...and yesterday, that voice said, "...it is fine... you can do this...".
So,I did...
A month ago I wrote a fairly self pitying post...and my friends responded as ever, supporting and encouraging replies, that lifted me and kept me moving.
It has been a slow few weeks of very slow running, even for me...but well worth the wait.
I was disappointed not to run with molly1973 on Saturday at the Pwhelli park run, but afraid of causing any issues... so, Sunday was to be a consolation prize
A beautiful morning, and with the promise of sunshine without the strength-sapping heat; my running gear set out the night before, a route vaguely planned... but with no real expectation of anything other than a safe and happy run. I set out, location sharing on, (Mr OF is very protective after my call for the cavalry on the 27th May).
The air was a little chillier than I expected, but within minutes, I was warm... heading down towards the next village... my steps were light, my heart lighter. I had warmed up well and thought that maybe I would manage 9 K this morning I have been following Magic 10, yet again and although having to tweak it a bit, it has helped enormously on my recovery after my last injury.
The mountain views are stunning, inscrutable, ever changing...this morning, etched in charcoal , their misty veil absent, and the sharp outlines harsh against a lightening sky. The air, not as heavy as of late.. with a sweet light perfume that drifted across my path as I ran slowly towards my turning point. I deliberately chose this start as I have to run uphill on the return 1K... ensuring I keep a steady pace. The hedgerows , thick and verdant, already laden with the fruits of Autumn. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw the blackberries already ripening in the warmer sun-touched spots. Dog roses at every turn; silk petalled, unsophisticated ornaments of the summer scene. I could not resist stopping briefly to breathe in the heady, inimitable perfume of Nature.
Down the hill.... steady, slow... and a realisation that it is all coming naturally once more; pulling back a tad, breathing gently and landing lightly. Turn down towards the Esplanade... not a soul... just me. I was checking my Garmin at each kilometre, I did want to try and maintain a steady pace.
This view still causes my heart to skip a beat, childhood memories fill my head... and I still expect, on every single run along here, to see my Mum and Dad and Nan walking towards me.
Up and back towards the main road, slowly and carefully, across and up past the, as yet empty churches, the faithful, as yet also, still asleep and not at prayer. Through the hidden pathway and then a gentle downhill again and along and out towards the next village. The coaches wait outside the hotel... round bespectacled drivers, snoozing gently, as they wait for their passengers, who are breakfasting in the dining room, as I pass. These morning scents do make me feel hungry !
My legs were strong, my breathing easy;shoulders relaxed and ground -kissing feet. Out and under the huge shady trees..I was warmer now and as I check my Garmin.. I see I have already run for 6K. My run forever, pace kicks in.. I decided to take another path off my main route, one I had been told about, a footpath I do not know. This was a mistake and I went significantly off route and got lost... I ran it, but paused my Garmin! I was lucky enough to meet a local lady who pointed me in the right direction and despite an encounter with several large cows, crossing my track... ( accompanied by a large and friendly farmer.), I found myself back on route
Just before Lloyd George's village I turn, and always here, the village sign re-kindles, childhood memories. Grammar school and A level history. and English Prime Ministers... ( appropriate thoughts I felt ) Back along, under the trees, the world is quiet, I can hear the sea in the distance. Birds chittering, chuntering and chatting as they weave a cobweb-light flight path in and out of the twiggy hedge. It is strange how distances that once seemed endless, particularly after injury now seem so much shorter. The thoughts that come, unbidden, into our heads when injured, as Irishprincess told me, show themselves as lies... β, you will never run again...β Oh yes, I will
Turning down Lon Fel... and three to go... and quite without realising it , I have not run 6K, I have run 7K...so.. do I stop at 9 ? I listen carefully to my body as I have done on every single run since my return...my breathing is easy, my feet are light with no twinges anywhere... I am relaxed, and feel strong.. a quick sip of water and some over the wrists too and I decide to carry on for the 10 K...
Through the small estate... flower bedded, green shrubbed and curtained, this is a day of rest after all. Footsteps barely echoing , ankles rounded and such easy running that as I turn onto Marine Terrace, I am almost blown away by the force of the breeze from the sea. The smells of breakfast here are irresistible.. the B and Bs, the holiday apartments in the majestic three storied terraces.
Once elegant private dwellings, with an enviable view, at least in Summer, where Lloyd George and Megan went to tea I am sure Across the green with the shelter that Megan Lloyd George donated and along the coastal path for a short way...bees, butterflies, birds and the almost secretive, yet relentless sound of the waves below the path... back and up Lon Bach towards the castle, a quick photo here and there and the delight of a downhill run towards the Esplanade...not deserted now., with some holiday makers taking a post or pre breakfast stroll...the Harlech Dome in the distance and the Bay, sun-kissed, and serene. So I, muscles fully warmed, give a short final burst... Laura would have been proud of me...finishing in style.
Bluebirdrunner is so right... getting back to simply enjoying the runs, rambling about them too, is what matters to me. She knows me so well x
10K completed, a small milestone reached yet again...and a run today, for pure joy.
PS
@molly1973 and I are sharing a run tomorrow... thunder and lightning permitting
So pleased that you are getting back to longer distances and feeling good. 
The running christmas tree
To run the end to end, or not to run it. That is the question!
