Brisk Walk around the fields

Brisk Walk around the fields today, as the ground is too slippy to run. Walking boots are much safer, and the scenery is nice & white! Forty-five minutes for the circuit, plus a bit of dancing around the kitchen while making the dinner! Hopefully, icy conditions won't last too long so I can run again soon.

I'm running in the Snow

Most of the UK has lots of snow today. It was really cold here, but fine, until it started snowing around 1pm. That's when I set out from home, all layered up, hatted, gloved and rain(snow) jacketed! Didn't snow too hard, and it was really quite pretty running back through Hall Park in the snow. Did 45 minutes and felt quite good. Will I run tomorrow or will we be under a thick layer of snow? Watch this space!

Fartlek at Wellingborough

Went along to Wellingborough & District Athletics Club again yesterday. The session involved a short run to a close on the Industrial estate, and then going up and down the hill, in fast bursts then recovery runs. Found it quite hard as it's not something I've done much of, but got through it ok. Then a run back and cool down. Legs were a little stiff later that evening, but fine by the morning. This is all going to make me much fitter for the marathon!
Finished work today for the Christmas break - hurray! Now just got to get ready for Christmas (and keep running!) Weather getting much colder, some slippy pavements, but at least we haven't got the snow...yet!

Running with W & D A C

Had a stressy day at work yesterday and needed to run! Decided to go for it and with encouragement from Robert set off for a session with Wellingborough & District Athletics Club. They were very friendly with the 'newbie' and I'd soon filled in the relevant form and set off with Alan's group. There were about 10 of us in the group, mainly ladies, who jogged out of the school grounds, did some warm-ups and set off through the industrial estate. Every so often the front runners would double back or wait for the others to catch up, so we all stayed together and didn't lose anyone. The pace was good for me, not too much in the way of hills and good to have company, and not feel vunerable running alone in the dark. Alan and some of the others were very friendly and chatted to me as we ran around the town. I was totally lost at times, but Alan guided us back in just under an hour, having successfully run nearly 5 miles. I was pleased with how I ran, I kept up with the pace, despite still having a cold and could have gone further. After some cool-down exercises I set off back for home. As Arnie famously said 'I'll be back!'

I'm back!

Woke up this morning feeling much better. Got up, and still didn't feel too bad, so decided to go for a run. Had walked to town and back yesterday, but that was the most I had managed that week - thanks to my nasty cold! Weather was cold but bright and sunny, so I wrapped up and set off up the paths, on a steady careful run. Up ahead was either a very large dog or a cow on the path - wrong! Two cows! Plus farmer and dog encouraging cows back into field. Flocks of fieldfares flying along hedgerows, but little on the lakes as they were mostly solid ripples of ice. Very pleased to manage an hour of running and still feel pretty good - I'm back!

Cold, Frosty Plod

Have been suffering with a nasty cold, hadn't even ventured out since Saturday. So decided to have a plod down to the park and back, to see if the legs still work! Wrapped up warm, but still very chilly, but beautiful. Thick frost hanging from all the foliage, and covering great swathes of the park's grass. Half an hour's plod was more than enough, good to be back in the warm! Need to get back to work tomorrow and running again soon, though half-mrathon at the weekend may be pushing it a bit!

Still too cold to run safely

Still too cold to run safely, so I've done another session of aquarobics tonight, followed by swimmming half a mile (32 lengths) and a lovely cook in the sauna and steam room. More ladies ventured to the pool tonight... we hit a magnificent 18...up 6 on Tuesday! The exercise is keeping me reasonably fit, but I'm longing for a run. The weatherman says it will get above freezing at the weekend - hurray! But then get cold again - boo! Bedford half marathon is the weekend after this one....will it happen? Will I have lost all my running practice?
Will I get to see all the birdies again soon? How are they coping in this cold? Can you wait for the next exciting episode of Theresa's Running Blog?

Aquarobics & Weather getting worse!

Snowed last night and side roads all slippy this morning, but no snowday off school, though some of the buses didn't make it in. Not safe to run today, so Plan B operates - Aquarobics, swim & sauna. Only 12 hardy ladies made it to Barbara's aqua session, but it was still good and lots of room to swing arms & legs about! Followed that with 24 lengths (2 up from last time as per plan), again with lots of room as only around 5 people in pool, and then a cook in the sauna! Main roads ok on the way back, only car park & our road slippy, so just took those slowly. Weather forecast is for freezing temperatures at least until the weekend, may have to rest the running for a while....I hope it warms up soon

It's tough doing a long run in the cold!

Robert & I ran through Stanwick Lakes to Islip & back, round a couple of lakes, down to the Irthlingborough bridge entrance and back to the start in 2hours 13minutes. It was a sunny, but a very cold day, running down white paths 90% of the time (luckily it wasn't slippy). I found it quite tough breathing in such cold air, but was pleased to keep going for what must be around a half-marathon. Even managed a burst of speed at the end!
Much of the lakes was frozen, capturing icy ripples, and leaving little open water for the ducks & swans. Lots of birds about, saw flocks of geese, goldfinches on the teazles and fieldfare flying along the hedgerows. Rest from running tomorrow - I think I need it!

Snow at Irchester

A sprinkling of snow fell in the night, and a little more joined it around breakfast time. The local farmers' market traders were are strugging to keep warm, but as the morning progressed most of the snow melted. I set off around Irchester Country Park for a run before lunch. Some of the paths still had a white sprinkling, but most were clear and all were 'runnable' with care. I wrapped up against the cold breeze, but was soon rewarded by the sight of a goldcrest, the uk's smallest (very sweet little) bird. There were quite a few birds about, varying in size from the little goldcrest to the magpies and crows. I ran for about 30minutes, up and down the paths. Snow permitting I'm looking forward to a long run tomorrow.

Rushden Run

Ran around Rushden after work today. It was very cold; snow is on the way, but I layered up including my new hi-viz top and added hat and gloves. I ran for an hour around the streets, taking in some hills on the route. Don't particularly like the cars & fumes, but it's too dark to run around the park, so lit streets are much safer. Feeling pretty fit and strong, running well.

Irchester's getting darker!

Round Irchester again after school today. Even though I started earlier it was still getting dark when I finished. I may have to run from home around the streets in future, I'll miss the countryside, birds, squirrels and the friendly dog walkers - cars, pollution and potholes just aren't the same! But the main thing is to run, and to run safely. I may run with my local club too, was thinking about going tomorrow, but it may be sleeting by then.....so maybe that will be a run from home too?

Aquarobics & Swimming

I've been cross-training tonight - an hour of Barbara's wonderful aquarobics and then a swim (22 lengths - I'm going to add 2 per week). Very busy for aqua, but great fun; lots of ladies of all ages, shapes and abilities all exercising and singing away together! I felt fit and strong and in need of a workout after a day's rest yesterday. Then into the sauna & steam room, which I'm sure is extremely good for me.
Weather is getting colder - slight ice on windscreen when I came out. Weathermen are predicting snow in the next few days - that'll be fun when I'm running -can't wait!

Long Sunday Run

Got up early to have breakfast so that we could run earlier - started at 10.13, not bad for us, though we did think 9.30 would be good! A cold morning, so I put on my thicker long-sleeved top, leggings, gloves and my lovely hat pulled right down over my ears, to keep them warm. Robert & I did the same route as last week, Stanwick Lakes to Islip and back and round a couple of lakes in a similar time. That's the last three weekends running around 2 hours. This week it was harder than last because I had done 40mins hard training the day before - so I'm pleased I kept going. I am going to try and do a similar set of runs next weekend too. Have just signed up for Bedford half-marathon on 12th December. Having a rest from running today, will run through the ironing pile in a while!

Speedy Spurts

Ran around the lakes for 40 minutes today, including 5 fast spurts. Felt quite good, kept going after each spurt and got breathing back pretty quickly. Not many people around - quite misty and cool, but spotted Harry Heron, Woody Woodpecker and all the usual water birds. Looking forward to long run tomorrow.

Dusky run around Irchester Country Park

Ran around Irchester again today after work. Quite cool again, so I layered up and had to get rid of some when I got warm - off came the hat, gloves & bright red rain jacket. A little over half an hour for the route again, just as it was getting dark. Soon cooled when I stopped and on went all the layers again.
Since Saturday (6 days) I have run one 2hr session, 3x30minute sessions (over 20 miles altogether) and done an hour's aquarobics and swam 20 lengths. Feeling quite fit!

Irchester again

The weatherman promised heavy rain, so I did wonder if I'd get out running today. But the rain all fell on Cornwall, so despite the cold breeze I was running, togged up in leggings, long-sleeved top, rain jacket, hat & gloves. Quite cold and gloomy around the park, with few dog-walkers and little wildlife to be seen; hardly any squirrels let alone lions! I don't like the cold breath you take in on days like today, but you soon get warm and then it's ok..Seemed harder than Monday, but did well running for just over 30 minutes, finishing as the light was fading around 4.20pm. By the time I was driving home it was dark - roll on Spring!

Aqua & Swimming

Wow! 'I feel good!' An hour of aquarobics, 20 lengths, steam & sauna - lovely! I feel fit and looking forward to next running session!

Round Irchester again

Round Irchester again after school. Felt good, running well for around 30 minutes and enjoying the run despite the cold! Lots of squirrels around, various birds and dogs with their walkers, including the nice man with his little dog who likes to have a chat. I am currently reading a book about a man who bought a zoo, when he describes his 'wildlife' it's much more exciting than mine - even when it's a cow that he thinks may be a puma? Perhaps, I should look out for more thrilling wildlife to make my blog more interesting? Anyone spotted the lions at Irchester Country Park?
CRY have confirmed that London marathon have me officially listed as a runner, and I will get info from LVM very soon...

Over 2 hour run

Went for run around lakes with Robert today. From Stanwick to Islip & back and round a couple of lakes to finish. Felt pretty good and seem to be going a bit faster. Lots of birds around, flocks of geese, goldfinches, chaffinches, tits, lots of swans and ducks on the water and a heron or two. Hands a bit cold at the end - must take gloves, and slight bleeding toe, but I'm pleased with performance. Only 5 months until the big day!

More aqua

Would have loved to stay in bed a bit longer this morning - I think last week's clock change is catching up with me. Last week I was up with the lark & running...but I've still run after school as usual this week and aquarobics, swim and sauna tonight - off to bed soon to top up energy levels! Have just sent email confirmation to London Marathon - exciting!

Getting colder but still going!

After a rest day on Monday I have been running around Irchester Country Park on Tuesday & Wednesday after school. The unseasonably balmy days of last week are over....it's time to run in leggings & layers. A bit warmer today than yesterday but still feels more difficult filling the lungs with cold breaths of air. Yesterday only the wildlife, a few hardy dog walkers, me and someone reversing and then speeding in a battered old car!? were journeying around the paths, but today a bit of sunshine made it busier. Felt easier than yesterday and I did run a bit quicker.

Runs getting longer...

Ran with Robert through the lakes today. From Stanwick, past Ringstead Lakes, past A14 to edge of Islip & back in 1hr 51 mins. Felt like hard work but kept going, so pleased with my performance. Slight twinges from left knee, hopefully will be ok -rest from running tomorrow. Wildlife spotted included a red kite soaring overhead.

Cows at Dawn!

Up bright & early on Friday for run around the lakes again. Really mild - amazing for November. Passed some cows on the path to my left that I was to loop back on....what were they doing there? Returning they had disappeared...had I dreamed them - it was early? No there were definate tracks but they had vanished! Was a good run though and saw lots of wildlife including woodpecker, heron & cows!!!

Aquarobics

Aquarobics was good fun as usual tonight! Barbara seems to be always thinking of new moves (the cat tonight) and something a bit like the sand dance. Old Motown hits to sing along to as well, while you exercise & good company.It's good for cross-training and I'm sure the sauna does me good too - just cooking me nicely!

Rainy Run

Ran around Irchester Country Park after work. Raining, but not windy like yesterday and quite refreshing once I got used to it. Legs felt pretty good, wasn't sure they were mine picking up speed going downhill like that! I like running out in the fresh air. Just need the nights to stop dropping in!

Dawn Run

Well, Sunday turned very rainy and our run didn't happen. We did change the clocks, but my body didn't and so I woke up an hour early on Monday morning and decided to run then! The sun was just surfacing at 6.25am, a mist lay over the lakes, the trees were beautiful autumn colours, the birds were in song and I was off!!! I managed to fit in an hour's run before having to dash back for work. My body wasn't quite sure what was going on, but I felt pretty good. Lots of birds about, flocks of geese overhead and at least 3 green woodpeckers, even a few humans & dogs!
Today I have run around Irchester Country Park after work. Quite windy, lots of leaves flying around but I kept warm running and didn't notice the hills as I was too busy watching a deer and enjoying the autumn landscape! Beats the gym any day!

Peak District Break

No Blog since Wednesday - but we have been to the Peak District for 2 days so couldn't do then. Spent 2 days walking near Hathersage, including up Stanage Edge. It was a good walk up past buildings that appear in 'Jane Eyre', then an old packhorse trail to the top which was very craggy with good views over the area. Off to do a long run round Stanwick Lakes soon.

Oh dear no blog since Sunday!

Still struggling to keep up with blog even when I'm on holiday from school! On Sunday I went running through Stanwick lakes with my 'personal trainer' Robert. Normally, he runs on ahead but he ran with me encouraging me on all the way to the A14 bridge just outside Thrapston and back! I think we probably went a little faster than I would have on my own and finished in 1hr 35 minutes and viewed 'the bridge' (I think I enjoyed the sight of a red kite low overhead just a bit more than the bridge!) Also made 'friends?' with a dog on route!
On Monday a rest from running, walked for 1hr 30mins around the lakes with Tim. Pointed out the wildlife; Harry the heron and 'Woody' the green woodpecker - nice to have a chat too and hear more about his adventures at dance school in London.
Tuesday was a very rainy day. Went to aquarobics in the evening + 10 lengths + sauna. There won't be any on Thursday as Barbara will be away so was a good choice to go on Tuesday.
Today I've been shopping at Northampton and running around Irchester Country Park - easier running than trying to get in and out of Northampton through the roadworks - won't be going there again in a hurry!

More running & hiking

Wendnesday's 'Grand Librarians' Day Out' was grand after a dodgy start; accident on A45 made me a few minutes late at start and then their minibus driver had refused to drive 'unsafe' minbus! Managed to get to Birmingham in a couple of cars - thank you to volunteer drivers.
On Thursday I fitted in a 30 minute run around Irchester Country Park.
Friday was the night hike. Bit of a rush to get to start. Hike took my group 4.5hours - they did very well. Then sat around campfire for 2 hours waiting for other groups with Peter & Robert so that I could drive us home via the start to pick up their cars. Managed to get to bed around 3.30am!

Aqua again

After walking and running the last 2 days (probably about 20 miles altogether) it was lovely tonight to get in the swimming pool. One hour of aquarobics, 10 lengths and a sauna - great!
Have got a 'Grand Day Out' tomorrow with other librarians buying books - looking forward to it!

Stanwick Run after work

I wanted to run for 1hour 30mins at the weekend, but our 5hr hike got in the way! So today I was determined to get running, the oven was set to come on and cook the dinner, running bag was packed to take to work and I was ready at 3.30 to get changed and get running. I did really well 1 hour 35 minutes, the legs were very happy to stop at the end but they kept running. Started at the old Irthlingborough bridge following the main path all the way through the lakes and beyond Ringstead, and then back weaving round the lakes and enjoying the wildlife. Lots of ducks and swans around, pheasants, magpies, heron, green woodpecker, rabbits, runners, cyclists, dogs & their walkers! Why do people run on treadmills, when they can enjoy the countryside? Also met a walker who had lost the Nene Valley Way, didn't we lose some footpaths yesterday? Where are they all the paths going?

I've been for a nice long walk!

Have been walking today rather than running. Peter (eldest son) is organizing Scout Night Hike with cousin Matt, so we have been walking/checking the route today. Isn't it amazing how public footpaths on maps disappear! Hopefully, they now have a route that scouts will be able to follow? Robert & I having walked with them today can both escort groups on Friday night and know where we are going! We did about 11.5 miles today, but had to do some backtracking looking for lost paths so Friday's night hike should be about 10 miles. Should be good, I'm sure all the scouts will enjoy the night hike and there will definately be no whinging! Notice no locations have been specified in this blog - we don't want any scouts cheating!
Hope to do a long run tomorrow after school, I'm finally feeling the cold has gone, hurray!!!

Oh Dear! A week since my last blog again - must do better!

Hi! Did a run around the Lakes last Sunday, and I'm getting quicker! What was taking 1hr 22 a few weeks ago & 1 19 last week I did in 1hr 17.5mins so that's good! Spotted some nature on route - Red Kite overhead and all the usual waterfowl, loads of fungi about too. Robert was running there too ahead of me and spotted a snake slithering across the path. On Monday I did 30 mins around Irchester Country Park up and down the hills and on Tuesday I went back to Stanwick Lakes, including some 'fast bits'. Woody the woodpecker was there too! Yesterday I had a break from the running and we went to the Derngate at Northampton to see Illegal Eagles (Robert's birthday pressie from me) which was very good. Looking forward to aquarobics and the sauna tonight

Oh Dear! Don't seem to have blogged for a while!

Lots of reasons why I haven't blogged for a while! I've been busy running! and I have to fit in work and family events and numerous birthdays and all the everyday stuff too!
Running's still going, but unfortunately so's the cough left over from the cold (over a month now). I've been doing 3 runs a week (apart from last Wednesday when it absolutely poured), but haven't been building up any extra time or effort cus I'm still slightly coughing & not feeling quite right. Still enjoying the running though in the fresh air, looking at the nature & the air ambulance that landed at Irchester Country Park this week. Hopefully will be fully recovered soon.....please!

Running & Aqua

Wednesday (Happy Birthday Tim) was another warm day - did a 45 minute run around the lakes after work at a steady pace, will work on speed once I feel really well again. My sister and brother-in-law came to visit and told me they are going to have a weekend in London in April to watch me do the marathon - thanks for the support!
On Thursday I did an assembly at school for 240 year 7 students on reading and choosing their free 'Booked Up' book - went really well. Aquarobics in the evening - always good fun and a good workout, followed by a sauna.

Irchester hills

Went round Irchester Country Park after work for 33 minutes. Cold is much improved and found myself up hills without realising I'd done them. I'm doing an assembly at school on Thursday so I was busy thinking about what I want to say. When you run your mind is free to wander and plan, with only birdsong in the background - I thoroughly recommend it! Beautiful day too.....and set to continue tomorrow

I'm back!

After a week's enforced rest I've been (slowly) pounding the paths aroud the lakes again this morning. After last weekend's mammoth action with Muse & a ten mile run after little sleep, my body said enough was enough and the cold that had been threatening for a couple of weeks attacked!
But today I'm back.....managed a gentle run of just over a hour. The legs still feel good - a gentle run is no more strenuous than a walk - amazing what a bit of training will do! If only my head and nose would sort themselves out!

Busy weekend

Very busy weekend! History talk on Friday night - I now know all about the Lady Workhouse Visitor! Wembley on Saturday for Muse concert - Fantastic! Great music (Biffy very good too), flying saucer with alien, moving stage, illuminated drums and suit (Matt), giant bouncing eyeballs! Amazing!!!
Got to bed at 2.30am Sunday and was running the Swineshead 10mile race at 11.30am. Didn't feel at all like running, but legs kept going even up the undulations! Was warm and sunny, but regular water and sponges really helped and I crossed the finish line 1 hour and 45 minutes later - which I was happy very with.
Chatted to a Wellingborough Running Club member, will probably try joining their sessions to help with marathon preparation.

running & aqua

Wednesday after work I ran around Irchester Country Park. I did 38 minutes - up from my usual 31 or 32mins. The park was full of squirrels! I think they were pleased that children were back at school and the park was quieter again. Lots of birds, some dragonflies and sunshine too so much better than a gym!
Today I've been to aquarobics, followed by ten lengths of the pool and a sauna and steam - lovely!
I'm building up the exercise gradually and feel pretty good - just need to shift this slight cold before the 10 mile run on Sunday.

First Fartlek!

I had a go at fartlek today! 4 ten minute steady runs with faster bursts between. It's hard but I kept going and it should help me improve. Saw a couple of friends around the lakes too - 'Harry' the heron and 'Woody' the green woodpecker - always gives me a lift when I see some of the birds about. I seem to be going faster than other runners too - howzat!!!

Round the Lakes again!

I'd got a bit of a cold and wasn't sure I'd manage running too far - but found it pretty easy and ran for 1hour 30 minutes again. It's great to think I can run that far without feeling worn out - just like a walk, but a bit faster! That's what I need to work on now, getting a bit faster. Provided my cold is ok I want to do a hilly run as usual this week, but also try a fartlek. I'll try that round the lakes, making myself run a faster speed for a while, then slower to recover and repeat. That should hopefully build up my ability to run faster for longer.
Robert suggested I should join him in the 'Swineshead 10' at the weekend. Was surprised to find it's a 10 mile not 10k as I presumed, but it won't be much farther than my recent long runs, so it should be a good test.
Last week running around Stanwick I was cross at the fast food containers being dumped - this week there was 2 matresses and other junk!!! Why do people ruin the countryside like this? We have a fantastic area open for everyone to enjoy and they use it as a tip...why? Lots of coots and swans around again this week, including a family with 3 cygnets. I have also seen red kites quite frequently in the past, a wonderful sight, I thought I saw one on Sunday, but it was flown by a human on Crow Hill.

School, Irchester & Aquarobics

Training day at school yesterday, before reopens to students today. Did another Irchester run and top-up at Tesco. Robert cooked the dinner and I dashed out to a committee meeting after eating. Tonight is my aquarobics night at Splash, followed by a sauna & steam - looking forward to it! I'm sure working out in the water is very good for me as well as being a change from the running. Barbara, the instructor is brilliant and we all enjoy her sessions - even when she makes us work really hard (most of the time!)

Irchester Run again

Last day at home before school reopens - I could do with longer! Ran around Irchester Country Park for 31 minutes. Kept seeing 3 young men (around early twenties) running or walking around the park too. How come they need to keep stopping when someone twice their age (me!!!) can keep going. I feel like the tortoise racing the hare and winning!!!

Sunday at Stanwick

Ran for 1 hour 30 minutes today around Stanwick Lakes and sprinted at the end! I've had a slight cold about me for a few days, but the stiff muscles are much better and I was really pleased with my run today, especially as it was windy. Lots of swans about and loads of coots battling against the waves on the lake - they'll be fit too!! Several annoying things (am I turning into a grumpy old woman?) lads riding fast motorbikes up the track, two carrier bags of fast food containers dumped on the track and a fierce dog growling at another dog.

Stiff legs!

After all my gym work yesterday my legs are stiff today!  I did have a very good workout. Went for a walk this afternoon collecting blackberries with Julie, which has helped loosen the legs up a bit. Blackberry & apple crumble was a tasty treat too.
I'm raising money for CRY (cardiac risk in the young) by running the marathon. I've also been potting up some plants today, hoping I can sell some for the cause. I'm going to do a photographic quiz to raise money too, and have spent some time this week taking pictures of parts of buildings for entrants to identify. It's quite interesting walking around the town and finding items to photograph.

Spa Day

I have been to Whittlebury Hall today with my friend, Julie - an annual trip which we look forward too. We spent 3 hours in the gym this morning. I did stints on the treadmill, cross trainer, rowing machine and bike. I am sure I did much more at a much faster pace than this time last year, so I must be getting fitter! We then had a buffet lunch and 'chilled' in the sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy pool - those massage jets on my back and shoulders are lovely! Finished up in the swimming pool and jacuzzi. A very enjoyable day, I now feel all relaxed. Only problem was excess of granny smith apples in all the fruit bowls - does anyone like these sharp fruit? Has rained all day today (and most of yesterday) so it was a good day to spend at the spa.

GCSEs, Irchester & lots of Dragonflies

Helped to give out GCSE results to the students at the school where I work (Wollaston) this morning. Most seemed pretty happy - well done! Then off to Irchester Country Park for a run. Weather still warm, but also windy. Irchester is quite hilly so I tend to do shorter runs there. Today's was ok - 32 minutes along the side of the quarry, through the woodland, loop around the jungle parc and back. Not many birds about but lots of dragonflies.

I'm in the London Marathon!

When I've watched the London Marathon on the television I've been amazed by the whole event. All those people running all that way - how/why do they do that? But after a while I wondered if I could do it too? I run several times a week, and I've built that up from nothing, from walking and then alternating a few paces of running until I completed my first 5k in 2006, and have now run 3 half-marathons. In April next year I will reach my 50th birthday and running the London Marathon seemed to be an ideal way to celebrate!
I am the librarian at Wollaston School and I am running for the school's chosen charity for this year - CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). Running the London Marathon has now turned from a personal challenge into so much more - the chance to help raise funds for such a worthwhile cause.

Yesterday I ran around one of my favourite places - Stanwick Lakes. It's a great place to run or walk, play, cycle, canoe, birdwatch, walk the dog etc. The lakes are old gravel pits by the river Nene and a disused railway line runs through the middle with other paths leading off around the various lakes. The terrain is very flat and it's brilliant for a long run at weekends. I ran for 1 hour 22 minutes yesterday, despite it being pretty hot, so I was pleased with that. There was one slightly scary moment when I thought I could see a person lying across the path ahead, and wondered if I could remember how to do resucitation, but she was actually sunbathing, lying on a bench next to the path - phew!