Frostford: Where My Lungs Learnt to Hate and Love the Cold
frostford, huh? where the air bites back and your legs just keep going. that's what i thought when i first saw those numbers pop up on my weather app - 1.28 degrees with a feels-like of basically nothing. brrr.
i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the kind where your breath hangs in front of your face like a tiny ghost, and you can see your own steam rising from your skin as you push through another kilometer.
this place, frostford, is like a hidden gem that's not really hidden because everyone who comes here leaves either loving it or swearing off running forever. if you get bored, oakhaven and ridgefield are just a short drive away. i've heard ridgefield has a killer breakfast spot, but don't ask me which one because i'm usually too busy running past places to notice where the good food is.
someone told me that the local running club has this tradition where they all wear these ridiculous fluorescent pink socks on saturdays. something about visibility but mostly just looking like a bunch of moving lollipops. i haven't joined yet because my pink socks are currently in the wash, but maybe next week.
i swear, i've seen that park bench move. not like shifted in the wind, but actually moved. some say it's just the frost heave playing tricks, but i know better. that bench has seen things.
the training routes here are something else. the *river path winds through some of the most beautiful countryside i've ever run through, but be warned - it gets slippery when the temperature drops. locals told me about this one section where you have to basically ice skate the last 200 meters if you're not careful.
found this great little café called the steam stop near the starting line of the annual frostford half marathon. their beetroot smoothie is a game-changer after a long run. they also have this wall where runners leave their bibs from past races - it's honestly kind of emotional to see all those colors fluttering in the breeze. check out their yelp page if you're curious.
you know you're a serious runner here when you can navigate the fog trails without your phone. that's the real test. the locals, they just...know. it's like they have internal compasses or something.
heard a rumor about this supposedly haunted section of the old railway line where people have seen running figures in the distance that disappear when you get close. probably just shadows and the cold playing tricks on your mind, but still, makes you pick up the pace a bit, doesn't it?
if you're into long-distance training, the circular lake route* is supposedly unbeatable. 15k with minimal elevation change and stunning views. there's a viewpoint halfway through where you can see the entire valley spread out below you - totally worth the extra breath you'll take from stopping to admire it. someone on a tripadvisor forum mentioned it's the most peaceful place in the county, and honestly? they're not wrong.
the locals here are... something else. mostly friendly if you can catch them not running, but there's something about this town that makes everyone move with purpose. even the ducks in the park look like they're on a mission. here's a local forum where you can find out more about the running scene if you're interested.
so yeah, frostford. where your lungs learn to hate the cold and your legs learn to love the burn. might not be for everyone, but if you're into that kind of thing... well, you know where to find me. probably on the river path, cursing the frost but loving the view.