There is a small car park by the start/finish area, though runners are encouraged to leave it for other users, especially fishermen. Parking on the main street is easy enough to find. There’s also a portaloo onsite, as well as a toilet block before the bridge. Coffee afterwards in the village. The volunteers are very friendly and manage the big numbers very efficiently, and a photographer produces some excellent photos.

Course:

A lollipop shaped course with a run out to a loop, down twice. Arrows and marshals make sure you wont get lost. Cattle grids are covered with mats. No real hills to be concerned about, gravel path mostly, with the odd muddy patch. Beautiful views along the riverside.

Crowd:

It’s still the new kid on the Norn Irn block, so is very popular with those completing the NI set. I chatted to a few other Jog Lisburners, other cow cowl chums delighted to be getting another T, and ambassador Matt, with his wife Ruth who has recently celebrated her 600 volunteer milestone. What an achievement! Good course for dogs ( long hard Paddington stare at someone running with 2 dogs). The start is a little narrow, but sensible seeding with slower runners and walkers at the back reduces any congestion.

Gear:

Cow leggings, 100 volunteer shirt, black headband, blue hokkas. And of course my cow cowl. I’d had a moment of panic on Friday when I couldn’t find it, but a quick prayer to St Anthony did the trick – he can apparently even find lost cows. Blessed be the cow, and also with moo.

Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:

No headphones with me, I was enjoying the birdsong. But my earworm was of course 100 miles from The Proclaimers.

And the rest:

I did of course have cake! I’m not a baker, but Sainsburys (other supermarkets are available) do a “decorate it yourself” iced Madeira. I rolled out some yellow icing and made holes in it with a bottle top. Then used a cow shaped cutter and black icing, before adding the words with an icing pencil. Small but beautifully formed, if I do say so myself!

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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parkrun tourism: Jesmond Dene

Posted on May 5, 2024 by lindaharley

parkrun #372 event#99

Reason for visit: seeing the amazing Jemima Brown in a performance of award nominated Surge.

Access:

I’d never been to Newcastle before, and the journey was fairly straightforward. Well, a 7 a.m flight isn’t the easiest to negotiate, particularly with the frankly sub-standard public transport links to Aldergrove, but security and boarding were smooth and quick, and 40 minutes later we were touching down in “the Toon”. I was mightily impressed by the frequent, clean, and cheap Metro services to and from the airport, which took me (via the Jesmond stop) to Central Station, right across from the County Hotel, where I was staying. By 9 am I had dropped off my bags, done a recce wander, and by 11 I was sharing a cappuccino with darling daughter.

For Jesmond Dene parkrun, I got the metro back out to Jesmond. As it’s on the airport route, the service is quite frequent, about every 15 minutes on a Saturday, and the journey takes about 10 minutes. From the metro station, turn left, and walk all the way down Jesmond Road until you see signs for Jesmond Dene. It’s about a 15 minute walk. I got a 38 bus back into the city centre.

Facilities:

The briefing takes place near Millfield House, where there are loos and a cafe (and an ice cream van and a pets corner). When I visited there was a great market happening on Armstrong Bridge, where I enjoyed an iced latte and a granola breakfast cookie. Coats and bags can be left at the scanning area.

Course:

Oh my stars it is hilly! And has steps! And a resident puddle known as “Mr Puddle”. I’m pretty sure I also encountered Mrs Puddle as well as various Masters and Misses Puddles. But it is stunningly beautiful. Definitely no prams, and no dogs, though there were plenty of dog walkers around.

Crowd:

200 or so, I got chatting to a cow-legging wearer, and a local runner. But by the time I’d finished they had all disappeared, so I didn’t get much park-faffing.

Gear:

It was May 4th, so of course I had to wear some Star Wars clothing! I have an R2D2 dress, and Chewbacca/ Big Bang T shirt, so I wore them both. Black windproof leggings, parkrun world tourist cap, and had my cross body bag slung around me. Blue Hokkas that I’d travelled in, and was very worried about returning in, following my encounter with Mr Puddle. Dress code around here seems to be skirt the size of a hanky, and shoes like housebricks. (Not for parkrun, though. )

Strangely Appropriate Song On Shuffle:

I had no headphones with me, but was enjoying the birdsong in the trees.

Time:

I was very slowly jog walking, barely keeping ahead of the tail walker, so 51 minutes. Do I care? I’m out there taking some exercise in the fresh air.

And the Rest:

Well, I certainly made the most of my time in this friendly and scenic city! I managed to get a walk on the beach followed by fish and chips, charity shop bargain hunting, sipping a cocktail in a rooftop bar, an art gallery, science museum, castle, and of course as a bridge aficionado there are 7 unique and stunning ones to enjoy. Highly recommended!

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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parkrun tourism: Montalto Estate

Posted on April 21, 2024 by lindaharley

parkrun#371 event#98

Regionaire Regained!

I’ve got a wee summer job (yay!). But it means I often have to work on Saturdays (boo). A couple of weeks ago I had a Saturday off, AND it was scheduled to be Montalto’s inaugural (yay!), But then along came Storm Olivia, and the whole estate was closed (booo). Last week they were able to have their inaugural, but I was working (boooo), but I did manage to make it to their event number 2 (yay!)

Access:

You need a car, there is no public transport option. We are currently a one-car family, and the real pinch point is that my husband needs the car each Saturday morning, where he has to be in Ballynahinch at 10 am. Handily enough, Montalto is just around the corner from the town, and those times aren’t too bad for a drop-off /pick-up for me, so I suspect Montalto Estate will become a common feature of my parkrun journey over the next few months. (On those Saturdays when I’m not working ). And as it’s dog friendly and has a great cafe, this will be no hardship!

Plenty of car parking, and it was being efficiently marshalled.

Facilities:

Super cafe, and you get to spend some time in the beautiful grounds afterwards if you aren’t rushing off. There are toilets in the courtyard, as well as in the next block along. There’s also an enclosed dog exercise area beside the car park, so Toby could have a bit of a meet’n’greet with the other pooches before setting off.

Course:

The estate is home to some charming views and gorgeous flora. But oh my it is HILLY! I was discussing with other parkrunners, and we reckon this may just be the most brutal course in Norn Irn. Brutal, but bootiful.

There’s a narrow funnel to get through before the start, and the paths are mostly gravel and not very wide. 2 laps, so there’s more room to choose your line on the second one.

Crowd:

There had been over 400 at the inaugural, with 250 when I attended. I’d expect it to level off at around 100. Lots of dogs, it’ll appeal to those who just want to take Fido for walkies. A few prams, bravely coping with those hills. And quite a few young uns. I spotted my first “bring back the stats” T shirt in the wild.

Gear:

I wore my 250 top, though the numbers are peeling off, warm trousers, cow cowl and headband. Toby was in a purple harness.

Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:

I was listening to the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest entries, and was inspired by Luxembourg’s “Fighter” as I struggled on the upward sections.

Time:

I was walking the ups and running the downs (though they are so steep that it was hard to make up much time on them) So 49 mins. Hey, it looks like I’ll be revisiting a few times, so I’ll get to improve on that.

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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Eurovision 2024 runners and riders

Posted on April 2, 2024 by lindaharley

It’s that time of year again, having a good ole listen (and watch) of this year’s entries and picking my favourites.  Note, official video is not the same as what we might see on stage in Malmo. This year we have lots of uh-uh oh-ohing, nonsense lyrics (NL), featured animals (FA), and of course Terry’s favourite, plenty of scantily clad whallopers (SCW).  The bookies and I agree on the top 3, but vehemently disagree on Denmark (I think it’s great!) and Greece (I’m not a fan).  So.  In alphabetical order…..

Albania – Titan

Pretty lady in a pearl face mask on a horse, wrapped in a duvet, and in a bath of rose petals.  In a red dress with slits so high at the sides one has to ask if she is actually wearing underwear.  I don’t really like this Lady Gaga vocal style. Verdict – NQ

Armenia

I still can’t get my head around the odd time signature, but there’s some ethnic trumpet playing while the singer strokes a chicken (FA)  in a big knit cardi. Verdict – quirky enough to garner some support.

Australia – One Milkali

Love love, peace peace, featuring some indigenous singing and lyrics, the video is very odd, as it just shows the lyrics with the 2 singers not actually singing, just smiling and bobbing their heads about. Very reminiscent of The Beloved’s Sweet Harmony. NLs abound – 0.618? Spill the tea on reality? Fleetwood Macs and Janets?  I need a translator. I do like the digeridoo, hope it makes an appearance on stage!  Bit of a grower.  Verdict –  2 point.

Austria – We will rave

Catchy hook, « We rum de dum dum de We will rave » (NL) from a SCW with a techno break and a steamy video. Sounds like Rhythm is a Dancer, and another no-knicks dress.  Do people still go to raves?  It’ll go down well at parties.  Verdict – 1 point

Azerbaijan – Fahree

Ethnic wind instruments

Ethnic percussion rhythm

Ethnic half-notes

Ethnic yodelling

Reminiscent of Madonna’s Frozen

Verdict – will qualify and then underperform

Belgium – Before the Party is over

There’s emotionally overblown, and then there’s Mustii’s giving it 110% whilst writhing around semi-naked covered in glitter, going see how dramatic I can be?  It’s all terribly The Show Must Go On angst-ridden earnest, not a feel good song,  and I don’t like it much. But it will get votes.  Verdict – a grudging 3 points

Croatia – Rim Tim Tagi Dim (NL)

Bookies favourite apparently, it ticks a lot of Euroviz bingo boxes with the nonsense title, some stupid dance moves, bread making, cows and some chickens (FA).  Oh, and a one eyed cat being asked to meow back.  It’ll raise the roof in the hall! Verdict – it’s a 10 from me, be happy if it wins.

Cyprus – Liar

SCW in a gold suit, otherwise instantly forgettable. NL Wake up in the morning and I feel like Oooh lala. Verdict – NQ

Czechia – Pedestal

Shouty SCW reminiscent of Avril Lavigne or Garbage. Brave to bring a song about domestic violence to Eurovision.  You stay silent, I get violent.  Verdict – NQ

Denmark – Sand

Very competent and relatable performance, of a well-crafted song. I’d expect this to finish well up the left had side of the board. Uh-uh ooooh bit will have the crowd singing along. NL shouldn’t be so hard like breathing underwater.  Verdict – I give 8 points, but the bookies don’t rate it.

Estonia – some big long name that no-one is ever going to be able to pronounce

Bonkers Bassy Beardy rap with ethnic stringed instruments.  Nope, still can’t find the melody. Reminds me of Mongolian band The Hu (seriously look them up!).  It’ll have a certain type of fan.  Verdict – bottom of the RHS

Finland – No Rules

I’m mad, me, Windows 95 Man, does quite a lot of screeching.  I’d be happy to never hear this again. Verdict – bottom of RHS

France – Mon Amour

Passionately delivered typical French ballad, with very breathy vocals, in a mirror ball suit. NL create an ocean in the fire, though the lyrics are pretty easy to follow.  One for my French class to translate.  Verdict – 4 points

Georgia – Firefighter

SCW does a remix of Ruslana’s Wild Dances.  NL I’m running like tigers.  Verdict – NQ

Germany – Always on the Run

Big bear chap in a leather jacket, but it’s a dreary generic radio pop song that won’t stand out.  Lewis Capaldi inspired. NL I know my blessing with the privilege. Shame, I always like songs about running! Verdict – will be hovering round the bottom of the table.

Greece – Zazi

Bit of Greek folk dancing mixed with I’m so trendy rapping.  Sounds like Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire. NL I fall and move like dice.  Verdict – mid table

Iceland – Scared of Heights

Alison Moyet lookalike with a very bland, dated and unoriginal song and staging. Verdict – NQ

Ireland – Doomsday Blue

2 songs in one.  A soft and melodic verse, interspersed with a VERY SHOUTY chorus.  There’s some horror movie voodoo Avada Kadava spell casting going on, but I can’t be sure.  Ireleand have struggled to qualify in recent years, and I think Bambie Thug will join the others on the bench.  Verdict – probably qualify but only cos there are at least 11 songs worse.

Israel – Hurricane 

Very plodding, though the video features some operatic and balletic comtempto-waft dancers. NL someone stole the moon tonight.  Hard to keep politics out of things, and there are fisticuffs on t’internet between those who think the song is the best thing since sliced matzos, and those who are vehemently opposed to even taking part in the contest, let alone giving any votes to Israel. Verdict – right hand side of board.

Italy – La noia

Very catchy, this party in a song easily becomes an earworm, I just wish I knew enough Italian to be able to sing along with the rest of it. Hairography a feature in the video, and the singer is extremely good. I’m secretly hoping it’s a hymn to the Discworld goddess of Things That Get Stuck In Drawers, Anoia. Reminds me of Las Ketchup, or Chanel’s Slo Mo, I’m bopping around the kitchen to it.  Please stylists, resist the urge to put Angelina in a skimpy outfit. Verdict – 9 points

Latvia – Hollow

Slow and heavy.  It does not improve on subsequent re-listens.  Video features Hanibal Lecter in a sandpit. Verdict – NQ

Lithuania – Luktelk

Backstreet Boys sing an ode to quinoa (NL), in a remix of Tick-tock, What You Waiting For. Verdict – 5 points

Luxembourg – Fighter

Welcome back Luxembourg, who haven’t competed for years, despite being previous winners.  Sung in French and English, with ethnic drums, sounds like Destinys Child Charlie’s Angels song, but I fear it won’t stand out enough.  Verdict – might qualify, but won’t be a points gatherer.

Malta – Loop

SCW performs an assisted somersault – geddit? Verdict – NQ

Moldova – In the Middle

Identikit blondes perform synchronised fiddling. Verdict – NQ

Nederlands – Europapa

Oh God what nonsense is this!  In Dutch!  With rapping!  Big comedy wig/ shoulder-pads/ glasses/ hat.  Turns into No No Limits half way through.  The video has a more reflective ending, though I’m not sure that will make it to the stage.  Juries will hate it, under 8s will be jumping up and down in delight. Verdict – 2 points

Norway – Ulveham

High screechy intro, but not unlike Loreen.  Folksy melody, with a high screechy chorus.  They think they are Evanescence.  They are not. Verdict – might scrape into the final

Poland – The Tower

Quiz show theme tune.  Verdict – NQ

Portugal – Grito

Deep and meaningful, with masked backing singers.  We are 1 minute in, and I’m already thinking Oh Lordi how much more of this can I stand?  Verdict –  scrapes into final 26 at number 26.

San Marino – 11.11

Pink hair, schoolgirls, messy chaotic video.  Is the title a time? Verdict – NQ.  In fact, my last place out of 37.

Serbia – Ramonda

One of several songs this year to have a girl’s name as the title.  Nice close harmony build up, but otherwise forgettable. NL everything is quiet just like underwater. Verdict – NQ

Slovenia – Veronika

SCW does a lot of screaming surrounded by semi naked men. Verdict – NQ

Spain – Zarra

Video is Paloma Faith at a hen do, turns into a SCW surrounded by male strippers. Verdict – right hand side.

Sweden – Unforgettable

Electronic banger from Sweden’s answer to Jedward (except they can actually sing).  Daft Lyrics and a do-re-mi-fa-so hook. Verdict – 7 points

Switzerland – The Code

Falsetto reminiscent of Mika, some heavy breathing and a mini opera, crossing The Magic Flute with Lafayette’s high speed rapping.  Oho oh oh, hook, Like Ammonites, I just gave it some time (NL), and lots of running around in a tutu.  This year’s Bond theme song (Billie Eyelash/ Sam Smith era), if not a whole Bond movie condensed into 3 minutes.   Verdict – my favourite, 12 points

Ukraine – Teresa and Maria

Heartfelt Sisters doing it for the sisterhood, paying tribute to Mother Teresa and the Virgin Mary, and the struggles that women face.  Truly awful rapping. But people will vote for Ukraine.  Verdict – 6 points

UK – Dizzy

Olly is an inspired choice to represent UK this year, and by all accounts his live vocals are up to the challenge.  There’s a sweet little change to major key in the chorus, in amongst an interesting chord sequence.  So, a decent song which I know will be performed brilliantly, but it won’t stand out.  Verdict – right hand side of board, but hopefully avoiding the dreaded nul points!

So – who are your ones to watch this year?

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parkrun tourism: Penryn Campus

Posted on November 15, 2023 by lindaharley

parkrun #358 event#97

Reason for visit: My son’s special day, being held in glorious Cornwall.

Access:

Getting to Cornwall is not easy. It is WAAAAAAAAAY over there, and when the trains aren’t running it’s a 6 hour drive from London (for my daughter). She wisely stopped overnight at Plymouth before making the final leg along those narrow winding roads. My journey there was quite pleasant, a flight from Belfast city airport to Newquay, followed by picking up a hire car. My return journey was impeded by Storm Debi, which caused my Belfast flight to be cancelled. But thankfully I was able to switch onto a Dublin flight, and catch a bus back up north.

Getting to Penryn Campus is pretty straightforward, with excellent directions given on the parkrun page.

Facilities:

There is ample parking by the sports centre, which also has clean loos. From there it’s a wee dander to the start line, plenty of signage along the way. On our visit they were celebrating their 100th event, so scones with jam and cream were provided. Dispensation was given to apply the toppings in whichever order you pleased.

Crowd:

They usually get just under 100 runners, it got into 3 figures this time, probably because of the special occasion. My son is a parkrunner, – we also another guest with us, as well as Apollo the dog, young B in a pushchair, and an under 11. So we had All The Things, and a good job we had 3 adults to take charge of one each. My under 11 had only 2 speeds, despite me trying to persuade him of the joys of Meemaw’s “gentle jog”. Lots of encouragement from the other runners and volunteers.

Course:

It’s hilly! Starts with a downhill section, at a turnaround point you go back up the hill, and across to run round a little maze. And you do that 3 times. All on tarmac paths.

Time:

Gentle jog, hills, I was happy with a 50 minute time, coming in just ahead of the tailwalker.

Gear:

Cold weather pants, With Me Now top, cow cowl and headband. Blue Hokas which I’d travelled in. I didn’t see any other cow cowls, though when we checked later my son would be eligible, being on 36 different events.

Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:

I didn’t put my headphones on, as I was the responsible adult for an under 11. But I’d started re-reading Espedair Street last week since I was in Glasgow, and happened to reach the description of driving on the Cornish roads around Newquay, which I could totally relate to.

And the rest:

Well what a wonderful weekend it was! I got to see Lands End, the Minack Theatre, and the Eden Project. As well of course as the fantastic family celebrations, with lots of cake, champagne, grandson cuddles, and a never ending game of Monopoly.

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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parkrun tourism: Ruchill

Posted on November 7, 2023 by lindaharley

parkrun #357 event#96

Reason for visit: RSCDS AGM in Glasgow

The RSCDS is celebrating its centenary this year, and as it had its very first meeting in Glasgow, it was only fitting that this year’s autumn gathering took place in dear ole Glasgow toon. I’d previously ran at Victoria, Glasgow, so was keen to try a different one. Ruchill (pronounced as if saying the F word but with a soft ch at the end, like loch) is in the Maryhill area, on the north side of the city. It is famous for having a “whale shaped” course, and for affording fabulous views over the city and to the hills beyond.

Access:

I wasn’t too sure of the public transport options, so got a taxi to take me there. I’d booked it for 8.30, but it arrived at 8.10! Thank goodness, me being me, I was ready and waiting in the hotel reception. The fare was £10. Having more time afterwards, I was able to get a No 60 bus back into town. The bus stop is near the fire station, a short walk from the park.

Course:

The whale is composed of a large lap (the body), and a short lap (the tail). The full sequence of laps is large, small, large, small, large. There’s a small section where runners are going in both directions. And boy is it hilly! I absolutely loved the chalked signs on the footpath, reminding us that it’s just “a wee incline”, as well as thanking the volunteers, pointing out the view, and giving encouraging messages. As well as these, the course was well signposted with direction arrows, and cones blocking off any paths not to be taken, and warning of any trip hazards. In November, the colours of the trees were just stunning.

Facilities:

No toilets or cafe in the park, and most people just seemed to head off afterwards.

Crowd:

There are usually around 100 participants. I chatted to another couple of cow-cowl wearers, who like me were delighted to get another Letter R in order to spell the word “parkrun”. I’d got there quite early, but there were already chatty and welcoming volunteers there. First timers gather around the “Tree of Knowledge” for a briefing.

Gear:

It was November, in Scotland, so I was wrapped up well. My heaviest running trousers, Jog Lisburn base layer and With Me Now T, cow cowl, gloves and headband. Little zippy belt to hold money and phone, and Cracker can fit onto this belt too. Blue Hokas which the photographer managed to capture in a rare flying feet photo!

Time:

I’m awffy slow these days, plus it was hilly, and I did keep stopping to take pictures. But I was first in my age category! 47 mins something.

Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:

I had my headphones with me but didn’t get get round to putting them on! But I had plenty of Scottish dance tunes running through my head, as I was going over dances for the evening programmes.

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

Filed under: Parkrun, running, Scotland, Scottish Country Dance | 1 Comment »

Valencia, Spain

Posted on September 17, 2023 by lindaharley

Valencia is the 3rd largest city in Spain, which happened to be a question on El Cazador, the Spanish version of The Chase. It has something for everyone, with a beach, marina, old buildings, great restaurants and a superb public transport system.

We bought the Valencia Travel Card, which gave 3 days on any of the buses trains and trams, as well as a free drink and tapa in the cafe at the top of El Cortes Ingles, and discounts on the entrance to other attractions.

Its central market is famous, and houses a stunning array of meat, fish, cheese, fruit and veg, as well as other items.

We visited the cathedral, which has a beautiful octagonal tower, whose windows are made from thin stone.

Another highlight was a visit to Oceanografic, part of the City of Arts and Sciences.

It is made up of different zones, such as tropical, temperate, arctic, and is home to some mesmerizing jellyfish, a pair of beluga whales, sharks, rays and turtles.

There are 2 tunnels where you can walk underneath the fish tanks, as the various creatures swim over and around you.

The cafe serves and nice selection of sandwiches, coffee and beer, while underneath there is an amazing restaurant, Submarino, where you can dine while surrounded by a giant fish tank.

Plenty of restaurants do a “men del dia” for around 10-13 euros, which includes a drink and bread. A glass of wine was around 3 euros. Favourite breakfast was tostada with tomato pulp, served with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.

Filed under: Spain, travel | Tagged: | Leave a comment »

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