Back to the familiar sands of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea parkrun for event #321 – and despite it not being cold-cold, that wind chill definitely bit through early on. A bit of a brisk start but once we got going, I found a decent rhythm, even managing to run both hills this time. Slowed to recover at the top of the second, but still avoided a full walk break on the first one, which I’ll take as a small win. Support from the marshals was great as ever – got a “thank you” out as I passed every one of them. Course was busy with 174 runners out, but the conditions were kind once you warmed up. Finished just shy of a PB, but fastest time this year which shows steady improvement since getting back into it.

parkrun stats:

• 66th parkrun
• 18th time at Newbiggin
• Position: 119 / 174
• Time: 31:23
• 11th in age category
• Fastest Newbiggin time this year
• Course PB remains: 30:52