What do you do after a Friday night out in Liverpool? When you’ve been lost in music until late into the night?

Set the alarm and get up early for a parkrun, of course!

We visited Crosby Beach back in 2022 – we spent a good couple of hours wandering amongst the Iron Men that make up the Anthony Gormley’s Another Place exhibit. I was fascinated by the reflections and shadows as the light changed and the tide came in.

And now we had a chance to come back and run (with only a slightly earlier start than most parkrun days).

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We arrived in plenty of time – thanks Merseyrail – and made our way to the start area on the beach (saying hello to a few other familiar faces who had also chosen to visit that day – thanks Ann for the photo as well).

And after an enthusiastic run briefing, we were ready for the off.

And what a challenge it was… although, it actually felt like 3 different challenges in one route.

• We started with an out and back along the sand; the Iron Men draped in hi-viz and acting as extra parkrun volunteers. It was energy-sapping – especially with lots of miles in my legs from long training runs in the few days before – but I was just about keeping up with Mr T as we made our way off the beach.
• And then it was another mile or so along the footpath next to the beach – it was a lot easier for running underfoot, but the blustery wind was adding to the challenge. Mr T was still close by – I think he was trying to hide behind me to keep the wind away!
• And then after the turnaround point, it was back towards the finish across grassy dunes – relatively flat but another energy-sapping surface. I was feeling the pace, but Mr T still had enough left for a sprint finish and off he went.

And then it was all over – token scanned, chats and thank yous with the volunteers and time to head back to the beach for one last look at the amazing views.

I enjoyed my run on the beach.

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50 for 50 #29: 50 posts for my 50th birthday to be posted before I’m 51.