An inventive 6k through the woods, with diam... - Bridge to 10K

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An inventive 6k through the woods, with diamonds on the grass ๐Ÿ’Ž ๐ŸŒฒ โ˜€๏ธ

โ€ข16 Replies

I had to make my route up as I ran this morning, which meant thinking on my feet, quite literally!

Mr D-d had his usual Sunday morning tennis session first thing, so I hopped into the car with him, as I often do on such mornings, and made the tennis club the starting point for my run. I had a vague plan of a route to take me home through the woods and across the heathland commons, knowing I needed to cover 6k this morning for the final run of week 2 on The Magic Plan.

It was very frosty and cold here this morning. My warm up walk was distinctly brisk and uphill, so I was ready to run by the time Iโ€™d reached the top, if only to maintain the heat Iโ€™d generated! My first 1k was along a stretch of main road. Later on, once Iโ€™d finished my run, I discovered that Iโ€™d run a 1k PB (6:49), which I am putting down to the cold and running on the road and being keen to get on the woodland trails instead!

I turned off the road just after 1k and headed up an incline to find that they had been clearing the invasive rhododendron from this area of the woodland and the ground was so churned up the path was impassable. I retraced my steps to scramble up the bank and picked my way through the debris to reconnect with the path a little further on. This really slowed me down, but I was happy to take my time to avoid another ankle twang.

Once back on the level I crossed the single track line and headed to one of my favourite stretches to run. The ground frost here lay thick on the grassy corridor between the tall pines (photo) and the sunlight caught it so beautifully that it was as though I was running on diamonds.

Turning a corner at the end of this path I ran back towards the lane, crossed over and ran the trails to the top of a small, a local beauty spot and view point, for a lovely view of the South Downs (photo). I stopped to share the view and chat with a couple and their very friendly dogs. From here it was a zig-zagging, looping run to avoid more rhododendron clearing works I finally met a few fellow runners here and more dog walkers. Some of them called out โ€œhelloโ€ and asked where Isla was. I shall return to the woods with her for our dog walk as soon as I finish this post

There was no need for invention for the last 2k, with my route clear of diversions and I was able run pretty evenly the rest of the way towards home. Lovely stretches and a warm shower later I feel pleased with my 6k.

It feels good to be finally clocking up some longer runs and also a relief that my ankle is holding up. However I do feel like my muscles are tightening up between runs though, despite my post run stretches and dog walks, so I think itโ€™s time to get my act together and properly commit to Adrieneโ€™s January yoga, even though Iโ€™m a month late โฐ ๐Ÿ™Š I need it ๐Ÿง˜๐Ÿผโ€โ™€๏ธ!

Sorry, this has turned into a long post!

Happy running and stretching everyone ๐Ÿ˜Š

16 Replies
โ€ข
Timotea profile image
TimoteaGraduate10

Well done DD. Just come back from run1 week 2. The lovely weather has inspired me and I am now of to the golf range to hit some balls to get into practice for my round with the girls tomorrow. Enjoy Adrienne

โ€ข in reply toTimotea

Well done to you too! Both for the run ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ and the golf โ›ณ๏ธ ๐Ÿ˜Š. The sunshine certainly helps us get out there, doesnโ€™t it. Iโ€™m currently watching Nadal vs Medvedev in the Australian Open final. Poor Islaโ€™s dog walk is on hold until I know whatโ€™s happening!

Roxdog profile image
RoxdogGraduate10

Sounds great! Isn't it a beautiful day for a run.

โ€ข in reply toRoxdog

Itโ€™s a stunning day for a run. We should all make the most of this lovely weather whilst it lasts, though other parts of the country are having very different conditions today ๐Ÿ’จ ๐ŸŒง.

dijep profile image
dijepGraduate10

Great post I love the idea of running through diamonds ๐Ÿ’Ž It seems like it was great morning for running in lots of the UK today.With PB and 6k done๐Ÿ‘ I think there's a real buzz getting back to running beyond 5k

โ€ข in reply todijep

Do you know, I think youโ€™re right. Thereโ€™s a few of us gently increasing our distances at the moment and there is certainly joy to be had in that. Iโ€™m hoping for more frosty diamond runs. Today was quite special. I tried to photograph the sunshine sparkling on the frost but I couldnโ€™t get it quite right. Iโ€™m sure you would have perfected it though ๐Ÿ˜Š.

Fionamags profile image
FionamagsGraduate10

Lovely run apart from the scrambly bit. That is an impressive time too! You must be very happy with that.

โ€ข in reply toFionamags

Thanks Fionamags ๐Ÿ˜Š

Beatlesforever profile image
BeatlesforeverGraduate10

Fantastic, very well done! And congratulations on your 1k PB๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘ I hope you enjoyed the AO final, what a match ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ‘

โ€ข in reply toBeatlesforever

The final was fantastic, especially as I was cheering for Rafa! ๐Ÿ˜Š

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate

It all sounds just wonderful, the trees the frost the people and dogs just wonderful.

โ€ข in reply toSueAppleRun

It was lovely for all those reasons Sola. A lovely place to be ๐Ÿ˜Š

Kirst13 profile image
Kirst13Graduate10

You are the first person other than my mum who I've heard mention diamonds in the grass. As an adult, I lost the ability to see the- my brain just filtered them out- and I had to learn to see them by really focusing. Now they bring joy when I see them. Your run sounds lovely.

โ€ข in reply toKirst13

Thatโ€™s wonderful. I am pleased my description brought back a happy memory. ๐Ÿ˜Š

Sounds like a good idea to combine your husband's tennis with your walk. I find it nice too to hear people ask after your dog if they don't see her. Sounds like a nice run!

โ€ข in reply to

If I get up and head out with him on a Sunday morning I know Iโ€™ll get my run done, otherwise Iโ€™ll faff about and procrastinate! ๐Ÿ˜Š

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