Crystal Palace Parkrun

Another Saturday, another parkrun!

This time I headed on the train to Crystal Palace parkrun (nearest station for me is Penge West).

I ran the Age UK 10k here earlier in the year so I knew a little of the park, although the parkrun route is 2 (and a bit) laps of a much shorter section.

There were about 170 people running, although compared to some other parkruns there were a lot less families/kids/dogs/buggies and more faster runners!

I wore my Adidas Kanadias again as I couldn't remember what the surface was like in the park but they were unnecessary really- the whole route was on gravel or tarmac paths.

Adidas Kanadia Trail Shoes and autumn leaves 🙂

I think once you got to know this parkrun it would be a pretty fast one- there are some uphill parts, but also a massive downhill section which I loved. And you get to do it twice! I didn't wear a watch and just ran on how I felt but I would have been interested to see how my pace varied between the uphill and downhill sections.

My time actually ended up being 4 seconds slower than my parkrun (and 5k) PB, which is 34:21. I'd love to improve this over the next few months- I've been focusing so much on increasing my endurance for long runs as part of half marathon training, that if anything I've actually got slower! Part of that is because of injury, but the plan for Brighton Half next February is to focus on speed work and try to gradually pick up the pace. More on that to come...

The Crystal Palace parkrun route is lovely and green- there are so many trees around and I especially loved this tree tunnel at the start line 🙂

There is also a boating lake and some fun statues in the park too, although you don't run past these- I took a post-run detour to go and take some photos!

I'm busy for the next few Saturdays unfortunately so it will be a while before I get to venture further afield for my next parkrun- I'm loving the fun of travelling and running somewhere new each time! Where next?!

Have you run in Crystal Palace park? Do you prefer run routes that are fast and flat, or with a few hills for interest?

Beki x

4 comments

Katie G says: October 27, 2014

That looks like the most beautiful place to park run, I really need to become more of a parkrun tourist and hit my local one again. I've never actually beaten my PB at park run and my speed's vary so much so I'd rather fancy just trying others as a relaxed run, saying that fast and flat is muchly preferred..I'm terrible with hills! We both know that means I should go and run up and down some hill's.. 🙂 x
Maria says: October 28, 2014

Wow it looks beautiful. I like a flat course for the boost of getting a pb and a measure of fitness, but I generally prefer more undulating courses as they are more interesting.
Beki Cadd says: October 29, 2014

Haha I totally agree about the hills! I definitely need to work on them too! My recent Parkruns have been about some run-sightseeing in a new place rather than speed, although I would love to try and fast, flat one for a change 🙂
Beki Cadd says: October 29, 2014

It was a really lovely place to run! And I agree, hilly courses give you such great views 🙂