OnlyFoz Running

OnlyFoz Running My journey shared in the hopes to inspire others fighting their demons to see the benefits of running

I dont believe in posting too much about pacing when it comes to running. We are all on our own journeys, we are all at ...
28/02/2026

I dont believe in posting too much about pacing when it comes to running. We are all on our own journeys, we are all at different stages and running is about the feeling, grounding myself, switching off to find moments of peace in a chaotic mind. But the progress comes with this journey, I've been mixing it up for a few months working in yoga, pushing more zone 2 work with Elliptical workouts to build more strength on the inclines. Think its actually paying off mixing things up, not going to lie with the inclines on this route I had to slow near the finish because I pushed myself to the point of nearly being sick. Im a firm believer you should be proud of whatever time you achieve, just wanted to share the progress I have made. With consistency and routine progress comes, im not the fastest, im not the slowest, but im moving forward and we all can. Whatever stage you are in your journey and whatever pace you are achieving be proud and celebrate the wins, comparison to others is a major killer of motivation.

Parkrun #27 Gateshead, Saltwell Park. This is a lovely park, plenty of parking along the roadside near the startline. L...
28/02/2026

Parkrun #27 Gateshead, Saltwell Park. This is a lovely park, plenty of parking along the roadside near the startline. Lovely little cafe in the park and toilets available, so definitely ticks all the boxes. Lush time kf year to come with all the spring colour starting to emerge, although a tad on the chilly side today 🥶. The route itself is all on well maintained concrete paths around the park and consists of 4 laps, one shorter loop at the top of the park and 3 longer loops at the bottom of the park. This felt hard on the legs there is an incline on every loop, its not dramatically steep but definitely stretched out long enough to feel the strain as you tackle it. I actually like the added challenge in the run, but definitely worth noting if you fancy trying this one. Another immensely friendly event, Marshalls were fantastic, on the first loop there was a crowd of marshalls clapping as you finished lap 1. Was a nice touch of race day atmosphere to spur you on. Loops around the lake and through all of the spring flowers made it a nice scenic run and with the music the laps didnt seem overly repetitive (may have mentioned before im not a fan of laps). Definitely one to try for the atmosphere and location, but also one that provides a bit of a challenge with the inclines. Good to push yourself, or relax and enjoy the beauty of the park.

Keeping the zone 2 efforts going at the gym with some Elliptical and maintaining the yoga as often as I can. Definitely ...
23/02/2026

Keeping the zone 2 efforts going at the gym with some Elliptical and maintaining the yoga as often as I can. Definitely starting to feel some benefit from mixing up the workouts, Monday blues well and truly blown away with tonight's workouts. Consistency will be key as I ramp up the training for September.

Deep North 5k donut run. First feel of spring sunshine today, felt like a nice warm run. Setting off from the sheepfolds...
22/02/2026

Deep North 5k donut run. First feel of spring sunshine today, felt like a nice warm run. Setting off from the sheepfolds scenic run taking in the new bridge and Stadium of Light. Great turnout and a bargain of an event for fun, literally £4 for run, coffee and donut. Friendly atmosphere taking in the sights of Sunderland with other runners, definitely an event to try they are on regularly.

Finally got round to trying Propa at the sheepfolds in Sunderland. Needed a refuel after this mornings Parkrun, going to...
21/02/2026

Finally got round to trying Propa at the sheepfolds in Sunderland. Needed a refuel after this mornings Parkrun, going to eventually bite the bullet and try to get back to the gym later. Opted for the mince and dumplings as it seemed healthier than a pie. Have to say this place definitely lives up to the hype, food is amazing and although it was really busy service was quick. Came with mash, mince and dumplings and every part of it was delicious. Definitely will be back to try more of the menu, ideal pick me up and refuel 😋. Sheepfolds is mint to start with, loads of places to eat and drink and lots of live music and events on. Well worth the visit, and stop off at propa.

Parkrun #26, The Demesnes, Barnard Castle. Early start this morning and just over an hours drive for this weeks tourist...
21/02/2026

Parkrun #26, The Demesnes, Barnard Castle. Early start this morning and just over an hours drive for this weeks tourist spot. Lovely place to visit, plenty of parking in the Bowes Museum carpark. Cafes and toilets a close walk from the finish line, the Museum toilets are right next to the carpark. This one definitely ticks all the boxes. Very scenic location, the run itself has old school cross country vibes (some repressed memories from childhood resurfacing). I wasn't looking forward to this one as much, for me running on grass is one of my least favourite only second to running on sand. But I actually found it really enjoyable. Its 3 laps entirely on grass, or mud depending on how much rain there has been. With 1 cheeky incline at the halfway mark of each lap, you can feel it in the legs but not as extreme as others I have attended. Definitely one to pack the trail shoes with a decent grip for the mud. The core volunteers and run director made this one of the best organised Parkruns I've attended. With a great friendly atmosphere we all felt really welcomed, regular runners and all marshalls were lovely.. Bowes Museum grounds are beautiful to explore after and Barnard Castle is a lovely place to visit, can easily make a day out of this Parkrun. This definitely has to be another highly recommended from me, would do this event again, had a great time.

Tonight's efforts, easy pace 10k to stretch the legs out and tonight's beginner yoga programme. Definitely feeling more ...
20/02/2026

Tonight's efforts, easy pace 10k to stretch the legs out and tonight's beginner yoga programme. Definitely feeling more unwound, been an unbelievably manic few months at work, been stressed, disengaged and not training as much. Finally getting the consistency back and feeling better about myself again. Odd the effects of getting the routine back has on my mind, also productivity got so much more done this week, just unwinding with yoga and running. Long drive and an early start for tomorrow's Parkrun tour location, going to be a very muddy trail run.

Beating the Monday blues, nice 5k trot out followed by a spell on the mat. Had a few extra days off last week, exploring...
16/02/2026

Beating the Monday blues, nice 5k trot out followed by a spell on the mat. Had a few extra days off last week, exploring Amsterdam, got to have the rest as well as the work. As I've mentioned in a few posts recently im trying to increase the range of workouts, the variation is definitely helping. Need to work some more strength and Elliptical in as I get closer to September. Another month of shorter yoga workouts to stretch and get used to it, then I will gradually increase the time spent each week. See how the mixing up affects my overall performance as I progress this year. Definitely seeing the benefits of relaxing before bed with a spell of yoga, mind and body calmed and ready to relax.

Wanted to push myself tonight. I know I struggle with the heat, so tonight I went out full thermals, jacket, joggers and...
15/02/2026

Wanted to push myself tonight. I know I struggle with the heat, so tonight I went out full thermals, jacket, joggers and pushed through, pushing the pace a little. Pushing through a bit discomfort to test myself. Now my old therapist would probably have a go at me right now, dark moods I was always told to avoid sad music and self punishment. But I find comfort in lyrics I relate to and the self punishment (discomfort) quiets the mind. Nate Vickers on full blast tonight, apologies if I ran passed anyone singing 😅. A final hour of quiet before the storm of normality resumes tomorrow, somedays its all we can ask for.

Well after this mornings run, work for a few hours, definitely time for day 3 of the yoga plan before bed. Definitely no...
08/02/2026

Well after this mornings run, work for a few hours, definitely time for day 3 of the yoga plan before bed. Definitely not getting any more flexible yet 🤣, im hoping another month and I won't feel like a robot.

Photo dump from this mornings long run, different route with friends today. Decided to take on the Stevensons trail, 11m...
08/02/2026

Photo dump from this mornings long run, different route with friends today. Decided to take on the Stevensons trail, 11miles from Elmore Park to Sunderland city centre. Thankfully ending at a pub which is always a bonus, difficult to navigate in some places. Lots of mud, water and trail great fun route, tackled slower with full ultra kit on my back. Tough run carrying the weight but lovely route I'd highly recommend. Few climbs at the start but then mostly downhill as you head into the city. Mostly well marked by stickers on lampposts, when you find the first few it becomes easier to follow. Great training run, sitting in the pub for a hard earned pint now.

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