Switched about runs and a handful of blackberries 😋

Having planned my runs and routes for the week ahead, the weather forecast has turned everything on its head ☀️ 🥵, but the beauty of The Magic Plan is that it's okay when that happens. As Roxdog and Fabulous450 already do so well spontaneously, I am perhaps beginning to learn to go with the flow a little too.

I looked at the forecast for the next few days before I went to bed last night; this morning was supposed to be 13 degrees at 6am and Sunday morning is forecast to be hotter, so that decided it; the runs were switched about and I ran my 55 minutes this morning and will do the 30 minutes on Sunday.

My long run today was along the length of the cycle track that I ran part of last week. The route follows an old railway line, starting in the middle of the South Downs and heading out towards the coast. Well, by the time my husband and I had dropped one car off at the end of the cycle track and driven the other car to the start, it was just after 7am and already 17 degrees and climbing. My husband did his run and I did mine, meaning I went at my own pace and he ran away from me 😉. He is working on a different running plan which includes intervals, but he was always ahead of me, although I could often see him in the distance.

I took Hidden 's advice and carved my run up into three sections. What a great suggestion that was, it really worked.....

The first 20 minutes I settled my pace and breathing, got myself into a rhythm and all was going well until.... I had a faff with my playlist on Spotify and I lost the 4G signal (I should really download it properly). Still running, I juggled with my phone, until I realised it was the signal that was the problem, so I just forgot about it and ran on without music until the signal kicked in again after about 15 minutes. I quite liked the quiet.

For the next 20 minutes I enjoyed seeing the change in the landscape, as the Downs were left behind and the track opened out from its green and leafy tunnel into the sunshine. It edged its way through the gradually flattening fields, then eased into a village and out again. Finally, towards the edge of the town, it became an oasis of shade, with just a few dapples of sunshine breaking through - a welcome break from the strengthening sun.

My final 15 minutes, as GTFC suggested, were just for me. I put the stresses of last week to one side and just thought about all the reasons why I started and continue to run. I didn't clock watch once, and when my 55 minutes were up I felt I could have gone for that 60, but I didn't. Instead, as I stopped my watch, I saw a gorgeous crop of blackberries conveniently growing in the hedgerow so I stopped to take a photo and sample a few; they were delicious. I rounded off with my 5 minute cool down walk as I enjoyed another handful of blackberries and joined my husband (no blackberries left...... 😋), who was waiting for me at the car.

Enjoy your runs this weekend everyone, keep safe in the heat and do try and sample some blackberries! 😊🏃‍♀️🌷

[Beatlesforever Graduate10]

So happy it went so well!! 👍😊 And extra yummy blackberries, what a treat! 😍

[Hidden in reply to Beatlesforever]

The blackberries were so lovely that I’m going to look out for more during my next run. I think I’m in danger of becoming a running hedgerow grazer. 😋🤣

[Beatlesforever Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I think I might just join you, what better motivation 😋

[Fionamags Graduate10]

That sounds like a fabulous run DellyD. Love your description of it and it just sounds like you've really cracked it. You are absolutely flying as well!!!

[Hidden in reply to Fionamags]

Thank you Fionamags 😊🤗

[Roxdog Graduate10]

That sounds a lovely run and you managed the logistics of running away too!

Not watching your time can reap rewards! I love the description of the second and third segments and might try to divide my runs up like that. I also find that I settle in after about 15-20 minutes so it makes sense.

We are all learning from each other on this forum, isn't it great!

We were in the Sussex Downs camping last week- I think that's where you are? There were lots of blackberries!

Wish I had an old railway line to run along too.

Take care - it's hot out there - 24 degrees here when I went out at about 6.45!

[Hidden in reply to Roxdog]

Yes to location. I feel very lucky to live here.

The next few days are going to be roaster-toasters,so I shall be out early on Sunday morning too. 🤗

[Allbarron 60minGraduate]

You sound very organised and determined DD. Cutting your run into sections sounds like a great idea. It was very hot.today but you did it👍

[Hidden in reply to Allbarron]

GTFC shared the idea of splitting the run into chunks. I really liked it and it certainly helped.

[Allbarron 60minGraduate in reply to Hidden]

I need to look that up. I'm back on the plan on Sunday but I'm way behind. Hopefully the week away with long walks has renewed the legs🤞🤞

[Hidden in reply to Allbarron]

You'll get there and you'll be fine 😊

[Allbarron 60minGraduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks! I found the post. I'll give anything a go at the minute. I've got into the mindset that 5k is my limit. 🤞

[Hidden in reply to Allbarron]

That can be natural so start to think of it on some days as a minimum. Go say for 6k so when you get to 3 you can think 'I'm halfway there' and gradually make it 7, then 8 etc. You really will get there. Relax and be kind to yourself 😊

[Allbarron 60minGraduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks it's a new way of thinking. I've always been a bigger picture person but having read different outlooks to running I maybe need to change tack👍

[Hidden in reply to Allbarron]

A week’s rest can work wonders so I’m sure your legs will have benefitted. Enjoy Sunday’s run 😊

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

What a lovely post and a great 25mins run. Well done. Finishing with blackberries sounds lovely - you're well ahead with your seasons compared to us. Great speed for your long run. 60 mins is so close. Happy running 🤗

[Hidden in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thank you Grannyhugs. You still have the lovely long and light summers evenings though...... oh, and the midgies, though perhaps the heat has forced them into hiding?

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Definitely still got long days, no midges on east coast - brilliant 🤗

[Hidden in reply to Grannyhugs]

Oh yes! I forgot about the east/west coast thing. That’s fortunate 😊

[dijep Graduate10]

Lovely post with a great description of your run it's sounds great, I bet those blackberries were amazing. But oh it's so hot 🔥 I'm planning to run tomorrow and the coolest partof the day is 17 degrees at 5am!

I found a huge wild pear tree this morning covered in fruit but obviously not ripe yet ☹️

[Hidden in reply to dijep]

The blackberries were very welcome! You should remember to run to the pear tree in September with a bag in your pocket and gather some pears!

[dijep Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I'm away with my campervan catching up with family so sadly won't get to enjoy it ☹️

Bit In looking forward to running somewhere new 😊

[Mum22boys Graduate10]

Sounds like a great run for you today and in a fab location. Running in the heat isn't easy though. I need to look up what Hidden said about splitting the run up... sounds interesting...

[Hidden in reply to Mum22boys]

Try this link. It will take you straight to the post and then scroll down for GTFC's advice....

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

[Mum22boys Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, really seemed to work for you 😊

[Hidden in reply to Mum22boys]

I love this forum for all the shared ideas so freely given. Happy running and keep safe in this heat ☺️

[Hidden]

I really love this!! Well done you 😁 you did so well and the last part was just for you because you deserve to finish it and finish strong. All the signs are there and to feel able to push on at the end is great. So many positives for you. I'm really pleased for you 😊

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for encouraging me to think like that about my run. It help divide up the run into timed sections, but also allowed me a different kind of headspace for each part of the run and that was so helpful. Thank you ☺️

[Oldgirlruns Graduate10]

A run and blackberries too - lovely!

[Hidden in reply to Oldgirlruns]

I'm going to run this route again in a fortnight for the 60 minute run and I shall take a bag with me for when I reach the end!

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

Sounds like a great run Delly-dot and the description sounds like you had great surroundings to run in. Did you leave any blackberries for next time🤣

[Hidden in reply to Buddy34]

I did leave some and I'm taking a bag with me next time!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Blackberries seem rather early this year but then they always seem early to me, i expect them in early september

What a lovely way to run, a car each end of the track

[Hidden in reply to SueAppleRun]

Yes, I was thinking that the blackberries were a bit early too, but there's plenty of them so hopefully they will hang around for when I run that route again in a fortnight for my 60 minutes. I shall take a bag with me next time so I can bring some home.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Hidden]

I better go over the downs next week, there are a lot but also a few wild apple trees if you know where to look,

[Hidden in reply to SueAppleRun]

Ooh, wild apples sound lovely. 😋

dijep has her eye on some wild pears in a few weeks time. I sense a potential new craze here.... "scrumpy running" 🍎🍏🍐🍓😋

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Hidden]

We have a pear tree at work it’s out the back where the smokers go so i have missed the blossom and watching the pears grow this year but went out the other day to check my ladders (don’t ask i haven’t a clue) and it’s laden with pears so will be checking my ladders more regularly

[Forest_Run_Beginner Graduate10]

That sounds like a perfect run, you were totally in control and nailed it, brilliant. I'm going to have a read of GTFC's advice too, it sounds like it could be a breakthrough. And a brilliant run made even better with some black berries, yum 😋

Keep going, that 60 minute badge is so close now you must be able to reach out and touch it. Happy running 🥳🎉🎊🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Hidden in reply to Forest_Run_Beginner]

Thank you 😊. It was a lovely run. It wasn't easy, but I did enjoy it and the blackberries were a definite treat at the end. How lucky!

Do look at what GTFC said. You will find it in the link to this post if you scroll down. Words of wisdom ☺️.... healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Great stuff! He's a very wise man, that Hidden , isn't he? 😀

[Hidden in reply to Sandraj39]

☺️

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

What a beautiful post Delly-dot! Very wise to switch your runs - I have my long run on Sunday!☀️

Without revealing to the world exactly where we live - are you Surrey or West Sussex? I sense we live quite close to each other!

Anyway, well done on another fab run..and yes, I have fuelled up on blackberries on a run before too!! 😀

[Hidden in reply to Sandraj39]

I'm thinking of organising "scrumpy running" and we can all post what we have been snacking on!

I'm West Sussex, very close to the Surrey border. How about you?

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Surrey - very close to West Sussex border!!

[Hidden in reply to Sandraj39]

Hello neighbour 😀!

[Runjilly Graduate10]

That was a lovely run Delly-dot and great post. 60 minutes is just around the corner!😁

[Hidden in reply to Runjilly]

Thanks Runjilly! I didn’t realise you had moved over here. Good to have you over the bridge and great to hear from you 😊

[Runjilly Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Hi DD Thank you. Yes crept over a little while ago, not been on here for a while but have been catching up with posts the last week or so. Still been running just had a mental block about posting on here but got over it now 😁

[Hidden in reply to Runjilly]

Well it’s good to have you posting again. I’m looking forward to reading your posts 😊

[Scruff55 60minGraduate]

What a fabulous run for you. I’m going to try GTFC’s suggestion as I sometimes get bored on the longer runs. I have also decided to run my route in reverse so I should meet up with some blackberries towards the end of my run. 🙏🙏🙏😂😂. Happy running everyone and take care in this heat!!! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Hidden in reply to Scruff55]

Many of my runs are loops, so I should also try running them the other way round. I just realised as I type that my routes are all anti-clockwise! I wonder what they says about me?

[Sybilw Graduate10]

Sounds like a great run. I love a good bramble - I even got a few rasps in Scotland last week. I’m on hazelnut watch now too. Look very promising but I need to be patient as they’re not full yet.

[Hidden in reply to Sybilw]

Ooh, Scottish raspberries are a bit special. I am thinking of starting a "scrumpy running" club as there's a few us with our eyes on the fruit in the hedgerows!

[Sybilw Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

It’s worth trying for hazelnuts if you find the sweet spot between them being full and the squirrels getting them!

[Week7 Graduate10]

Went out for my 30 min plod at 7 this morning and felt ok but still grinding towards that

elusive 5k .

Now sat in the garden reading your post.So beautifully written and inspiring it really makes

Me want to keep on going.Thanks for sharing.

[Hidden in reply to Week7]

It took me a while to get to 5k during my consolidation runs after graduation. It will come. Make that 30 minute graduation run your first goal and the rest will follow. 😊

[Jennyhare]

I had a load of blackberries on one run last week. I was whacked out and dehydrated, but the juice and fructose gave me a nice lift.

[Hidden in reply to Jennyhare]

Me too! They were just what I needed at the end of my run 😃.

[Timotea Graduate10]

That looks amazing! How do you map your run like that?