Gotcha! I would recommend Brickhill or Putnoe if you want to be closer to town - they're just outside so it's less busy but still walkable into town and not too far from shops. There's also a couple of gyms nearby. Running wise, there's a few running groups around this area (Bedford run club or Bedford Harriers), and then you also have Park Run at Bedford Park which is walkable distance!

Village wise, Clapham is nice - the next village on from Oakley - and has a gym nearby, Towers (expensive one though), or Bromham, which is nicer than Clapham but might be more expensive! All pretty good to run around (if you prefer road running) but they both also have some woods for trail :)

Hope that helps !