Pomphrey Hill

It has been a long time since I have written about visiting a different parkrun, purely because I haven't visited any new to me parkruns for ages.  I love a bit of parkrun tourism but I try to resist the temptation to travel miles and miles on a Saturday morning just to visit a parkrun I haven't been to before.  I try to save tourism for if I happen to be somewhere new on a Saturday morning.

Today was such a morning.  Husbando had to be in Bath for a book fair so I looked for a nearby parkrun that I hadn't yet visited.  I'd done Bath Sky Line a couple of times in the past (back in 2014)- it has fantastic views, so plumped for a short drive over to Bristol to visit Pomphrey Hill parkrun.  I was somewhat concerned about the word 'Hill' in the name, more concerned about having to get up at 4.30am at the weekend, but decided to give it a go.

What a great parkrun it is!  I don't normally like three lap courses, but this one is so varied and is twisty turny enough to maintain interest.  The hill is short and sharp, but compensated for by plenty of gentle downhills.  The finish is on an uphill slope - which makes a sprint finish that bit more challenging.  The start and finish area is right next to a sports pavilion - so loos are really convenient. Teas, coffees, flap jacks and bacon rolls are available at the pavilion too.  This meant that there were loads of people hanging around after they had finished their run to support the other runners.

I was very grateful of the support today.  About three quarters of a mile into the run my calf really started to hurt.  Not the sort of dull ache I've had over the last few days but a really painful, tear inducing type of hurt!  I walked for a bit, I considered not finishing the run - but when was I going to get back down to Bristol to run here again?  I shuffled around the second two laps.  The marshals were very supportive - mostly with lovely west country accents.  I managed to put on a bit of pace as I approached the finish - and then could barely walk through the finish funnel!  I got my barcode scanned and chatted with a few people, bought a drink, signed the visitor book (what a lovely idea - I had a leaf through it and saw messages from people I know) before heading back to Bath.

Huge thanks to all the volunteers and the regular runners who made me feel so welcome.

I am going to have to get my legs sorted out.  Luckily it is half term, so hopefully I can get to see my wonderful chiropracter and sports physiotherapist.  So pain and marking is what I have to look forward to this week!  Happy half term everyone!