6 months ago I was the WORST runner you can imagine. I could have put a bet on the fact that I wouldn’t manage to run for more than 20 seconds without panting like crazy. Now, not so much, I’m much better and love running all over Worcester.
I told myself when I began this journey that I would start by running three times a week. Little did I know, it’s actually a lot harder than just waking up one day and being a good runner! It required a LOT more effort than that (and a good pair of trainers)!
The countryside back in my home town (in Wales) is truly beautiful, so there were plenty of running routes (albeit all uphill! Exhausting!!!) but I was pleased to find out that Worcester had some great places to exercise too!
Side Note: I love Couch to 5K
Couch to 5K is a really good way to start running from scratch. You go from sitting on your couch to running 5K by the end of the 9 week program. It starts off simple… simple enough for beginners like me! You run for 20 seconds walk for 2 minutes and vice versa! You do this every other day and build up slowly. Eventually, you become a good runner! You get a voiceover on the app that gives you hints and tips along the way! It really helps and is the only way I got through each of the sessions! Some apps even have celebrity voices like Sarah Millican or Jo Whiley.
Find a perfect route for you and stay safe
Now, it seems quite simple, just find a route and run it right? Well, kind of…Finding the perfect route for you is so important and really makes a difference to how much you enjoy your run. You don’t want too much of a incline if you’re new to running. I probably don’t need to tell you to say safe when running, but, I’m going to:
- Let someone know where you’re going
- Try to run somewhere where there are plenty of people around
- Run in the daytime
- Watch out for traffic
- Keep your phone with you
- Stay alert
- Wear reflective material
Okay, let me tell you a few good places in Worcester…
Where to run in Worcester?!
I love running routes just outside the City Centre. Gheluvelt Park, which is really beautiful, is a great place for a jog! It’s flat, it has a path and there’s some free outdoor gym equipment along the route of the main path in case you want to stop and do a few leg presses (if you can manage that along with all the running).
Another great route is around the Racecourse at Pitchcroft! I used to do the park run there and it was so enjoyable! 2 laps of the racecourse is just over 5K and is great for when you’ve completed the couch to 5k app to keep your fitness levels up!
Worcester Woods Country Park, looking for somewhere a bit more advanced? The Worcester Woods are much less flat than some of my other examples but it is beautiful in there pretty much all year around. There are two big nature reserves, the woods themselves and a really nice café to grab a coffee in after your run, all in the same area.
Lastly, The Worcester to Birmingham Canal! The canal path has some great things to look at and help to take you mind of how tired you are. Locks, ducks, lovely trees, and the occasional pub, certainly help to break up the monotony of running.
I hope some of these tips help you enjoy running or, at least, give you a little insight on why I love running in Worcester!
Worcester Student Life 