It’s taken a couple of months to get back to 5k after illness, Christmas, illness again. I see that the last time I did it was on the 26th November. I’ve been back running again for the last couple of weeks but slowly, gently and using my easy circuit which takes me gently round the lanes for 2.7k. I’ve been taking coach bennett with me too and using all the encouragement I can find. I knew I could get back to 5k and yesterday I decided today would be the day. It didn’t have to be fast. It didn’t have to break any records. I just had to keep going.
So a slow wake up with a cup of tea in bed and watching the day take over the sky in grey and pink. I decide that I’ll go about 10 when it has warmed up just a little. I dress in my running kit and sit quietly with my book and a cup of coffee. Do I feel like doing this? I sit hard on any doubts. I don’t have to decide. I decided yesterday. I just have to do it.
10am. Shoes on. Neck warmer, gloves, extra layer. Out the door and off I go, slowly, easing myself in. Coach bennett is telling me about fear and fearing less. Up the lane, right past the chapel and up towards the footpath. I feel fine. My watch beeps at me for 1k. It seems like an awfully long way to do 4 more and this is the hardest section. The path by the stream rises, taking me up towards the hills. I slow down even further, keeping my breathing easy. If I can get to the top where the path meets the lane the next bit is flat but it’s a long rising haul. I pass a couple of dog walkers who smile and say nice things. I don’t want to walk after that so gently chug on up. It’s ok. If I can do this bit the rest is easier.
The path comes to the lane. Birds are chirping, sparrows hopping in and out of the hedge. That’s it, the hill is done. Along the lane, between the high hedges. The hills rise on my left towards a blue sky. Right by the farm and the lane runs almost imperceptibly down for about a mile. There is never any traffic on this one. I speed up just a little and suddenly I’m running for joy, the wind in my face, heart pumping, breathing easy. Oh this is what I do it for. I haven’t felt like this for weeks.
End of the lane and turn for home. This is harder, some more uphill but some level too and I know I can do it now. Doesn’t matter if it’s slow. I’ve got this.
And home, face red, out of puff but by the time Ian brings me a glass of water my breathing has settled again. My watch says that, at 50 minutes , it is 2 minutes slower than the last time I did 5k. I really don’t mind at all about time or speed. That’s for another day, or maybe I’ll never care. I did it. I’m back.
Testing a theory
To Hell's Mouth And Back
Five and a bit
🍏Gusts of 39mph 11degC 100% Rain ☔️ 
