Yesterday... I ran... not far, not fast, not a lot of style,. But, one heck of a lot of joy.
Following an horrendous day on Tuesday, where Mr OF and I felt that the whole day, was like a scene out of a Hospital Drama series... and after a ridiculously good, sound night's sleep. I decided to take a run.
Mind and body were drained, that evening, but the next morning... with the merest hint of sunshine , dithering like an uncertain swimmer in a grey sea...and a small voice in my head whispering, go on, why not.... I had no choice.
For once, running gear not laid out the night before, I was shattered by 8.p.m... and after morning cuppas and morning exercise routine, I was, vaguely ready to go. No route really thought about. I was later than usual., and knowing that the hustle and bustle of school-sters would have cleared, I thought maybe a fifteen minute, just around the nearby walk ways and private drives was in order.
See what I could find.
My expectation for the run was not high. The stresses and strains of the last few weeks has weighed heavy...but...when I began running... or rather when CB and I began running... ( yes, I was going to run alone, but felt I needed company), we discovered something rather odd.
The legs were happy. The breathing was happy. The body was relaxed and running easy. CB was delighted... he did not need, even, to remind me how to run the first part of the run...I was already doing it.
Feet kissing the ground, shoulders relaxed, hands held lightly as my arms brushed the side of my body... a smile playing on my lips... what on earth!
Making the corner... looking at which way to go... my hill ? Nope... across and down the uneven private road towards the main road and along past the conker-less conker tree! I usually turn around here... but I went on.... the road was not overly busy.... and I was having fun.
On, with no thought of a struggle, looking around and soaking up sights, I have not noticed before...more conker trees.... one at the end of practically every drive. With conkers. Loads of empty shells including a few dropping out of the tree whilst I paused... squirrel fun!
I picked up two conkers... burnished brown and glossy... tucked them away and off... turning through a narrow walk way, and to my surprise, out by a green space behind some flats! On and then realising I was back on a road I knew.
Still feeling strong and relaxed and not long to go... along past some of the large houses bordering the private roads... many now, falling into dignified, but decadent, disrepair... they will sell, for less than their worth and they will be upgraded, smartened, modernised or just restored to former fineness... and sold for a lot more !
Picking up my pace a little, as CB tells me that it is almost countdown time, when I spot a gate, partially opened and a narrow green pathway. I run down it ! Why not? Brought up short by another, but locked gate... I am peeping through at a wonderful green area which is the playing field of the school... I have lived near by, for nearly ten years and never even knew the school had a playing field..it is very well hidden , but lovely!
A quick photograph and off to finish the run... Fifteen minutes done... but, I wanted to round my distance up... so on a way more. And then heading for home.
This run was an eye opener, literally, hidden places, and a wealth of beauty... conkers, autumn leaves and summer foliage... in my garden, as I head in, roses, my green beans and a third growth of strawberries... Nature really is having a rare old time.
The run also told me, that yes, I am slowly discovering and believing, stronger than I thought, and that yes, the core strength work and my funny little exercise routines all help keep me moving. I finished the run, relaxed, hungry and happy.
The run was a good one... a slow one, but a very good one, and one that I needed, greatly.
CB is right... “Slow, is not a negative word... “ it is run-speak, for running, seeing, feeling and learning.
I embrace it.
Oldfloss x
NRC Just a Run (30 minute easy paced recovery run)
‘Another 10K Run’ 
