Finally had "that" run

[Ethelbert]

So, almost two years after starting on the C25K path, I have finally done it ... the run I always dreamed of, when I rather wistfully used to think I'd love to run but it wasn't really for me.

I'm on holiday, and one of my goals was to run at least once while away, trying out a different route, different terrain etc. Yesterday, I woke up just feeling it, so decided to get out there. I don't normally run first thing, so this is quite unusual for me!

New running shorts on, current favourite chilled album playing on my headphones, and off I went. I took it at a very steady pace because of the uneven ground, ran along footpaths, over fields, several stiles, footbridges, a railway line (I did look both ways, promise!) then through a churchyard, along the side of a castle, round a village cricket pitch and round another field, merrily greeting dog walkers galore, and absolutely revelling in the sunshine, the breeze on my skin, the scenery and wildlife, and celebrating my body's ability to do this, the easy breathing, the strong legs - a truly glorious 5k-and-a-bit. I got back to where we're staying absolutely buzzing! I honestly loved every minute of it

[Zebadee1]

Sounds perfect 😊

[Ethelbert Graduate10 in reply to Zebadee1]

It really was!

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Wonderful - you found your happy place out on that run! I love it when this happens.🙂

[Ethelbert Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

Absolutely, start to finish. Had a few happy place runs before, but none quite like this!

[Roxdog Graduate10]

How lovely to run in a new place. It sounds like it was a beautiful run.

[Ethelbert Graduate10 in reply to Roxdog]

Oh, it so was! The place itself isn't completely new, we stay here most years visiting my dad, but I've only ever walked those paths before, never imagined I could run them - and I ran some extra bits too, so there was a bit of exploring in there!

[damienair Administrator]

Well done. Those runs are so rare. That is what makes them so special. Running is like a drug, your always chasing miserably after that high.

Damien

[Ethelbert Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

Haha, yes it was special, but I hope I won't have too much miserable chasing after the next high!! I always used to wryly chuckle to myself at the concept of an easy 5k, but I guess it was my secret goal all along

[damienair Administrator in reply to Ethelbert]

Last year I was comfortably running 5K is 27 minutes and under. I was doing pacer at my local parkrun and pacing for 27, 28,29 and 30 minutes. Now I'm struggling to get close to 30 minutes, and struggling to comfortably run 5K at all. So I'm definately miserably chasing after those highs. But getting back there slowly.

[Ethelbert Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

I'd be struggling to get close to 30 minutes too - but from the opposite direction! I blame short legs!! This one was well over 40 minutes, but definitely comfortable.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

That sounds like a fantastic run. Well done. Happy running 🤗

[Ethelbert Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thanks, was pretty cool

[Ethelbert Graduate10]

Itching to get back out there, but been walking with hubby instead. Which was lovely too, especially as it ended with a disgustingly spectacular afternoon cream tea.

[Hidden]

That's one run everyone should experience at least once 👍

[Ethelbert Graduate10]

Agree completely!

[Hidden]

How absolutely wonderful and so well deserved 😊 runs like these are the halcyon days. Believe me, there will be more to come too.

[Ethelbert Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

There had better be! Now I know it's possible ...

[Scruff55 60minGraduate]

Fabulous run I’m in awe and a slightly green colour too. But well done and so glad you had one of ‘those’ runs. I’m waiting for my first one🤞🤞🤞🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Ethelbert Graduate10 in reply to Scruff55]

You'll get there, took me long enough! I think I probably needed to get to the 10k stage to have the lungs and legs for the easy 5k, if that makes sense? I do have plenty of running through treacle runs too

[Fionamags Graduate10]

Brilliant! 👏👏👏

[Ethelbert Graduate10 in reply to Fionamags]

It was!

[Sparkey5000 60minGraduate]

Sounds amazing.....brought a smile to my face

[Ethelbert Graduate10 in reply to Sparkey5000]

Aw, I'm glad - I think it was partly reading others posting about joyous runs that kept me believing 😊

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

There we have the perfect of example of why running is the best! Well done Ethelbert! 👏👏👏

[Ethelbert Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Totally made me realise this is why I do it. I like the challenges and PBs, but just being able to run and enjoy it is an even bigger achievement to me.

[sofaspud]

Well done! Great way to discover your surroundings and sneaking in a run!

[Ethelbert Graduate10 in reply to sofaspud]

Absolutely - I had pretty well scoped out the run on a walk a few days previously, but then I added in a few extra bits too 😀

[Rungranny 60minGraduate]

I LOVE it when a plan comes together. Revel in that feeling, when the breathing is steady and the legs feel strong and the sun is shining. If only we could bottle it.😍

[Ethelbert Graduate10 in reply to Rungranny]

One of THE best feelings 😍

[O505k Graduate10]

Well done, it’s great running on holiday. New routes, different scenery just lovely.