FLOSS RAMBLE WARNING!
"Struggle... to contend resolutely with a problem or task"/
So said CB yesterday morning, when he and I set out for a run. I chose the run deliberately, not because I thought I would struggle, but just in case. I am struggling a tad still, not with physical issues, but a few other issues that weigh a tad heavy at times.
Three days rest... well, rest from a run anyway, and here I am with another one tucked away!
The Yoga the indoor walking, the odd, ( very odd dance routine), and a few walks have continued helping to keep me strong.
So. I decided on Saturday night, to set out the running gear, plan a short route and see how it would go. A sound night's sleep, after a day, where I must have gone up and down the ladder to the studio loft, with boxes being passed to me and me passing other stuff down, and I awoke refreshed.
I love Sunday runs...Sunday, fun day, run day. I have over the years used them for very relaxed runs. As I progressed further in my running, Sunday was always my longer, relaxed run day, the, see where I get to, run. I think it may be a while before we are back at that stage but, no matter.
Anyway, cuppa drunk, biscuits eaten, teeth cleaned and squats done. Some lovely stretches, some faffage involving the size of my ears and my earphones being put on backwards and I was out. Mr OF had me on location share and I HAD told him I was going...UP the hill. I promised that if I was tired at the first turn I would head along it and back, but if I was feeling okay, I would head to the next turn and then come home. I would NOT run to the top of the hill.
Out into the morning. The sun trying its very best to creep through the crack in the grey shuttered sky, the curtains drawn the upstairs windows, and the gardens, green -garmented instead of white and with those small, almost imperceptible signs of things to come.
A warm up walk and then to the run. I have no idea why running uphill pleases me so; that which was a gremlin when I began running, quickly became a friend, so, when CB insisted, as he does, that the running should be easy, I did not have to try to hard. I wanted to run and look and smell and feel.
That tree has been trimmed, the tree that was there, has been cut down. Many of the green spaces have been thinned back and tidied whilst I have been away... the hidden lake has been cleared and there are ducks on it! The golfers, out in force, many cars on their car park. Sweatered and capped, they stroll along, in the gently strengthening sunlight. I have reached and passed the first turn. My legs are feeling strong and my breathing, although a tad laboured is not causing a problem.
As I listen very closely to CB's words, I am focusing also, very much on my body. I make the second turn and pause briefly for a photo shot back down the hill, and a sunrise that just begs for attention. Along the road and ready to head back down and home. CB asks, what have I achieved that I could not do before., What difficulty have I overcome... I answered instantly...a yoga move,,, one which eluded me previously, but thanks to Adriene and the past weeks, I am now able to do it! As I run gently through the aerodrome estate, I am really taking it slowly. I have no desire to speed up. Having got further than I expected to this morning. I do not want to push too hard.
As a few folk know, I host Catch-Up Corner each week, on C25K. We chat and share many ideas, on many topics...many aspects of our running, our own experiences and what we find useful and helpful. Although I write the post.. everything we share applies to me as well as everyone else. So, on my frequent body checks, I am asking myself, am I comfortable, am I running easy, and wonderfully, I am.
The signs of Spring are all around, and I greet each familiar landmark with joy. The little garden wood, where I have taken so many photographs of the snowdrops is passed with a fond glance. CB had assured me that even though the run is finished, I may if I wish continue.... I decide I do need to round the time up to 30 minutes...so I run for five minutes more.
Down past the school, playground deserted , waiting, breath held, for the hustle and bustle Monday will bring. Down to the pillar box and stop.
I feel good. I feel strong. I feel hungry.
Early days but 30 minutes..3.70K.... that will do me very, very nicely.
Back home...breakfast eaten... some chores, and yoga before lunch. A very good start to my day.
Did I struggle?
No, I honestly do not think I did, except for one thing. As some friends who follow me on Strava have commented, I do have a certain compulsion to round up numbers of time or distance...so, the fact that I finished this run without rounding to 4K, does this mean, that I am, in my old age, becoming, err... sensible?
No.... I don't think so!
Happy, safe running everyone 
Floss x
Another great Trail Run!
