As I set out this morning I wasn't sure whether to do my usual 10k over Romsley or go somewhere flatter. Walking off my estate just before sunrise it was - 2°C, yesterday's slush had frozen solid with just a thin covering of fresh snow to give a little security underfoot. I hadn't taken my data key for the gym, so that ruled that option out. I decided to give the hill a try and if it was too dangerous just turn around and go home.
The path up the hill was much less well trodden than my estate, so not quite so icy, and there was a little more snow the further up I went. The views were beautiful as the sun rose above the white covered fields and houses. I'd overdressed, of course! 🙈 I'm so used to being cold all the time, I forget how toasty I get when running.
I saw birds hopping in and out of snow covered bushes, sheep huddled together high on the hill, the occasional car creeping slowly down the hill and some beautiful views. I hope I'm forgiven for stopping a few times to take pictures.
It was harder work running up hill particularly as my back foot always slipped a little with each push, but the extra effort was well worth it. I wouldn't have wanted to miss it. I did resort to walking for a minute or two, but other than that, just kept going, slow and steady.
I took it so slowly and carefully that there'll be no medals for this run, but the reward was in the sheer pleasure of being out in the countryside, in the snow, among nature and warm as toast.
And for those who know about my quest to gain a few feet upwards towards the Clent Hills each week, I managed a little more of that too.
Happy me!
Have a good weekend all! Xx
Written by
Sandyscroll
Graduate10
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That sounds just wonderful! I applaud you for getting out there in the snow and ice - but it seems that your intrepidness was well rewarded. Lovely photo too.
Sounds like a beautiful run with a great picture to go with it. There will be no breaking speed records in winter snowy running but the mental clarity that comes with it is so worth it. I found some little inexpensive slip on metal cleats for those types of runs that give a bit more traction. Our pharmacy carries them, as well as the big discount wholesale stores. May be worth looking into especially since you have hills. Mine aren't running specific, just traction grippers and they work really well.
Thanks for the advice, I'll have a look out for those. Might be more likely to find them in an outdoors type shop here, and there's one just a 2 minute walk from work. 😀
I was thinking about you and your slow running as I was out on the snowy, icy trail today. Nothing like ice and snow to slow a gal down! I had to proceed very gingerly today indeed. Good though!
I have some of the Bettaware shoe grips for ice and snow. I have two pairs actually. they work ok but I think the better ones are from the army stores and are the ones the local post folks wear. Our postman showed me his ones. The Bettaware ones are ok but a tad small so won't fit over the bulkier trainers. Good job I have some minimal trail jobs I think the army stores grips are about £13 a pair. You still have to go very steady though
Aha! You are a fountain of knowledge as ever! I'll get straight on that. We have an army stores outlet not far from here. I'll check there first. Thanks for the tip.
Maybe I need to run in snow and ice more often. 😀
Well done for getting out there too. Do we get bravery awards for that? 😉
Thanks pollyp1 . Good luck with the interview. Current forecasts say there should still be plenty of the white stuff left on Monday after your interview if you should wish to acquire your own bravery award! 🏅😃
I'm a one for just getting on with it. I knew the reward would be in going down the other side, coupled with the sense of achievement for making it up there in the first place. It's a run where there are no short cuts and the first quarter is the hardest part, so it would be a waste of effort to turn back after that.
I have to say though, it was a thoroughly enjoyable run. Even I was surprised! Maybe I don't deserve a medal after all. 😉
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Snowy run day! 🙂❄️🏃🏽♀️❄️
3.5k Wk 3 10K.
