Burnley parkrun had been on my radar for a while. It’s the second nearest one to the in-laws in Colne; we’ve done the nearest, Pendle, many times, but it’s very hilly and not at all an easy course. Burnley is a much flatter option and so I’d always been keen to give it a go at some point. This last weekend, we had a progression run on the training plan, so the timing was right to try this one out.
(It was also the most convenient weekend to do this month’s new-to-me parkrun – the Edinburgh area would have been the other option when we’re up for the half marathon, but Geth wants some familiarity the day before the race so we’ll do one we’ve done before!)
What I hadn’t realised was that Burnley parkrun has such a beautiful setting. It’s beside Towneley Hall, which is surrounded by a huge park. It feels very fancy when you drive into it! It really seemed like a world away from Burnley itself (I’ve run through the town along the canal and it generally seems a bit industrial and grey).
The parkrun itself was really busy, which was a real contrast to the lower attendance we’re used to at Pendle. The paths were hugely congested – I expected this to ease during the run, but it never did, and I really had to weave around people during the faster miles of my progression. It’s not really surprising though – if I lived in the area, I suspect I would go to this one all the time as it’s so nice!
A gentler effort next week as we approach the race.