A regular route? Endcliffe, Bingham and Forge Dam
A regular route?
Endcliffe, Bingham and Forge Dam
Is it boring to run the same route over and over again or are there some benefits to making a habit out of something?
Having spent some of his finest years living in S11 and running up and down Endcliffe Park, Bingham Park and Whitely Woods the latest member of ‘Team Baxter’ - Charlie Baker ponders the advantages and disadvantages of running the same route?
The route in question
Some people like a circuit and some people like an out and back. That discussion however is probably a whole other blog. This is an out and back with a couple of available deviations if you need to spice it up!
These parks are a true gem of Sheffield and also a personal part of my running story.
Starting out running at University the first goal was to run from Broomgrove Hall to the end of Endcliffe Park and back again. Then it was to the end of Bingham and back again. Then it was competing in the Student Physio 5k wearing an ‘I love Balti King’ cotton t-shirt.… Clothing choices and diet have improved slightly since and the perm sadly, has gone.
Since then I have used a 30 minute up and down the parks as a ‘returning from injury tester’, enjoyed many a chatty one with friends but more often than not it’s an easy 40-50 minute run - gentle on the legs and easy on the mind.
Running the same route - why?
Although comparison is the thief of joy, sometimes the process of training isn’t all about joy?
Measuring progress - Running the same route allows us to see progression - how did I feel - stronger? faster? Ran a new Strava PR? The same run taking less out of you than it previously did?
Monitoring fatigue - If you set out on a similar run at a similar time and your body feels way off, it may also be useful in telling you something less positive (unless you can spin this to “I’ve worked really hard, perhaps I should take some rest”) a test drive so to speak
Consistency - you know what you can fit in around your schedule, you know you won’t accidentally add 200m of elevation to your easy undulating Sheffield Run? Knowing you’ve done a run and survived it many times before can be reassuring when you’re weighing up getting out the door
Variety - conversely you don’t have to get all your variety in one run. If you are often out bothering the grouse of the peak district with your boggy route choices maybe some smooth non-technical trails will provide your legs with a nice rhythm, a consistent effort or an altercation with a local dog owner?
Showing everyone how consistent you are - Getting that Strava local legend…nice
Unwind - To switch your brain off from route planning - sometimes a run is to just let your thoughts about the day unravel, to decompress - a ‘no brainer’ route offers that. I can’t remember the last time I needed a map and compass on this trail… It can be nice not to need to make decisions
Being in nature - The same trail isn’t always the same trail. One day I was running through Bingham Park and noticed the Autumn leaves. I congratulated myself on what a man of the world I was and how mindful I am of my surroundings. It’s a joy to spot a Heron (this may have been more common on a regular route through Rivelin or along the Derwent), to know how high the rivers are running as you decide to contend with the stepping stones (or not) and to be at one with the world
Varied terrain - We are blessed with these Parks in Sheffield. They provide a haven from the tarmac when your body is feeling beat and they are free to access. This is also one of the flatter runs in Sheffield. It would be a shame not to get to know them and build a relationship with them. Sometimes relationships are all about just showing up. A bit like training to be a runner
Why not?
I wouldn’t recommend running the same route everyday. I mean you can if you like and I certainly won’t be waiting at the park gates to stop you but it is healthy to mix up your training.
Lack of variety - There is a whole world out there. I mean even starting in Sheffield - we’ve got Rivelin Woods (comes with a free plunge pool if you’re planning to Wim Hof it), Graves Parks has stunning views over the city if you’re up that way and I would imagine you can do some great hill repeats in Meersbrook, Millhouses is often a training circuit for some runners and I genuinely do need a map and compass in Ecclesall Woods.
Try not to race your training - when running the same route often it can be easy to think: “I wonder if I can get a little further next time? Can I get; a quicker time through this section? a KOM? a QOM?... Naughty strava. If it’s an easy run it should remain an easy run. Too much training stress in your week and you might be paying us a few more visits than you would like.
Monotony - Lack of variety again. As well as repeating runs I’m now repeating my points. But it could get really boring to run the same run all the time and this is supposed to be a hobby after all. Don’t forget to have fun!
You may call me a creature of habit but I often find myself repeatedly using a running route for the reasons I outlined above and yet these runs somehow feel different every time. Of all the regular out and backs I’ve used, through the parks has been a firm favourite. I would encourage you to consider the benefits if you haven’t run through them before or to appreciate their benefits if you are already a regular visitor!
Top tip
We recommend 'the parks' for getting back into running after an injury. It is one of the few areas in Sheffield that offers flat terrain, making it an ideal starting point. Whether you choose to run on the grass or the tarmac, Endcliffe park provides a controlled environment for gradually increasing your running distance. Start with a small test run and gradually build up from there.
Here to help
If you're having difficulty resuming your running routine after an injury, we are here to lend a hand. As three running physiotherapists (Kim, Sally, and Charlie) who are all passionate about running, we are perfectly suited to assist you in getting back to running. Do not hesitate to contact us for a complimentary 10-minute phone consultation.
Charlie at the Percy Pud, actually wishing he was just bimbling up and down the parks