... but they make exceptionally good listeners!
Yesterday, setting out into the unmistakable, rain-washed freshness of a Welsh morning, I was delighted, after a brief warm up, to meet one of my old friends.
I say old, although I am not completely sure of the age, but I do know that the shell which guards the soft heart, is beginning to look a tad weather-worn and slightly less polished.
Before you think that this time, I really have left my marbles at home. I do know this snail. This is the snail that I look for, in the same place at the same time of the year , ( after the first chills of Spring have passed), heading on a path to the bottom of the field wall. I do have photographic evidence
I had not started to run, so having paused for yet another photograph, We chatted, and as ever, the home-spun , voiceless, wisdom of this small creature was imparted to me. More of that later.
So, then I ran. This run was different. Many of my friends here know, from my endless past ramblings, that when I run, I take them with me. Sometimes there is a whole crowd of us... when I ran my first HM, we literally took over the entire width of the Monsal Trail, sometimes there are less of us, sometimes just myself and another, but I cannot ever recall running alone. Today, there were, just two of us.
Running down to the next village, I resisted the temptation to slow down and take yet another photograph of the distant mountains. I know this view so well, and yet, there is always something different, something new, a tree that has lost branches, opening a new- framed perspective of a mist clad peak; new growth at the paths edge, a deep green and blue embroidered cushion of wildflowers, nestled in the roots of the ancient trees. I slow down and take a photo'.
Running and capturing these images is hard, but I have always felt compelled to capture these moments, in fear that I may not recall in future moments, and more importantly, be unable to share the moments with others.
The legs were feeling strong and after a first kilometer , I decided to leave the footpath and do a short detour across the fields , just to catch a nearer glimpse of the sea and get up close to some of the newest arrivals. The sheep seem used to me on this track, I do the run often and the grass makes my footsteps light and almost soundless. Despite the torrential late rain of the previous afternoon, the ground is dry, and the tiny ground-cover plants yellow white and pink, gleam like dropped beads. We pause and we smile.
Again another photo shot through the trees and a quick snap of some curious lambs.... Mum hastening to them, as they bleat, yet another demand for a top-up of milk. I am trying different techniques currently on my runs, as some of you, who follow the Catch-up Corner posts, know. The way I land and the way I am using some different breathing techniques on certain runs and certain terrains. One advantage of having lost a lot of weight after my 2020 setback, is that I do seem at times to hardly touch the ground, and I am simply able to let the legs take me. On to the turning point on the ridge and back to the nearly new field gate. Much easier to open and close than the old one.
Back up the hill , again faster than the downhill, ( how weird am I)? Stonecrop clad walls , ivy and brambles. Rounding my ankles, shortening my stride and using a two in, four out, breath. All new to me but very useful. Normally I just breathe, but the things I have been trying at certain times, really are impacting!
Making the brow and the world opens up. The unchanging view of this, one of my happy, happy places. My friend and I pause very briefly, and gaze for the umpteenth time, at the gem of a town nestled beneath the castle, the still-staunch defender against the sea. A sea this morning which is not still, but slightly restless, rippling with almost inaudible regularity over the shingle coated sand.. I can remember the very first time I saw this view, oh so many years ago now, and still those feelings are as vivid now as they were on that day.
Oh the joys of downhill running! Although I revel in my up hills, I love this stretch and it was here a few years ago I achieved a goal in one of the Speed challenges on one of the other forums. Just over 1K... but it was satisfying , fun and right for me at that time. Another memory tucked away in the memory jar.
Altering my stride a tad, ( I am a little cautious of falling ), looking ahead and watching for any wet leaves underneath the overhanging branches, I am struck by the silence. The morning traffic has lessened and as I turn down to the Esplanade, I can see just few dog walkers on the far beach, banished there now, until September as the other beaches have lead restrictions. The dogs and owners, black silhouettes against an endless sky and the distant Harlech Dome. Animated Lowry figures, set against a wash of blues and greys.
A young woman with a spaniel and a spring in her step crosses the road and greets me with a huge smile and a cheery greeting. I turn and light-footed head towards the jetty and the RNLI station. I admit here to a change in breathing and I do increase my pace, just for a few strides...making the bottom of Lon Felin in good time. The Blue China Teashop still closed, but the tantalizing breakfast smells are beginning to reach me... my tummy rumbles, in affirmation to their temptation.
Up the hill and here for the first time I feel a slight heaviness in the legs.. so two short breaths in and two short out, shorten the stride, quick light steps, head up and I am at the turn in no time! Along Tanygrisiau Terrace, changing now, after so many, many years. The exteriors are the same, smart as Sunday-Morning best... but sadly, many of the occupants for so long, have left and many are now Holiday lets.
I miss the greetings and smiles of some of my friends, but they will be always, remembered fondly. as I run along towards the station.
Heading up towards the main road, and beginning the return trip for home. I feel the presence of my running friend, even more closely... and turning down again towards the sea, the morning sun catches the water, with a light that is hard to describe. A gauzy shimmering mist has started moving over the water, and the sun suckers flicker in and out of the haze. It is what I call Goonies weather... ( you'd have to have seen the film).
Quite suddenly, I feel a band in my chest and my eyes prick, it is hard to swallow, as I slow down and take some deep belly breaths.
I am here, now. I am strong, I am able to run. I can see, smell and taste the sea. I hear the seabirds high, high above and I watch the purple haze lifting from the sleepy heads of the distant mountains.
The world is all sparkle and shimmer . I hold my friend tighter as, determined to 'finish in style', I take a big breath and smiling , I use my 'little bit left' legs, to power me along to the far end of the Esplanade.
A birdwatcher, about to set up a tripod and camera on the footpath (? ) sees me coming and kindly, and incredibly wisely, decides to wait for me to pass. It was a good call. I could not have stopped I lift a hand in thanks in passing, as I reach the far steps down to the beach.
I am laughing now, with tears running down my cheeks, as in the far distance, the first white-tipped waves are tripping across the Bay, a light wind has sprung up and I almost expect to see the billowing sails of The Inferno, with one-eyed Willie at the helm, heading for the open water.
So, so many memories in my head, old and new, memories of childhood, of valued friendships and of love. Memories which are mine and mine alone.
Cooling down, whilst we walk back up the hill to home, I reflect on the run, filled with sensations and emotions.
I think of the pre-run chat with my snail...sometimes we overthink, we complicate. Things are as they are and however hard we wish it were different, that may not be possible.
So, my snail was quite right... run your runs, live your life, and make as many, many memories as you are able to, within that life.
I wrote a post here a while ago, where I said that the best thing about memories, was making new ones, but the most important thing?
No one can steal them from you. They are your treasures to keep and hold close, forever.
Happy running everyone, happy memory making !
Oldfloss x
PS
My memory post...mark 1
Tech fails while snail triumphs!
I continue to surprise myself. Beware this post contains some toilet talk 😧
Not sure if I enjoyed that run.
🎶 I like big buffs and I cannot lie 🎶 
