As I seem to have a packed schedule today, I decided that this morning’s run would be a shorter one, but I would try a new route as I’m over familiar with my usual 6k.
It was raining, but I wasn’t going to be deterred, as I set off with 🧢 cap and rain jacket, raring to go. The first part of the run took me through an Whipperley estate and then to the crest of a small green area, Dallow Downs. As the name suggests, this was a very steep downward slope, and was dotted with bushes and trees. Pleasant enough, I thought as I tried to control my legs from running to fast down the hill.
It wasn’t until I got to the bottom that it dawned on me: this was an out and back run, so at some point I would have to run back up again. Pushing this thought to the back of my mind I continued on my run for another km before turning to run gently back. As I approached the down I noticed an alternative path tucked between two houses which looked much less steep so decided that, even if this would be a much easier climb.
However once I got to the first bend in the path I realised this was just an illusion. I was faced by a steep set of steps cut into the grass, and most of them muddy. But I could do this, I told myself, and set to on running up the steps.
I say running... I started in a sort of running motion, but who was I kidding. It very quickly morphed into more of a shuffling motion, accompanied by puffing and panting. The place was littered with beer cans and other assorted detritus, and in my reluctance to look at the mess, I plodded onward and before I knew it had trodden in an unexpected pile of 💩. Now I’m no expert but this looked suspiciously human, but I wasn’t hanging around to find out. However the rest of my ascent included a walking style with me dragging my left foot sideways in an attempt to remove the offending matter from my running shoe.
By the time I reached the summit I was completely knackered and with the dragging of my foot must have looked like I was trying out for a part in Shaun of the Dead 🧟♀️.
However, as the hill flattened out I managed to pick up my running and headed straight for home, having clocked up my slowest 6k in ages at around 38 minutes.
My trainers are still outside, I will deal with them later, but hopefully the rain will continue and make my job a little easier.
🍏Windy or what?
6k in the bag
❄️Mad woman in the snow!❄️
