For most of my routes, I run locally and feel lucky to live on the edge of the Peak District in Marple. But very occasionally, if the distance and circumstances allow, I love long-distance running through places from my past. Call me sentimental, but it brings me a lot of joy, to reminisce along the way.
Today’s run is 29km, so I’ve hopped on a train to Central Manchester, to begin a meandering route home via old running haunts! I used to live in Fallowfield, then Levenshulme, so my route today takes me through Platt Fields Park, the Fallowfield Loop and Gorton Reservoir, before joining the Peak Forest Canal back to Marple.
The sun is shining, I’m fuelled up and can’t wait to get off the train! It’s runs like these that I usually skip my headphones, instead choosing to be fully present, reliving memories and appreciating the journey I’ve been on.
I remember my very first run, back when I lived in Twickenham. In 2007 I went into London to support the London Marathon runners. Within minutes of cheering, I made a spontaneous decision to run it the following year. I’d never really run before that – I played sports at school and was physically active, but actual running had always eluded me!
That first run was part of a Couch to 5k program: 2 minutes walking, 1 minute running, for 15 minutes in Radnor Gardens – a park by the Thames near my apartment. I remember that park fondly! Absolutely tiny, but at the time my running world for the first few weeks of my couch to 5k!
In 2023, I kayaked past that same park and my old apartment while spending 5 days paddling down the non-tidal Thames. It was like being a kid in a sweet shop of memories!
A year ago, I also found myself back in my childhood town of Wisbech, Norfolk. I had so much fun planning a route past my childhood home, the roads and paths I cycled as a kid, my route to school etc. Despite being a 25km run, I was so engrossed it felt like it flew by!
Now as the train slows, I can already picture the route ahead – the familiar trails, the quiet stretch along the canal, the memories waiting to resurface. I know there’s a Greggs on route too, so may have to stop for some cheeky sustainance!
That’s the thing about running: it’s not just about the distance or the speed. Sometimes, it’s about retracing your steps, remembering where you started, and appreciating how far you’ve come.
Time to run!
Pink Tutu Adventures 