Walk, Jog, Walk Around Market Drayton – 22.52 km Endurance Session

Date: 12 July 2026

There’s something special about setting out early on a summer morning, especially when the route follows the Shropshire Union Canal. Today’s session was a walk, jog, walk endurance workout covering 22.52 km in 2:39:36, combining canal towpaths, country roads and a relaxed cooldown back into Market Drayton.

Session Statistics
Distance: 22.52 km
Duration: 2:39:36
Average Pace: 7:05/km
Average Heart Rate: 132 bpm
Maximum Heart Rate: 158 bpm
Active Calories: 1,549 kcal

The Route

The run began in Market Drayton, following the canal towards Adderley. Although the canal is one of my favourite places to run, several stretches of the towpath were noticeably overgrown. It meant watching my footing a little more carefully, but the peaceful surroundings more than made up for the slower pace.

Around the 8 km mark, I left the towpath and joined the road. The smoother surface allowed me to settle into a comfortable rhythm, producing the fastest section of the morning. My quickest kilometre was 4:56/km, and I was able to maintain a strong, steady effort without pushing too hard.

Near 16 km, I returned to the canal and transitioned into a brisk walk. The route continued as far as Tyrley Lock before heading back onto the road for the final stretch into Market Drayton. Finishing with a long cooldown walk felt like the perfect way to end the session.

Reflections

What pleased me most wasn’t the pace—it was how comfortable the effort felt throughout the morning. An average heart rate of 132 bpm over nearly two hours and forty minutes suggests the session remained predominantly aerobic, exactly what I was aiming for.

The changing terrain also added variety. Running on uneven canal paths requires different skills compared with running on roads, helping to build balance, coordination and strength alongside endurance.

Looking Ahead

Long, consistent sessions like this are an important part of building fitness. They improve endurance, strengthen the body and provide valuable time outdoors, exploring the local area around Market Drayton.

Not every run needs to be about chasing a personal best. Sometimes the greatest reward comes from simply covering the miles, enjoying the scenery and finishing the session feeling stronger than when you started.

I’m already looking forward to the next outing.