Week 2 Run 3.
Hello running people...
Back again.... eight days in Wales... guaranteed to refresh, renew and recharge.
A bonus break with some glorious sunshine, stunning sunsets, walking, reading , walking and painting! Oh and a run or three !
Wales … I know! I am always rambling about it, but it holds so many memories for me. As past posts have shown. From childhood to present times...
Wales for me, has a magic... a tangible thing... not a vague feeling; it has the power to seep into my soul and lift me from even the darkest depths!
So.... three runs of Week 2 of C25K repeat done...The runs were gentle... slow and steady as I progress and taken with a fair amount of caution.
But as the programme suggests, each run each week makes you stronger... and so it is.
I am as you know, repeating C25K again and enjoying it... and the soundtracks also...As I listen to the words, it strikes me how relevant they are, to what I am feeling over the last weeks... and so it was today.
Knowing that yes, I am stronger than I think, yes, I do have the power, to be knocked down and yet, to come back again... and again, and even again, I set out this morning, for the first run of Week 3.
The early morning mist was giving way to the first fingertips of sunlight as I prepared to head out...my warm up sessions are longer than usual as I need to be really well prepared, even for these short running sessions. They very much build on all I have been doing over the last weeks to stay fit and moving. So... faffage notwithstanding, in my efforts to try to find a slightly warmer cap...there is a sharp wind out there and I dislike cold ears, out I go... into the quiet of a Sunday morning... not that early, but curtained windows at most of the houses, tell their own story.
Nature here seems to be a real paintbox palette of colour and texture right now...with some summer bedding still burgeoning with life and colour, yet some trees with leaves dipped in brown and gold... and already falling to the ground. I seem to be the only person around and my feet echo slightly in the stillness of the day... I have not thought of a route at all but decide that yes, if I get the timings right I could head to my fields. I can get the walks in and the runs... and see what has been going on in the eight weeks since I ran there.
Down the hill and for the first time maybe, I find a little hint of a pace... breathing comes easier, earlier and my legs are just doing what they do, as Laura just quietly supports me. I am focusing less on what I am doing, and more on what I always do... looking around and soaking up every single sensation. As I pass the long empty, Shoe shop in the village.... I catch a glimpse of myself as Laura is advising against , bouncy running! Well, no one on the other side of a wall would know if I was walking or running.. I look pretty good!
Over the road and up the lane past McFitty 's wood.... and the words from a poem learned long ago, comes into my head...unbidden... “... They shut the road through the woods, Seventy years ago... Weather and rain have undone it again...” It is not a large wood , but it is a pleasing one... full of character and hidden depths... although deserted now by the Rooks who made it their home.
A walking session ends, as I make the field and I am able to run for one of the three minute bursts along towards the railway. My Majestic friend welcomes me with open bough-arms and I am hardly aware of my feet on the track. Brought to a halt quite suddenly, by a friendly dog and owner. Archie is well behaved and sits very politely as his owner chats... I pause but not for long...but long enough for the track to move on. Tech glitching, I move on and find I am repeating a ninety second run....oh well!
The next track which I have heard once on this session, is talking of trees and fields and sunshine.. taking away but giving back...I am certainly taking away, a little piece of the day, but I do try in my rambles to give a little back too
The session is almost over and I am surprised. I am not tired, I am relaxed and happy. I am where I am at ease, and I feel an overwhelming sense of thankfulness. I am able to sort out my thoughts and the familiar fields around me gives me the time to do it. Off the fields and down the hill.. feet light, kissing the ground in the last run, until Laura tells me to slow down, but to keep walking.
I obey. Taking time to notice discarded, empty Conker cases... a contrast to the still blooming, roses in many a garden... and as I walk up the hill... ( yes, I did say walk), I am conscious of my relaxed shoulders, my easy stride, and the smile that has been on my face from the onset.
Breakfast awaits... a treat this morning... fresh made pancakes, banana and Manuka honey... I am still working to getting my weight back on!
The day is before me... and yes, I am strong enough to face it...and the best bit... MR OF is as pleased and happy as I am.... and that makes me even stronger.
Floss x
Running end to end: the Wales Coast Path
Have I run 10k or not?
