Well... I got here...it took a little longer than nine weeks...but here I am !
Eight years ago, on a very dark, wet morning I graduated from C25K.
Eight years on, eight years older and yes, probably a tad wiser, yesterday, I re-graduated.
No fanfare of trumpets, no air punch of delight...just an wonderful sense of calm satisfaction.
I have had quite a journey to get back here... with ups, downs, highs and lows... Wind and weather have done their very best to upend me, but last night as I set my running gear out, I was determined that, other than the worst of weathers, I would get out and I would run. Week 9 Run 3... ! Mr OF's increasing, ongoing dementias issues and the heart attack, he had in July, which rocked us both, to the core, has meant we have had some tricky times, less than many, nut more than some.
The running outfit was the one I wore the first time around... the only concession, a thermal long sleeved top.
So... awaking to a quiet world...no wind, no rain and no ice. The route was to be the same as that taken eight years ago...the normal cuppa and two digestive lights! Faffage complete and out.
Two friends with me this run. My dearest Bluebirdrunner and this morning, who else? Coach Bennett. He has missed me greatly and this morning, the 30 Minute Thank Yous, run was the only choice.
The Close was quiet, but it was a later run than eight years ago, so it was light. As I began the run, the familiar excitement butterflies kicked in, turning into the Crescent, and round and down. A fair few more Christmas trees and lights apparent in the un-curtained windows of the early risers, and the most amazing collection of Christmas door wreaths! Santa's grotto, in the porch of one house, a yearly favourite with small ones heading to and from the local school. The lady who owns the house has always done it and this morning, she gave me a cheerful wave as she opened her curtains! CB's thank yous continued and he and I chatted amicably. My pace was deliberately slower than my usual slow. The months have taken their toll and although my regular exercise routines have kept everything going, I am still careful not too push too hard.
Down the hill and past the station... Narnia entered, as I pass the lamp-post...and on to the village. Just me, footsteps echoing on the pavements, lights twinkle and glittering en route. Through and up the hill. It felt a tad harder than usual, but I still maintained the slow and steady pace I love. Breathing easy, legs strong and feeling relaxed. Turning along towards the school , I slow down and take a picture of the galleon play-boat in the yard... like me, looking a little older and perhaps in need of a make-over, but, still there, waiting for the small sailors who board it, with such glee each breaktime ! Along and through the very quiet road and out into the trees and the lane. Old Road, the site of my ghostly encounter, bright this morning in the strengthening day, and I cannot resist, slowing to take a photo of the road sign.
The haws and hips glow like jewels against the glossy greens, the fields are waterlogged and muddy, but the beauty of the season is unblemished; the air fresh and clear, and the presence of the power of Nature is palpable. I breath deeply, trying to take in that power, to fuel my continued recovery back to full strength. CB is telling me I have about ten minutes to go, and so I decide to alter the end of the route, and make a detour across my beloved fields.
Squeezing through the gap opposite the Steam Railway, I take another quick photo and head for home. Down through the field. Muddy tracks making my gait ungainly, an inelegant ballerina, teetering on the ridges, across the tracks, unused, of the railway side line m another quick photo of the Signal Man's, ( the film ), tunnel, and down the field. CB is always right and my space has increased, unblinkingly. I feel light and free, liberated from all stressful thoughts and my thank yous are many.
Down the seaside track and down the hill, towards the Narnia lamppost. Full circle completed as CB counts me down and a final burst of speed, in deference to Laura, to always have something left in the tank.
Done. 3O minutes... no speed, little style, and as ever, slow and steady.
I walk, ( yes, walk), up the hill to home... I am grateful and happy. It is still quiet as I turn into the Close, but, as I open my front gate, I am greeted by cheers and whooping. I look up to see Mr OF leaning out of the window upstairs, clapping ,smiling and cheering me home.
It was... a moment.
As I open the door to enter, the thought, well known to may of us of a certain age, pops in, unbidden into my head.
“ There will come a day, when I can no longer run, Today, is not that day”.
Oldfloss x
With love and a thank you to all those folk who have supported me on the last eight years... on we go.
Have I run 10k or not?
A disappointing run 🤔☹️🤔
