This weekend’s parkrun had something a little extra special about it.

Our running club, Ashington Hirst Running Club, kicked off their new parkrun Tour — and the first stop was Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.
It was brilliant seeing a sea of purple and gold club shirts filling the start line. It felt like a proper takeover, and even better to be part of it after such a long time away from regular events.

We stuck with the buggy again this week, and I’m happy to say we’re finding a bit more rhythm with every run.
The course felt smoother, the atmosphere was buzzing, and Joe seemed to enjoy the energy from all the club runners and marshals.

We didn’t hit a PB this week, but we’re trending the right way — around two minutes quicker than our first buggy run back a couple of weeks ago.
And more importantly, we’re starting to take back the hills: we managed to run three-quarters of the way up the first hill, and half the second time round. The hills are the goal — and bit by bit, we’re getting there.

Big thanks to Newbiggin-by-the-Sea parkrun team for the warm welcome, and to everyone from AHRC who made the effort to show up, smile, and represent our little corner of the world so well.

Already looking forward to the next tour stop (if we can make it).

Small Wins:

• Nearly two minutes quicker than two weeks ago.

• Three-quarters up the first hill running.

• Halfway up the second hill running.

• Joe smiling at the finish.

• Great to be part of the club’s parkrun Tour.

Progress isn’t just about the clock — sometimes it’s running three-quarters of a hill you couldn’t touch last month.