Taking the less trodden path

[Sybilw]

I’m very much a creature of habit!

Leave the house and turn left then at the end of the street turn left or go straight (to be followed by a left further on). I’ve lots of tracks and fields I can use so never turn right as that is pavement running heading to town.

Start at the same point give or less a few metres.

Aim for a similar length run.

Finish at or near where I started.

In effect lots of self imposed ‘rules’ but guess what? Today I turned right! So in fact there were lots of firsts with no preconceptions. In my usual runs I know roughly how far I’ve gone and so how much time has passed although I do try not to look at my watch until I’m near the end.

Today I tried running on pavements ✅ running up untried hills (no expectation of failure!) ✅ last minute route decisions (turned right a few times!) ✅ didn’t just stop at 5k ✅. Strangely it was quieter on the pavements than my usual tracks which might just be a reflection of the cooler weather and the fact I didn’t go into the centre of town. Sorry this has been a bit of a ramble but it goes to show you should be brave. I’ve read lots of reports of freedom runs and think that after 2 years I’ve actually managed one of my own! Oh and I managed to avoid stepping on the most massive slug I’ve seen in ages 🤣. Win win. Picture is of a fledgling that emerged next to me when I was in the garden the other day - nothing to do with the post but reflecting our current life in the slow lane noticing more of nature. Happy freedom running everyone

[Fabulous450 Graduate10]

🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽!! Go Sybilw!! 🤩🤩 That run sounds fantastic! I’m a big fan of freedom runs!! Love the fledgling photo too! There are things we only notice when we are still! Well done you!!❤️

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to Fabulous450]

In fact it was your posts that inspired me. Just get out and run. Thank you. 🙏🏼

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Sybilw]

Ah...thank you Sybilw!! I’m glad you enjoyed it!! I loved reading about it too!! 🤗❤️

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Yay for you turning right. Sounds like a great run. I too am finding pavements quiet, I abandoned the forest a few weeks ago as it was far too busy. Here's to many more happy new routes 🤗

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thank you. It was a revelation and I’ll explore parts of it again as it’s probably usually quiet in many sections even in ‘normal’ times. I’ll definitely be more bold.

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

A fabulous freedom run Sybilw, and I just love the picture of the fledgling with the Mohican hairstyle.

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

I’m proud of that picture. He was very bold and let me get very close!

[Roxdog Graduate10]

I love your post and the title. This reflects exactly what I've been enjoying recently. I enjoy changing my mind and finding something new!

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to Roxdog]

Thank you. I really enjoyed it and must remember the feeling so that I don’t get bogged down in ‘the same old’. Happy running adventures to us both!

[Oldgirlruns Graduate10]

Well done Sybilw! Like you, I tend to stick to the same routines - I’ll have to be brave too one day and mix it up! Love the picture - you must have been really quiet for him to have stayed there!

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Strangely I wasn’t being quiet - I was scraping the weeds from the bricks next to the bush! Two came out and this one was happy to pose for several minutes. I’m sure I’m not the only one finding time and the peace to notice the small things. My phone is full of pictures of birds and flowers instead of grandchildren 😢

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

How wonderful Sybil! I’m a creature of habit too as a rule - it’s the fear of the unknown! Your new route sounded perfect. 😍 Good for you. 👍

You’re so right about taking time to notice nature. I was out walking with my daughter and grandson earlier in the week, and the birdsong was deafening! Absolutely fantastic! ❤️ It just shows that every cloud really does have a silver lining. 😀

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

It’s great that we can find the good in things #lifeintheslowlane. Hopefully we’ll hold on to some of this when ‘normal’ life resumes.

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Lovely post. Good for you for all your firsts, just fab! I’ve just found a new route right from my front door so it’s given me somewhere new to run too 🙂

Enjoy your running amok 🏃‍♀️🙂

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

I love the idea that I’m running amok!! I’ll keep that in my head tomorrow when I go out!