“The view in this photograph has not changed in nearly 53... ( now,60), years.
I used to swim in this bay, with my Dad, every morning of our breaks and holidays, before 8 a.m. come rain or shine”.
So began a post I wrote 7 years ago... when Mr OF and I had sold our tin tent, and bought a static van overlooking the bay at Criccieth North Wales.
Since then...the runs and the posts have been many. The photographs and the words documenting the changing seasons, the changing times and the changes in our own lives and the lives in the wider world. There has been joy and sadness and every emotion in between.
But today, I ran what will be, the last route here, for a little while.
We have decided to sell the home by the sea and seek new adventures.
Since Mr OF's heart attack, things have changed a tad, and using my own wise words...ha ha.. I have had to acknowledge, accept and adapt.
So although my last run was quite a few days ago... I decided that this morning, if the weather gods were smiling, I would run. Week 9, Run 1, C25K repeat. I am not feeling at the peak of fitness, but the sessions of strength work and stamina plus the routines with YWA have keep the old snail moving.
I set out my gear last night...winter weight leggings and a long sleeved T. Buff and cap. The route in my head a favourite one... and planning also to take a couple of chums with me.
A long journey here yesterday had taken its toll. Diversion after diversion and no details of where to go! I slept... very well !
This morning dawned... dry and fine... dark, but dry and fine. After tea and biscuits... and a little bit of faffage, I was out there. The day had brightened a tad and the air was sweet and mild on my face. Laura's voice familiar and reassuring as we completed our warm up walk. She tells me to keep it gentle, slow and steady and who am I to argue?
She knows I am ready for the run and off I go.
I determined to really pace myself. I would love to re-graduate on Sunday... and having not run for a few days I ran slowly...very. My breathing was a little uneven as I have had a blocked nose and a scratchy throat...but I soon settled into that happy, easy pace, so that when Laura mentioned that pace , I was content.
Down the hill towards Pentrefelin, to take yet another, running photo of the distant mountains.; the ladies in waiting, in their thick woolen coats, already heavy with lambs. I shall not see their small friskers this time around...but will know, in my mind's eye, exactly where they will be gathered together under a sheltering hawthorn tree.
Turning, I headed down once more to the small town and the sea... ever changing, yet constant... and as I ran , two friends joined me. One of whom, my dear friend Bluebirdrunner , who has been with me, supporting me , with love, strength and friendship, for a very, very long time, not only in my running, but also in my life; and another friend, sadly lost to me now... his even tones and his gentle jesting, echoing in my mind. I still run and I still smile, I tell him.
We three ran together.
Down with restrained, but easy pace...lifting and rounding, relaxing the shoulders and remembering to smile. Over the crossing and onto the Esplanade; more fleeting photo shots, slightly blurred, but recognisable. It was then that I felt the tears, pricking the back of my eyelids and threatening to fall. The sea, a placid, yet slightly undulating sheet of slate blue, under a blanket of grey sky...the hint of sunlight to the East...
The tide on the way out and a beach strewn with stones and sand... along I went... and I did weep a little. Tears of sadness, mingled with tears of joy; for those I have loved and lost, those who have shared this seaside story with me, over the years. The joy of knowing their love and friendship, and the gratitude I feel, to have had the opportunity to share such a beautiful location with them.
My legs are just doing what they do...my breathing is relaxed and steady, with maybe a little more effort needed now and then on any inclines...along the jetty, with light steps, a photo call and a return run to go up the hill and into the town. Mamas and offspring push-chaired or school bags... all heading for school. Children's chatter and Mama's laughter, as I turn down again and along the High street.
The bakery shop, with the already tempting smells... the butcher, laying out his window wares and down again to the sea. Along by the big hotel and back towards the crossing. I cannot resist heading on to the beach... over the shingle and along the drying sand... I land lightly and imagine the imprint of my footsteps sinking down into timeless memory, like those of the dinosaurs... I smile to myself.
Back and up the ramp, littered with large sea stones, it was a tricky exit... but then Laura is telling me we have only five minutes left... I step up the gear.,.. determined to finish in style. Back at the crossing and a slow, reflective walk back home; up the hill, with the now, dulcet tones of a Welsh male voice choir singing, Myfanwy.
A few last photographs... a last look around at the seascape beneath me and I head for home.
Time now for a new beginning... a new adventure...and yes, of course, all those new memories to be made.
Thanks to everyone who has shared my Tales of the Sea... we have enjoyed them...haven't we?
Oldfloss x
PS
Link to my post of seven years ago nothing has really changed in Criccieth...
Thanks you... we are looking forward to finding some new places and of course new running routes for me!
Best Run to Date
The best run yet. By far.
7K on the trails (plus a few sheep…!🐏🐑🐏🏃♀️🙂)
To the lighthouse! Again! 
