parkrun Tourism: Blackpool - #16

 

As I was going down to Blackpool to video the Mid Lancs XC I decided to get up extra early and so the parkrun first. In fact I got to Stanley Park in time to catch an amazing sunrise:

I was made very welcome before we all set off along the B route (avian flu stopping normal lake laps):

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As it was a flat route I felt very comfortable and in fact had to slow down a few times as I hadn't planned on running a fast one! In the end I came in with an official finish time of 34:20 which was 4 minutes and 14 seconds faster than on New Year's Day... yes that course is hillier but it was a real sign that my fitness is improving. 2022 is now faster than 2021 for me at parkrun but its still my 2nd worst year (so far):

Wainwright Challenge: 6/214 Latrigg

On Saturday the 8th January I was in Keswick to film the Cumbria cross country championship. Afterwards, I made the most of my location to walk the 2 miles to the top of Latrigg. I just had to walk out of the park and keep going up:

When I reached the summit I was hit by a short hail storm as I enjoyed the views across Derwentwater. Skiddaw was hiding behind the clouds.

I may not have had the best weather for my hike but I was very happy to have started my campaign off. Only 208 more to go!

Wainwright Challenge: Orrest Head

 

As Alfred Wainwright was inspired to hike the Lakeland Fells by a hike up Orrest Head in Windermere I thought I ought to follow in his footsteps before adding to my tally. I had to pop to Windermere to collect something so dragged my teen with me for the 2 mile walk. 

Typically it began tipping down as soon as we parked the car but it didn't stop us. Luckily most of the damage from Storm Arwen had been cleared so we could get to the top:

@lakessinglemum Not the best view from Orrest Head today #OrrestHead #Windermere #Cumbria #LakeDistrict ♬ Misty Mountains - Richard Armitage & The Dwarf Cast

Kicking off 2022

 

Having neglected my blog for most of 2021, too much TikTok, its time to kick start it again! At some point I will have to update the highlights of last year. But meantime I am starting 2022 as I mean to go on:

I headed to Fell Foot park for a 9 am parkrun to start the year right. Then I joined in the official New Year's Day swim (it was a refreshing 5C!). 

No resolutions for me this year I am just challenging myself to do things that will help my physical and mental health:

First up is RED January 2022 to make sure I do something active every day. With my running I am looking at chipping away at the time I set at Fell Foot this morning (coming back from injury). Finally its about time I increased my tally of Wainwrights from a pathetic 5 to get more of the 214 ticked off.

To keep me accountable I have the colour in daily chart, the tick off map and I am using Conqueror challenges (10% off via link!) to reward myself. I will do a monthly update but keep an eye on my Facebook and Instagram to follow more closely.

Sizergh Hike

We finally had a day with decent weather so we could have a 3 generation support bubble hike to Sizergh Castle. It's the best way to safely spend time with my mum until things improve. Our walk started on the Old Lancaster Canal along the old tow path and underneath the relict bridges:

After a steep descent from the canal we reached the river Kent. Sherlock sniffed out a painted rock and then led us across Wilson Bridge:

It was far too tempting not to make use of my son as camera man and film my daily whistle dance on the bridge. An interesting experience as the gets quite wobbly when you move around on it...