Long Run - 25km (Exploring a new route along the Fossdyke Canal )
dannewton just finished a 25.74km run, that lasted for 160 minutes.
This run helped dannewton burn 1866.0 calories.
Description from Strava:
I've been after a new place to run for these longer runs for awhile, and I think I've finally found one...
It was inspired by a post I found on facebook, by Cleethorpes Maravan
Don't let the name fool you, they are the team behind the Marabank 7 hour race that I will be taking part in, in 3 weeks time
The post showed a couple of pictures as the Race Director had visited the area as part of his preparations, and that lead me to wonder just how far away the event was going to take place
It turns out, its not very far away at all!
The race HQ is based at Burton Waters, and the route will be a 6km out and back route alongside the Fossdyke Canal, checking this on the Strava Route function reveals Burton Waters to be literally just the other side of Lincoln, and just 6 miles away.
That distance is easily within my reach as part of the long run for the week, and so I created a little route via Strava. It takes me from the village I live in, through the center of Lincoln, and out onto a path alongside the canal.
Not only a new route, but it would also allow me the chance to see what the route would look like, and an idea of the ground conditions to expect on race day.
Strava Routes has the option to turn it into a GPX file...
And so I was able to upload it to my watch, to help me navigate. I've not really used this function before, so it'll be a chance to give it a go on a relatively simple route.
The watch is mid range, so it doesn't have a full map screen like the expensive versions, but it does show a line showing the shape of the route, and should give some sat nav instructions, such as head left or right, or let me know if I've missed a turning
I guess I'll see how that pans out!
So, after heading to the shops with parents to get some food shopping done (and stock up on supplies), I was ready to head out for the run about 11am. Although it started dry, it was gloomy and overcast and I expected to have some rain while out today. I had my running vest with me with snacks, along with a drink and also a thin jacket thing. It was warm so I started without it, but I could put it on if I started to get cold.
With the route set up on my watch I set off
Technically, todays route is actually very easy, I've done half of it several times, and the 2nd half is out and back alongside a river, so it is pretty impossible to get lost. Hence why I am trying it out today... hopefully if this works, then I can get more creative with future routes
Below shows an example, while checking my heart rate, the watch vibrated and showed a little arrow telling me to bear right in 39 meters...
And sure enough, there was a major road junction in front of me, and when I reached it, I turned right and headed further down Tritton road.
So, I guess it does work! The vibration when a change of direction is needed is a helpful feature too!
After Tritton Road, there is a bridge that crosses the water... this was the only important turn I needed in this run, I needed to go over it, and then immediately turn a sharp right so I loop back around and then underneath the bridge
This the start of the Fossdyke Canal, and I was going to run all the way alongside this until I reached Burton Waters
The yellow brick buildings on the left are yet more Student accommodation, I swear half the buildings in Lincoln are student flats these days!
As I headed along the path, I eventually left the City behind, and we headed out into the countryside
It was a beautiful day out there, looked like there had been a little bit of rain here earlier, but now it was dry and bright, and surprisingly mild too. I was wearing just a t-shirt and shorts, and felt very comfortable indeed
The wind was breezier than I would have liked, but I can't have everything I guess!
The tarmac path turned into a little muddy trail briefly...
And then once we passed under the bridge it became this hard-packed gravel/stone surface.
I'm pretty sure the race I will be taking part in, will be on this part, so at least I know that Road shoes will be suitable for this (and not trail shoes etc).
It was turning into quite a pretty little route.... I've lived in Lincoln for nearly 30 years, and never knew this was here. Will definitely be running along here more often in future haha!
Burton Waters is the name of a property development on the outskirts of Lincoln, and as you can see its quite a high-end one, it seems that most of the houses have moorings so you can park your own boat.
I suspect that these properties are way out of my price range!
It really was a beautiful day here, and definitely felt like the first signs that Spring is just round the corner. It was a lovely route too, and I was surprised to find out how old it was, as apparently it was built by the Romans over 1900 years ago... (and I do mean in 120 AD, that is not a typo!)
I carried along the canal all the way until my watch notified me that I had run 12.5km, which meant that it was time to head back home again. I simply retraced my steps and ran the same way back home.
12.5km plus 12.5km totals 25km, for a useful training run. I do feel better for the last 4/5 days which have been reduced distances, and lower effort too.
And one final thing, as its race day in 3 weeks today, I've started to think about the taper... i.e. the slow easing of from training so that I am fit and fresh and ready to do the best I can with no lingering tiredness or niggles.
Its not set in stone, but this is something I'll be aiming for...
And on that note, it's time to put my feet up and take it easy for the rest of today. Tomorrow, as you can see, will be an easy 10km... and I'll need to catch up on other chores tomorrow too, and then I can crack on with a return to a full schedule of training on Monday
If you would like to check out this activity on strava you can see it here:
https://www.strava.com/activities/10687010524
About the Athlete: Living in the UK, I am an intermittent Runner, but always striving for more consistency. When I'm not training I can be found photographing insects or listening to really loud angry music (which is the best type of music obviously!)
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The natural scenery is extraordinary, amazing and so beautiful
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That looks like a nice place to run. By the water is going to be pretty flat and you are away from roads. My watch doesn't do directions, but I guess I could do it on my phone if going somewhere I don't know.
I'll do another 10k tomorrow. I want to try and do more runs across the week, but still working on my hip tendon that is just an annoyance.
!PIZZA
$PIZZA slices delivered:
@steevc(1/10) tipped @dannewton
Clean weather is good for running
It’s good to see that you found a new place for a longer run and you also enjoyed the run
That was fantastic
Wow I was blown away when you said the distance was actually within your reach, assuming I am the one, it will have been a bit difficult for me to keep up with the pace
If you want to live a good and healthy life, you have to take time out every day to go to the top of the garden, and when you get to see such natural things and such beautiful buildings, you are more happy.
That was a very long run actually
During your run, I observed a stunning landscape, and the canal's historical importance was truly remarkable. It highlighted your strong connection between running in nature's beauty and finding joy in the surroundings.