I had promised myself I would run this morning, but when I saw the heavy frost I did have second thoughts! I wrapped up warmly, two layers and my windproof jacket and running tights. New running gloves and trusty sun visor. Would my ears get cold? Probably! The weather forecast check said -3 degrees, oh boy! Was I mad? I decided that road/path running might be icy, so on went the trail shoes and off to the riverbank I went! Started running before I changed my mind!
The going was tough. The churned up mud on the bank had frozen solid, so was very uneven to run on. The frozen grass was heavy going, but on I plodded, with Whooper swans for company as they took off in their groups from the washes. The Hundred Foot Washes are in full flood now - water levels higher than average; it’s a beautiful sight that people come for miles to see. As I’m running, I disturb a flock of wigeon resting on the man made bank. Sorry, guys!
I see a couple ahead with their border collie. The dog alerts its owners to my presence and they move aside to let me through. We speak, of course, but I don’t know them. The dog runs beside me for a while, but I keep my hands out of the way; there is something about this dog I don’t like, so I avoid eye contact. Farther on, I see a village resident with her setters and the dogs both gently greet me as I pass. These dogs I know and they are lovely and so gentle.
I carry on through the gates and carefully close them behind me as there are dogs about. I carry on, thinking about my running progress this year. I did nearly all of my C25K on this bank, starting in May and graduating at the end of July. I didn’t start logging my runs until June, but since then I have run for over 460 km, my best month being October when I managed 98 km. Strava gave higher totals, but I think they must include walking, whereas my calculations do not.
Since I started running for longer in August, I have run many 10Ks, 3 x 10 milers and 1 Half Marathon. I still can’t believe what I’ve achieved since graduating and feel very proud!
My run comes to an end. I haven’t broken any records on this run, the splits weren’t very consistent (although the last one was the fastest) but I’m pleased I went out and ran on the last day of 2020. It has been the worst year of my life and I will be pleased to see the back of it; but it has introduced me to running, which I love.
I slow down to a walk and come off the riverbank. Almost home, a neighbour comes out to talk to me. They’ve run out of heating oil and I’m giving them some wood for their log burner. He’s checking when he can collect it. I find I can’t speak properly because my mouth has frozen 😂. I don’t feel cold now, just have a numb mouth. I arrive home and make coffee. There’s a knock at my door and my neighbour gives me some Christmas cake to have with my coffee! Perfect!
Happy New Year to all my virtual running buddies, I couldn’t have done this without your encouragement and support. May we all have many happy running miles in 2021. 🍾🥂🏃♀️
Autumn? 
Last snowy run of 2020
Last run for a couple of weeks 😭
Last 10k of 2020!🙂💦🏃🏽♀️🍁🍃
