Beautiful out running today, so really enjoyed challenging myself by picking a fairly 'undulating' route that included two hills ("hills are my friends"!) Settled into a fairly comfortable rhythm and trotted home in 1:03:14 - not my PB but really pleased as the route was quite tough. Starting to feel much more comfortable at this distance now and also more confident about my two events in May (one a trail run😮 and one a road race).
A happy me😀
P.S. Also saw lots of bunnies today - very cute"🐰
I saw some bunnies out today and even a fox. I think we startled each other. That looks quite hazy and romantic.
The top picture was part of my run but I actually took the picture a couple of weeks ago in the morning. The bottom pic was taken today (late afternoon)
That looks really lovely Sandra, and really similar to the woods I walked George yesterday with the bluebells just coming out!
That's a great time for an undulating trail run, you should be really pleased. Great therapy running in the woods😊
Ps I saw a red squirrel , they are mega cute!😆
Looks amazing! I love nothing more than to run in the woods and fields, jumping over twigs and tree roots and the wonderful sights, sounds and sometimes smells are brilliant. Makes me feel like laughing out loud. Had to see some sheep placenta in the field which was a bit icky but an experience! Think there should be trail running groups, I went to a running club and they ran round the dark streets in town, then tried another one and they wanted to do laps of a running track in the dark. The fields were however more appealing, run day tomorrow, can't wait after seeing ur photos!!
Someone on here suggested looking into cross country running with a club. Food for thought I guess but I think at heart I am more of a lone runner! Totally agree that running laps of the running track would just not do it for me! Happy running tomorrow!
Bluebells!!!!! Beautiful place, how lovely. That must have been a very calm space for you. And what a fab time - great that you're feeling confident 
But 'hills are my friends' - pah! 
Take that hill comment with a pinch of salt Annie😉! I am telling myself that they are making me stronger and that is a good thing!
Ha ha! I know they are good for me really, it's just that they are such bloomin' hard work!
Well done Flying Sandra !
Cooo, that looks gorgeous , bluebells are so pretty arent they ?
Bunnies as well , Win- Win !
Lovely pics xxx
I missed this...how...lovely run and lovely pikkies too... beautiful blubbles... That is Bluebells, but my Jen used to call them that.. and the name stuck!
Hills... wonderful...I am learning to embrace them, as I did the mud!!!!
A good run... and bunnies... yeay!!!
Hi Sandraj39, I hope you don't mind me asking when you graduated? You seem to be doing so well and running in similar countryside to myself. I also like running alone but because I've struggled to keep myself completing the time without stopping since graduating I have taken a daughter or husband with me quite a few times as I'm less likely to stop then. I'd love to just go off running around the countryside with the dog for quite lengthy distances as I just adore the countryside especially at this time of year. I'm just curious about how long it took you to get to this stage and what you did post-graduation to get there? Your route looks stunning by the way, good for the soul!
Hi! I graduated in October and then spent a good couple of months on just runnig up to 5k, three times a week. I then moved to 2x 5k plus one longer run, a pattern which I think has worked for lots of us on here. I also made sure I stuck to the 10% rule (not increasing weekly distance by more than10% a week). And also, not increasing the distance ifI felt I wasn't ready for it. I ran 10k for the first time in January. I now generally do 2 shorter (5/6k) runs plus a long run each week. What I would say, is listen to your body and don't push on until your ready. Also, don't be afraid to take extra rest days if you need to (sometimes when I was increasing my distance, I would take extra rest days (so three runs in 8 or even 9 days if my legs were feeling it!) Now that the distance feels more comfortable I can squeeze in more running, but I cannot stress the importance of listening to your own body rather than sticking rigidly to a plan. Also, when focusing on stamina and just runnig for a certain time, really slow up your running and find a comfortable pace for you. I promise the speed will come later. I have really only just started focusing a bit more on my pace.
I do love to run in the countryside and 'taking to the trails' has improved my balance and most definately the strength of my legs. I really notice the difference when I run on the roads. And of course it is SO beautiful being out and feeling part of nature! Love it! What distances are you running at the moment? Lots of luck and keep at it ! 🙂
Another NRC Run 
My First 7K Run
(Virtual) Winton 10k Trail
