Week 8: Run 1 (a new hill to conquer)

[Maddee_6333]

25 minute steady run.

I woke up about 5:30am this morning, saw a few clouds outside, thought 'Great, I'll walk the dog then come back, leave her at home and go on my run.' Then promptly fell asleep again. Luckily I woke up again not too long after.

The plan - such as it was - swung into action. I drank 2 small glasses of water and headed out. It was a lot cooler this morning compared to yesterday morning, there were even a few clouds about. By the time I got home they'd all gone, but I didn't think it would be too hot to run. I drank a pint glass of water, changed my clothes and went straight out. I was already warmed up so did a few stretches as I headed out the door, and pretty much started running as soon as I got to the end of my road. Can I just say? It is weird running past houses and people. Though it did give me some welcome shade. One lady greeted me the same way I greeted someone yesterday, with a 'You're brave!'

I ran down the footpath that leads to the fields and turned right, went through the subway - more shade - and then had to decide whether I wanted shady, but steep or sunny, but less steep.

I opted for the shade. It was the best choice, but within a few dozen strides I realised why I have never even attempted to run up this track before, and have only chosen to run down it once. It is steep. Run on your toes because you literally cannot do anything else steep. It felt like the Eiger! I took it slowly, and I did not stop. It felt like it took me forever. Got to the top, did not collapse in a heap, though I kind of wanted to, and turned left just as MapMyFitness told me I was 3/4 done. Tagged the gate at the top of the next slope then ran slowly along my normal path back home, greeting dog walker friends as I went, and got to the 5 minute cool down as I reached the final field. Walked home sticking to every bit of shade I could find, and drank another pint of water while watching the tv telling us that today is likely to be the hottest day for 40 years!

If I'd known that before I went out I wouldn't have gone, but as it was? I didn't find it too bad. There again, I was home by 8am. 🙂

[Hidden]

I just haven't got myself organised enough to get up that early this summer, very impressed. And impressed with tackling that steep path too

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I wake up early in the summer when my room gets light. Staying awake is much harder 😀 Steep path is definitely not one I want to do weekly. Maybe just once every couple of months or so!