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. 🍾🥂🏃♀️
Written by
Jools2020
Graduate10
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A lovely post to end the year. The frosty coating and misty atmosphere is an ethereal world to be running in. If super cold! Frozen mouth does not sound much fun, but great to get some cake to accompany your thaw. And what a truly amazing set of running achievements you’ve had, and not even a year has gone by. October was an epic month, just shy of 100k. It’s been a year of especially sharp contrasts, with terrible things alongside hitherto unimaginable positives. I hope 2021 is able to emphasise the good things.
I hope so, too! I actually didn’t mind running in the cold and didn’t realise my mouth was frozen until I tried to talk 😂. All fine now and I’m off to have a soak in the bath, after which I will light the log burner and have a cosy fire 🔥
Oh, that sounds blissful. Do enjoy a relaxing day! 🛀🔥☺️😴
Love this, especially this...'I carry on, thinking about my running progress this year.' And most definitely this...'I still can’t believe what I’ve achieved since graduating and feel very proud!'
You really should be proud! What you said in this run about the cold and churned up banks making it tough are so true but it's good to overcome these things. Love your progress and finding running as something for the soul. Here's to running free for another year, there's nothing else to need 💜
Thank you, GTFC. I do enjoy these challenges: perhaps not at the time, but reflecting on them afterwards as obstacles overcome gives me a real sense of achievement 😊
Most certainly I look forward to running free for another year! 😊 I deliberately haven’t set myself any firm goals other than to enjoy running. A few more 10 milers (I love that distance!). Maybe another half marathon. Whatever I feel like 😊
10 miles is my favourite distance 😊 I'm with you, definitely go with the flow like a twig on a river. We'll be submerged and take some hits but we'll keep flowing and from time to time we'll hit that current and it'll feel utterly spectacular 😃😃😃
Sounds a good/cold run, nice way to end, what's been a mad year, and obviously a tough one for you! So glad, the running has helped, and what you've achieved this year, in quite a short space of time, is amazing! You've certainly given me something to aim for! 🤔Like you say, this forum is so helpfull, and full of friendly, possitive people, all in the same, running boat!
Let's hope next year, is a bit more normal, for us all. ☺
I did all of C25K running on the riverbank in trail shoes. Because I’m an older runner I though it would be easier on my body. Maybe it was. As soon as I graduated, I started running on the roads and stuck to it because it’s easier and faster. Today the roads were slippery and it just wasn’t worth the risk. I’m glad I have the trail shoes as backup, but would like to start running trails more in the spring. At the moment, many of them are under water.
What a great post Julia - I really enjoyed reading this!
A wonderful write up of your cold and frosty run this morning, a retrospective of your year, yet forward looking to much better things for 2021.
You have so many achievements, and you should rightly be proud.
This year has been both the the worst and best of things for us all in so many different ways. We've all had our challenges, some more than others, but we keep going and I truly believe we will leave this torrid year behind us as better and stronger versions of ourselves having discovered a love for running.
That's another wonderful photo too BTW - very atmospheric.
Are you sure you don't run with you mouth open for it have frozen up like that? 😂
It's not that cold here. The fog has seen to that. As others have said, a good ending to a year which has seen running as being one of the few good things to come out of it.
Indeed. The fog was rolling in towards the end of my run. I actually like running when it’s cold, but don’t like the risk of slipping on the ice! I do much prefer running on the road, too.
Your running year has been just amazing! To have run injury free, with your plans all working so well for you, is just brilliant.I love your photo and that run sounds delicious. I like running in the frost as it's another adventure!
Unfortunately I've strained my hip so will need a few days rest, but am so looking forward to some frosty morning runs!
Happy new year - onwards and upwards and thanks for all your support. 😊
I think we’ve supported each other - thank you, too! I did have a couple of minor injuries - a hip niggle during Week 7 that needed 4 rest days and a knee niggle just before Christmas. But I have been fortunate. Hope your hip responds to rest. 😊
What a lovely post, you’ve achieved so much! It certainly was chilly today. When I finished my run I though I sweating more than usual then realised the heat from my head was melting the frost on my hat 🤦♂️. Happy New Year 🥳
😂 That is so funny, I laughed out loud! I didn’t wear a hat, couldn’t get one to fit properly over my headphones and chunky sports glasses! Didn’t seem to miss it. Thanks and happy 2021 running! 👍
Congratulations for triumphing over what has been a horrid year for you .What a difference a year can make . As many have said your progress has been so impressive and as such there is a wealth of advice and knowledge to be found in your posts .
It’s great to dip in to the posts of those ahead of you as they are a great support and motivator .
Here’s to better days in 2021 and many happy runs 🙂🥳🥂
My favourite kind of winter day too , well done for running it though 👌🏃🏻♀️😂
Thank you so much. I did just the same as you, looking ahead for inspiration. Then I suddenly found that I was becoming (to my amazement) one of those more experienced runners 😂. Who would have thought it? Then I began to get messages from people suffering from depression, so I made sure I included that, too, in my posts. I’m so happy that I’ve inspired others in the same way that I was inspired. I post every time I run and it has become part of my run. I’ve always enjoyed writing, but I’m still surprised that people actually read my posts! 😊
A wonderful post Jools - Thankyou. I’m so sorry this year has been so horrible for you. I really hope that life begins to feel better day by day, and so good that running has found you! Your posts and pictures have inspired me over the months, and have been a real gift. Wishing you peace, health and happiness in 2021, and happy running! 🏃♀️🤗
Well done Julia for getting out there in the freezing 🥶 -3 that must have been tough you are really brave!! I was thinking of investing in a hat but wonder if it makes you too hot? I love reading your posts they are so descriptive and makes me feel I am running with you and inspire me to change my running route!!
Wow what amazing inspiring running achievements, I am proud of you as well!! You are a half Marathon runner how fantastic is that!!!
How wonderful to celebrate your last run of 2020 with a well deserved slice of Christmas cake.
Sorry I am late catching up on posts.
Wishing you a Happy New Year what are your running goals for this year?
I haven’t bothered with a hat so far (just the sun visor) but might have to if it gets much colder!
My running goal is to carry on enjoying running! I’ll throw in a few 10 milers and maybe another HM in the spring, no rush. Then I’ll decide. Toying with perhaps a metric marathon (26K) sometime towards the summer. What about you?
I am thinking of getting one as it is so cold at the moment.
Wow they are great running goals. Yes to continue enjoying running is wonderful. I think I am going to continue running three times a week goal is 10k, 5k and 4K and see how I get on then maybe increase my distance slowly.
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week3run1 ✅. 3 x 17 mins with 1 min walks. 
How did your parkrun or (not)parkrun go?
