The wolves are running...

[Slinkymalinki]

I was happily snuggled in bed with tea indulging in a festive re-read of The Box of Delights with no intention of finding out what a -6 deg wind chill feels like. However, the sun came up and the wolves were running through the snowy landscape of Condicote & Tadchester and somehow I felt I had to join them.

I chose the canal path intending to try and reach 5k given how freezing it was. When I started off nice & slow though, it just felt easy and rhythmic so I kept going and turned the run into a 10k (72 mins). I had a small piece of flapjack with me as I was quite hungry when I left and so had a little half way treat by one of the locks.

I can honestly say that I don't think I've ever enjoyed a winter run this much. The paths were deserted, the river frozen with moorhens paddling in broken patches and the frost looked magical on the foliage.

At one point I startled a heron who flew off slowly level with my head, disgruntled at having to move on. Little posses of robins kept darting about on another section around me and at eleven o'clock the ducks were silenced by a nearby church clock reminding me that I had lots to do today & to keep up the pace.

The old me (b4 C25k) would never have done this on such a cold morning & I'm a bit sad about all the beautiful seasonal runs I must have missed out on in the past. I hope I'll remember my 'wolves are running' run for many winters to come.

Happy seasonal runnings everyone!

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

Sounds absolutely majestic! There's just something magical about those frosty runs. I'm so glad you got out and then shared it with us 😊

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks. I love seeing how familiar places change with the seasons. There's always something new to marvel at especially after a hard frost. Reading your beautiful posts inspire me to get out in the cold weather. 😊

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Slinkymalinki]

Thanks 😊. I’m glad to hear my posts help to encourage you to get out and enjoy your winter runs. It is amazing how the scenery changes with the seasons.

[Anniemurph Graduate10]

Magical! I love that book 😍 What a fantastic run to put in your memory bank, and thank you for sharing it.

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10 in reply to Anniemurph]

Thanks. We always watch the Box of Delights during the week before Christmas and I haven't read it since I was a teenager so thought it was time for a re-read.

[CatMo13]

How great this sounds, where are you running? It looks beautiful.

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10 in reply to CatMo13]

I'm near Stroud in the Cotswolds. It's quite hilly so I choose to do long runs by the canal in the valley. This section has the canal one side & river the other with sets of locks, tunnels, bridges & textile mills (reflected in the mill pond). It is a lovely place!

[CatMo13 in reply to Slinkymalinki]

Oh yes looks it . Canal run must be great.

[Snuffy_T Graduate10]

Lovely run great time too. Looks beautiful. Thanks for the inspiration, I'm just mustering the courage for my second park run this morning. I'm so warm and cosy under the duvet , but I'm getting up !

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10 in reply to Snuffy_T]

It's hard to get up on these cold dark mornings isn't it? But hey, good for you going for your second parkrun! I'm sending you warmth, courage & speed. Good luck!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Wow.. what a great run... well done you, absolutely beautiful... and one of my favourite books too...I think I need to re read it myself now. Thank you for the run description and reminding me of that story xxx

What a memory you have to cherish... tuck it away in your memory jar and open it up on a wet cold day...perfect xxxx

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you. Your 'soft feet' advice always comes with me on long runs and helps me along. This run is definitely going in the 'memory jar'!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

Sounds amazing... running with wolves? 😱

Hopefully you’ll get many more great winter runs in.

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Lovely, Slinky, just lovely. And massive well done on getting out of a warm bed! Despite risks of rain, snow and ice, this can be a beautiful time of year to run. I love running when it’s cold, so invigorating!

Sadie-runs x

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thank you. I'm glad I trusted the Met Office App & went out yesterday!

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

Perfect run.... this is indeed what it’s all about... strong body, fresh air and enjoying the adventure in nature 🔥

[Sqkr]

Arrrrg I adore this book! See also The Midnight Folk, Mr Sqkr bought me a lovely Folio edition of the latter and it's my go-to comfort read on a cold day 😊

And your wonderful run sums up exactly what I love so much about winter running and why I am such an advocate for it, it's the most magical time of all! It gives me goosebumps for reasons way beyond the chill in the air.

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10]

I love the Midnight Folk too! Mr Sqkr is definitely a keeper if he buys such lovely keepsake pressies! John Masefield could really conjure up a magical winter landscape. I started running in Feb 2017 in the sleet, wind & cold and prefer it to the heat of summer!