Hello!🙂 First post in a while but still running…!🏃‍♀️

[Sandraj39]

I haven’t posted for ages but have still been checking in regularly to read the posts - always inspiring and a great motivator during these winter months.

My running has been a little up and down (and I don’t mean in a hilly way…although I still manage to fit a few in!💪🤣). I have to admit that this winter, I seemed to find it harder than usual to get out for my after work runs during the week. “Too dark, too cold, too wet, too tired” are not usually my excuses but we all have our ups and downs, I guess and work has been busy. The recent sad loss of Ashling Murphy in Ireland also wobbled me a little. I have always enjoyed my solo running and my weekday runs in winter are all in the dark. I know that incidents like this are extremely rare but I did find myself feeling more vulnerable out on the roads for a short while too.

Covid has been running rampant through primary aged kids for the last couple of months and the school I work in has not been spared! Omicron has hit us hard over the last few weeks in particular. Roll on the half term ‘firebreak’ and maybe a return to less infection as warmer weather eventually rolls in!🤞

All this aside (and maybe because of this) what I do still know, is that whenever I run, I always feel so much better and vow never to make those excuses again!

Just recently, I have managed to get back in to a better routine again and todays 10k on the trails was just beautiful!

I am also looking forward to a 10k trail race in a couple of weeks - my first event of 2022!

Happy running to everyone and to those stuck on the dreaded injury couch - hope you are back out there soon!🙂

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Hi Sandra 👋 great to see you! Lovely photos, those trails are so “you” 😍

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

My happy place!💕🏃‍♀️

[David_G]

Welcome back Sandraj39 You’re right, our interest in running does go up and down, but there’s always this forum to keep us going!That looks a lovely place to run- I must get out and find some trails when the weather’s a bit nicer! 🙂👍

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to David_G]

Thanks David, it was lovely out there today. Still fairly muddy in places but sticky rather than too slippery! 🙂

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Great to hear you are still out and about Sandrj39. It hasn’t been a good running winter with the rain and wind but even getting out twice a week is better than not. I don’t have to juggle with work but have been doing that some weeks.

Good luck with your race.

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy - will post a run report afterwards. 🙂

[Roxdog Graduate10]

Nice to see your post! Beautiful photos and let's all stay brave!

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Roxdog]

🙂💪

[Birdlady64 Graduate10]

Nice Post! And well done on your 10k on the trails. It's definitely been muddy and challenging at times,but that's what makes it fun!I've been making even more of a point recently to say Hello to everyone I pass on a run and mostly it's been reciprocated.

Good luck with your race!

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Birdlady64]

Thank you!🙂

[Instructor57 Graduate10]

Sounds like a lovely run and great pictures .I could do with hunting out some nice 10k trail routes for when I'm back up there !

[skysue16 Graduate10]

Lovely post and great photos 😊 I have also found it hard to get out for a run regularly,since starting my new role at school. I have been working every day with a couple of afternoons off but I am usually too tired in the week. I agree with you, I also feel much better when I do manage to get out for a run. All the best in your trail event……where is it?

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to skysue16]

Hi skysue - it’s the Run Reigate 10k trail in Gatton Park.🙂