A 'real' Sunday Adventure - exploring somewhere new!

[skysue16]

Hubby completed Couch25k a few months ago and has been gradually building up distance. It was time for him to run 10k! We decided instead of our usual run along the old railway line we would try somewhere different - a nearby large lake/reservoir. A bit of online research told us that the distance all around the lake was 8 and half miles. That's fine we thought - a good warm up walk, then 10k run and cool down walk, no problem

It was a very misty day but not actually raining and not cold either - good running weather really. We set off together for the warm up walk, Squiggy attached to me and raring to go as usual! The first part was a good track, wide and level. After a little while I was ready to run so set off leaving hubby to complete his longer warm up and a few stretches. The track ended at a huge dam, I stopped briefly to peer gingerly over the wall to watch the water rushing down the side - amazing! Then I carried on across the dam, over a slippery cattle grid and up a steep road - phew. Next the route took me off down a narrow, muddy and slippery trail near the water (see photo). Then above me I could hear steady footfall and heavy breathing...….'Is that you?' I shouted! Hubby had found an easier (although steep) route, he had continued up the road! He clambered over a very slippery stile and after a brief hello we set off again. The trail continued around the lake - it was VERY wet, muddy, with slippery roots and leaves, so concentration was required. It was also rather hilly and both up and down I had to take it steady. Inevitably I slipped over, getting all muddy down one side! Later I tripped over a bramble and added some more mud. Luckily no injuries.

Finally, I could see the carpark and plodded along trying to avoid any more slips. Hubby got to 10k and completed the circuit with a cool down walk. I ran nearly to the car and walked back to meet him (Couldn't find GPS at the start so estimate about 12 and half kilometres).

We were both worn out by the hills and mud but it felt a great achievement

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10]

Slippy mud might bring us down, but at least it gives us something soft to land on (mostly!)

Looks like it will be a lovely route after some dry weather.

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Lovely.... 😊 Pleased no injuries

[misswobble Graduate10]

Sounds like fun 😃. Good to be out at the mo as it’s not too cold 👍🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🐕🍁🍂🌲🌳

[skysue16 Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

Yes, it was good running weather just rather wet underfoot!!

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to skysue16]

Yeah, I’m getting fed up of mucky shoes I’ve got dogs too at the mo so I’m never clean 🐕🐶🤨

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

How wonderful sky sue, running with a buddy does allow you to try new places. I run with my much faster OH too and have discovered great places that we’ve never been in our area. We often do them as a walk first just to see what we’re letting ourselves in for. I bet squiggy enjoys your adventures. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🐶

[skysue16 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

If we had walked it first I'm not sure whether we would have run it Yes, Squiggy had fun, especially when some ducks suddenly took off!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Sorry I missed this ! What a super run albeit very muddy and slippery!

You had a lovely location too... and what a run ...wow.

Well done all three of you ! Happy days

[skysue16 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you OldFloss, we had fun in the mud!