NBC Run Club Update… Week 3 - Into the Woods We Go! 🏃♂️
Week 3 rolled around and, once again, we were blessed with some fantastic running weather. ☀️ It seems the rain has finally realised Mondays belong to NBC Run Club!
While we were missing a few of our regular runners this week, we were delighted to welcome some new faces to the squad. So, with 10 enthusiastic runners onboard, we piled into the minibus and headed back to our now-familiar stomping ground, Alexandra Park. 🚐👟
Students who joined us last week already knew what was coming, but for the newcomers, a quick briefing was needed before we set off.
This week's challenge was to tackle the route used for the final lap of the Alexandra Park Parkrun course. Unlike the first two laps, which take runners around most of the park in a clockwise direction, the final lap comes with a little surprise... or as runners like to call it, "the kicker." 😅
We started as we always do, facing our old friend (or enemy), the dreaded hill. ⛰️
The speedier runners shot off up the incline while the rest of us adopted a more "steady and sensible" approach. Thankfully, the faster runners showed excellent teamwork by waiting for everyone at the top for a quick regroup. 👏
Of course, every uphill has its reward, and the long downhill stretch was welcomed with open arms and tired legs! 😄 We regrouped again near the large boulder before setting off towards the next challenge.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for...
🌲 The Woodland Walk 🌲
As we approached the winding woodland path, students got their first taste of one of Alexandra Park's most famous Parkrun features.
For experienced Parkrunners, the Woodland Walk is a bit of a love-hate relationship. On one hand, you know you're only around half a kilometre from the finish. 🎉 On the other hand, you have to tackle a sneaky incline that seems to go on forever! 😫
The climb itself isn't particularly steep, but after all the effort you've already put into the rest of the run, those 300-400 metres can feel more like 3-4 miles! 😂
Thankfully, the woodland section brought plenty of positives. Students really enjoyed running beneath the tree canopy, which adds a little mystery and adventure to the route. 🍂🌳 It almost felt like we were exploring a hidden trail rather than taking part in a lunchtime run.
Eventually, we emerged from the woods and were greeted by everyone's favourite sight...
📉 The final downhill sprint to the finish!
Suddenly those tired legs found a little extra energy, and everyone powered down the hill towards the finish line. 💨🏃♂️🏃♀️
A huge well done to all 10 hearty souls who joined us for Week 3. Every week we're seeing improvements in confidence, fitness, pacing and determination. Most importantly, everyone continues to encourage one another and have a good laugh along the way. 😊
We can't wait to see what Week 4 brings!
💭 Quote of the Week
"It's a hill. Get over it." 😆
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See you next Monday, runners! 👟💪🏃♂️🏃♀️🌳
