Softly softly...a run in the cemetery

[Bluebirdrunner]

After my last run along the canal towpath which felt like a struggle, today's W4 R2 outing was to be taken easy with tips suggested by Oldfloss and Dexy5 . I chose Jo Whiley as my coach in place of Laura for a change and began my warm up walk along the entrance avenue to Brookwood Cemetery. This cemetery must be one of the largest in the country, there are areas of military graves from the first and second world wars, as well as many very old, international and newer ones. All in well maintained woodland, lawns and gardens. Can't wait to see the rhododendrans all in bloom!

I started to run under the canopy arch of scotch pines which tower magestically and line the entrance avenue. The first 3 minute run is taken easily as I settle into a light jog, through the open gates and past the rows of RAF gravestones. I have stopped to read some of the names and dates on previous occaisons, mindful of these men having lost their lives at such young ages. Their rank and regiment is also given.

A squirrel runs across the road ahead of me and scampers around the base of

one of the many giant redwoods that thrive here. Fir cones are scattered on the ground.

I slow down to a walk, that was fine, and get ready for the first five minute run. Jo is reassuring and I like her chatter, then off again. Today, I try to run in the moment not worrying that I am finding it hard, just believing that I can do it. Looking around at the trees and the expanse of sky feeling part of something that had been around for ages. Another three minutes, then the final five and while I can't yet say it felt easy I did not let any negative thoughts creep into my head today.

Leaving behind those resting there, I don't think they would mind my mindful visit.

Next run will be back along the canal path, I'm looking forward to it.

🌿🏃‍♀️xxx

[Tbae]

Wishing you continued good progress Jan.🏃‍♀️🌟💪🙏🤞

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to Tbae]

Thank you so much Tbae, still running, still smiling.❤🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️xxx

[Jell6 Graduate10]

Glad you're getting out there Bbr, and it sounds like you enjoyed it which is always a bonus!🙃

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to Jell6]

I did quite enjoy it Jell6☺, but know it will get easier as I gain more stamina.I may stay on this 'week' a little longer to find that ease!

🏃‍♀️🌿xxx

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

I ❤️the idea of a cemetery run BBR! They are usually so peaceful. Although local, I have never visited Brookwood Cemetery - might pop it on my ‘to visit’ list.

Well done on your run.🙂👍🏃‍♀️

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

It is huge Sandra, carries on on the other side of the road too. Will be gorgeous when the rhodies are out!The last post is played daily at 4.30pm in the USA military area.

Thank you, I'm getting back into it.

🏃‍♀️🌿xxx

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Do you get other runners there, Bluebird? I guess it’s usually quite quiet.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

We have seen one or two on different occasions Sandra, across the road from the main entrance would be even quieter, where it is less formal. I'm not sure it would be much fun running long distances though, too much circling maybe.

it is used by some commuters as a cut through from the green at Pirbright to Brookwood train station as there is a linked gated underpass to the station.

p.s sorry to hear you have succumbed to Covid. Hope yours is not too bad, feel better soon, xxx

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

No, I got off quite lightly, I think. Was back at work last Wednesday but have not run yet. Will hopefully pop out for a test run in a few days!🤞

[Frenc Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Cemeteries are lovely and peaceful aren’t they. That sounds like a good run, well done 😊.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to Frenc]

Just the trees, squirrels and birdsong Frenc. We often walk through this cemetery to get to the canal. I have seen the occaisional runner, and a few visitors.Thank you, yes, it went well I think.🤞

🏃‍♀️🌿xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

What a glorious post and I simply am unable to say how happy I am to see you here and running so well... and ...beginning once more, to find the joy and become that free-flying easy gliding, Bluebird once again

An evocative location and beautifully described. I was there with you... and could see and feel the echoes from the past as you ran. I always run on tiptoe if I run through the graveyard in the village. I do not think the silent sleepers mind, but I am conscious some one passing, ( although there never is), would mind .

Just super... may there be many many more posts like this one

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Thank you Oldfloss You were right, I just needed to think positive, relax and wear some confidence. Writing a run report has been fun too.

I don't usually run in there, we walk through it as part of a longer route when we go to the canal. Sometimes we have seen families with little ones practising riding their bikes here, its such a big area and safe. I don't think running on the tarmac roads would give offence.

Free flying, easy gliding sounds lovely, not quite there yet, but it could be a useful mantra!

You were with me, reminding me to round my ankles, relax my shoulders and to enjoy it...and I did.❤

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🌿xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

I'm glad...xxx

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

I really feel like I was running alongside you during that run. What a brilliant description. ❤️

I wonder if sometimes we put ourselves under too much pressure to enjoy every minute of every run. Sometimes it’s a grind. It’s ok to feel tired but to choose to keep going anyway. We can be proud that we did something good for ourselves. You did such a great thing in going for that run today. It sounds like you found some moments of joy in that beautiful place too. Hope the canal is a lovely run too. Cheering for you here 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Aaw thank you MissUnderstanding, thats so kind of you. I do feel pleased and a tiny bit proud. (Running does that doesn't it😊)I will enjoy that next run knowing I have all this support!

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🌿xxx

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Absolutely! I thought running would just get me fit in a cheaper way than going to the gym but it’s ended up being so much more than that. So many reasons to be proud-and not just the personal best times and the longest distances. The tough runs that you finish. The times you show up and run when you’re not really up for it. The inner steel than just keeps you going when you’re not sure you can.

You’re doing great just by putting one foot in front of the other. As the weather gets better and spring gets going, it’ll be easier to find the smiles too. It’s been a long old winter!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

What great progress and what a lovely place to run

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you W and S 😊I had lost all my fitness, and need to ease back after my achillies flared up. Now I realise I had lost confidence too, but the forum has helped me find it.

❤🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️xxx

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

This forum is so inspiring, gets us back out there

[sparky66 Graduate10]

Well done on your run today 🏃‍♀️I used to be freaked out by the thought of graveyards until I walked with my daughter and her dog 🐕

I found it rather beautiful 🙏

To run there with thoughts of life and the joy of running now... It's quite beautiful in a way..

Here's to your next run 💪👟🏃‍♀️

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to sparky66]

I think so sparky66,We have been taking walks here recently too as part of longer circular walks, and often stop to pay respect to those that have passed before. It is quite moving. We have seen a deer on two seperate occaisions too, in amongst the graves.

Thank you very much.

🏃‍♀️🌿xxx

[grumpyoldgirl]

What a lovely positive post, Blue! I've restarted and I'm on week 4 too, I'm delighted that we are on the same week! ( I didn't post because I've had so many false starts 😬)Cemeteries can be beautiful places, and with so much pressure on our green spaces, I thoroughly approve of them being used in this way. As you say, mindfully and with respect💕

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Hi Gog,

Great news that you are back out

running too! I do like Wk 4, at the moment that 5min run feels tough, how are you finding it?

I will do a couple of extra runs on this week until I feel more comfortable I think. Floss suggested I post a report, because it gives you something else to think about as you run, and it did. 🏃‍♀️🌿

[grumpyoldgirl in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Finding the first 5 minutes tough but the second set much easier to cope with. I've restarted with a running buddy (we meet up once a week) and we both want to channel our inner snails! We did an extra week 4 run yesterday, but we are going to venture into week 5 on the next run. That run 3 might become a run 4 (or 5?) until we are both ready for it and hopefully the paths will have improved.

[Scruff55 60minGraduate]

Sounds like a really positive run for you there BBR. I ran and completed W4R3 yesterday. It feels soooo good to be back out there running. It makes you realise how great it makes you feel after not being able to run for a while. Where you ran sounded a beautiful place I was running beside you and wishing I could find a place like that nearby too. Well done. The runs will get easier and we will get more positive soon.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to Scruff55]

Thank you Scruff55 and Well done to you on yours!

I'm definately feeling good after the run is done, yesterdays with no-one else around helped me appreciate how my legs and lungs were working with only a squirrel for distraction. No one up ahead, and no roads to cross.

I will try and stay that relaxed next time🤞

Good luck with your next run, glad to hear you are enjoying yourself.

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🌿xxx

[Scruff55 60minGraduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

it’s so wonderful when you get out there and start that first bit of the run. It really makes you feel alive 🤣🤣🤣

[Cowladyrunning Graduate10]

Sounds a wonderfully peaceful place to run. I just googled where it is and see lots of places I recognise around there as my Grandparents and parents started out in Surrey and Guildford, so have lots of family history there. Well done for getting that run done. Good luck for your future runs, enjoying your route like this is half the battle won.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

It was peaceful and is very pretty with all the trees Cowladyrunning .We do many circular walks around there which take in the cemetery too.

Next run will be from Brookwood to St. Johns along the canal bank. Tree lined and mainly paved it also makes a nice route.

Thank you for your good wishes.

🏃‍♀️🌿xxx

[linda9389 Graduate10]

A lovely run with the best possible ending ... looking forward to the next one 🥰. Kindness leads to belief leads to happy running 🥰

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Love that ! xxx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Thank you Linda, thats really lovely. Yes, there is more to these runs than just ticking a box, happy running is key to keeping going.

Next run, positivity all the way!

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🌿xxx

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

Hi Bluebirdrunner …your run sounds lovely, I have run through the cemetery a few times, it’s no where near as big as yours but there’s something very peaceful about being in there…I too often stop and read the headstones & wonder what kind of life the people there might have had & reading the children’s ones breaks my heart thinking of what their families must’ve gone through losing their babies…

I am hot on your heels but I’ve had the lurgy over the weekend and my chest has has been terrible, my ribs and back feel like I’ve done 10 rounds with Tyson Fury!!! So as soon as I feel better I’ll be lacing up & back down to the tow path, my favourite place.

I like Laura as my guide…but I can’t seem to settle properly with anyone…I miss being a smoothy!! xx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

Hi Mummycav, sorry to hear about your lurgy and it affecting your lungs and chest. I hope you feel better soon. I chose Jo for a change from Laura to shake things up a bit, and was thinking of trying some of the other coaches too. Didn't realise Mr Smooth is no longer on the app! How about that other sporty looking guy?😉

I think Dodi Fayed was lain to rest in Brookwood cemetery initially, but he was moved to the family estate at a later date.

There are some notable graves and the military rows and rows of white headstones or crosses are very moving to see.

Towpath for me too next run. Good luck with Wk4 when you feel better. Definately take some confidence with you to squish the gremlins with!😊

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🌿xxx

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Very well done Bluebirdrunner, W4 R2 completed. Chosing a different place to run can add a great distraction, and it sounds lovely with the old trees and the quiet location. Trust in the programme, trust in yourself, and I’m sure you won’t have to repeat anything

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thank you Dexy5, your suggestion to switch to Jo was a good one. A different voice and as you say a different run route made all the difference.I'm not worrying now about progressing and looking forward to R3!

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🌿xxx