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Mud, daffodils and aeroplanes

Saturday mornings are generally all about parkrun - more often than not, I'll be at Hanley parkrun, running or run directing and then enjoying a good catch-up in the parkrun café afterwards.

But this week, we took the opportunity of a couple of days off work to spread our wings and headed off to Cheadle Hulme parkrun, which is definitely a hidden gem in a hidden park by the A34

It was a chance to catch up with fellow parkrun ambassador Sam, who was looking after the event on Saturday, and also gave us the opportunity to try something different - the route is entirely on grass, involing one small loop of the top field, three bigger loops of the bottom field then one final loop of the top field to finish. 


The general consensus from the regulars was that the course was muddy - most of the volunteer team were in wellies - but nowhere near as muddy as it can be... but it was still going to be much more like a cross-country run than my normal Saturday experience on the paths in Hanley Park. 

Mud!

Time to embrace a change.... my relatively clean trainers didn't stay clean for long but I really enjoyed the challenge. There were a couple of slip-slidy moments - I definitely wouldn't get many style points for the way I navigated the muddiest sections - but I stayed on my feet and generally ran with a smile. The marshals were brilliantly encouraging and helpfully pointed out the most treacherous sections before you got there... 


Easy Jet?

As well as mud, though, there were a few other distractions on the run... planes coming in to land at nearby Manchester Airport, daffodils just about still in bloom and the occasional glimpse of sunshine too. Given my love/hate relationship with cross-country, I was glad this run was a parkrun perfect 5k and not any further; I was soon heading back into the top field and completing that small loop with a cheer from the marshals and Mr T. 

Daffodils Everywhere

And of course, the other important part of parkrunday is the post-run refreshment... we left our muddy shoes outside and enjoyed a hearty breakfast in the lovely Vinery Café. 

View from the Café

It was a fabulous morning and put me back on track with my running with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

But I will have to clean my shoes!



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