One of the best things about the last quarter of 2024 has been the number of parkruns I’ve been able to take part in. 

We’re lucky that every corner of Norfolk appears to now have one with more springing up.

With marathon training on the backburner it’s given me the chance to dust off the barcode each Saturday morning when time allows.

Last weekend was one with a bit of a difference; my running club Wymondham AC took on Norfolk Gazelles in the annual mob match at Colney Lane.

I really enjoyed taking part last year although I have to admit this time around, I approached with a little trepidation knowing that I would judge myself if I wasn’t anywhere near the 19:58 time I set last year.

I don’t think I’m alone though in knowing that the team aspect of any running event can often bring out the best in my running.

Logan, 6, was also determined to take part and ran with my wife, Alison, allowing me to give to put in an effort. Logan went on to make Alison and I look rather silly posting another 5K PB despite warnings that ‘Colney is not a PB course’... (he ran 25:01 – a 54-second PB).

Whilst you might not set your fastest time there (unless you’re contrary like Logan), Colney is a fantastic parkrun; two loops, a big old hill in the middle to really test the mettle of any runner, and a lovely downhill finish.

I enjoyed a solid enough run; I still feel I’m lacking the extra gear that I had this time last year but I’m trying not to judge myself too harshly on that score. My time of 20:20 is decent by my standards and played a small part in securing a narrow win for Wymondham AC.

Mark Armstrong at Colney Lane parkrun (Image: Stephen Dixon)

Looking at some of my notes from last year’s runs I might have been faster but I would often finish runs with my knees feeling extremely sore. Anyone that’s spent any time with me as a runner will know I spend a lot of time complaining of knee pain.

But I still felt strong after Saturday; I’ve made a concerted effort over the last couple of months to really try and get on top of the soreness I experience around my right knee in particular after runs.

I’ve been working with Kyle Brooks for several months on this and it has gradually got better with the strength programme I’ve got in place. The algorithm on my social media accounts appear to have also picked this up with every other video I watch promising to eliminate knee pain. It makes a change from Roy Keane soundbites at least (as much as I love Roy).

This time last year I would really struggle to run on consecutive days but recently I’ve been able to, which is promising in the pursuit of a bit more volume.

Perhaps it’s come at a cost of a little speed, but I’ve got some lofty goals next year that are going to take me well out of my comfort zone and I need to feel strong in body and mind if I’m going to have any chance of reaching them.

The first big target next year is the Barcelona Marathon on March 16 – an earlier marathon than I am used to meaning that over the Christmas period I’m hopefully going to start gently dialling up the miles.

That presents its own challenges with my children being off school and my day job on the sports desk coming into its busiest period of the year.

But juggling your circumstances is part of the game so many of us play in the pursuit of getting faster or going longer.

So, if that resonates at all then rest assured, you’re not alone.

Finally it just leaves me to like to wish all the readers of my column a Merry Christmas – may you enjoy a bit more food, a bit more drink... and a bit more running.