Guilty pleasure?

[Madge50]

In the last couple of weeks my normal routes have become very, very muddy, I like to go off road and have some nice bridle paths near me. I do a mixture of road and grassy footpaths. Last week, parts of the bridle path were very boggy, previously I would daintily try and hop to the driest part, no chance here, mud and puddles the complte width, so I though, blow it, run straight through, and I did, wow what a feeling! Remember enjoying jumping in puddles and getting told off for getting muddy? Even the park run is rather sloshy in places, but I love it, the spatter of mud on your legs is a badge of honour, running medals! In fact I saw people asking others to take photos of the backs of their legs for them! And, in the week I went out in the rain, loved it! I was toasty and warm jogging past others huddled in big coats under an umbrella.

I can't beleive it! This running lark does strange things to you, takes you back to your childhood, puddles? Love em!

[GettingFitter Graduate]

Absolutley Madge. You should see the state of my shoes from the bridle paths. At times it feels harder than running on the beach

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to GettingFitter]

Ha ha! Yes, I am so proud of my muddy, grubby shoes, trophies they are!

[Barbarajs Graduate]

I know exactly what you mean. My whole route is muddy and I also have to try not to trip up and fall in the canal. I don't think I'd enjoy that puddle so much. My shoes are absolutely filthy,and my socks and the bottoms of my tights. Love it

And yes running past cold people huddled in coats under umbrellas makes me feel fairly smug too

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Barbarajs]

Ooh yes, mind that canal, that is a puddle too far! And the people we pass by have no idea what they are missing! Happy days!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Love it! This damp weather has turned my hair into a dripping frizz ball to go with the muddy legs!

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Yes, I turn into CrystalTips, remember her?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

It is quite remarkable how few clothes you need to keep you warm!

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Yes, the long sleeve top will have to make an appearance soon, not cold enough yet for the beanie or buff, gloves I have a problem with, like them, but once hot have to take them off, need a string like I used to have at school! Might work, but can't be doing with anything 'flappy'

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to Madge50]

I noticed my son 'carrying' his buff twisted round his wrist/hand when it had got too warm for his neck. I've adapted that so that I cover my fingers until I warm up.

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

That's as useful idea, thanks, might try that

[ju-ju- Graduate]

You are so right..it so is. I don't feel I've done a proper run unless I come back really dirty and sweaty!!

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Couch to 5K has a lot to answer for!

[misswobble Graduate]

Running in a tee shirt when everyone else is swathed in heavy coats and hats makes you feel invincible. I was always such a wuss but not now! You soon get used to it don't you. It's surprising how fast your body adapts. I thought I'd freeze to death for sure. I take my waterproof running jacket with me, tied round my middle, for the inevitable walk back home. It's only thin but it seems the equivalent of a fur coat!

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Yes, I actually like it on the cool side and don't mind a bit of rain, mind you, I wear glasses and heavy rain is a bit of a nuisance, no windscreen wipers, I might try a peaked cap or visor. When I first started this I would never have imagined going out in the cold and rain wouldn't bother me!

[runningnearbeirut Graduate in reply to Madge50]

Yes, definitely try a peaked cap. Unless the rain is coming right at you horizontally, it's great - no rain drops on your glasses and no steaming up either

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to runningnearbeirut]

Thanks, I will try one, I'm always a bit concerned about keeping stuff anchored on my head, but I usually put my hair in a pony tail, so that should help pulled through at the back.

[Hidden]

Love the mud ! also find my Lidl running vest perfectly adequate for running in November...weird....

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Yes, I'm still in vests/short sleeve tops at the moment, treated myself to a new long sleeve top the other day, which has got a double layer for wind protection at the front, just got to wait for it to get cool enough to wear it!

[OldNed Graduate]

Running through puddy muddles is just such fun; channelling your inner 6-yr old!!

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to OldNed]

Definitely, and even better, there is no one to tell me off for doing it and getting mucky! Maybe that's why it is so satisfying!