Clear and cold

[Oldfloss]

Well, that is Week 7 Run 2 completed and I feel good.

Set out just after 8 this morning, gin-clear skies and a hint of frost decorating the lawns and gardens.

Very pretty but the air was so, so cold.

I could feel the sharp iciness of each breath as I started my warm up walk, and edging ever closer to my running start point ( a lamp post just before the end of the lane), I was aware that I was finding it difficult to take deep breaths, so just slowed my pace a tad and pulled up my collar!

Started my run and varied it again this morning, up the lane and past my beautiful daughter's house...I figured if I did collapse from lack of breath I could crawl into her garden!

Needn't have worried, I just maintained my steady pace and fell into a natural rhythm, concentrating a little more on breathing properly.

The lane was colder here, and the brown leaf fall, sugar-coated with frost. Trees hard edged against the blueness above, and the field edge, trimmed by the farmer, standing up like a bristly hair cut. No- one about except for two pheasants breaking cover from the copse by the old pond, and a solitary buzzard soaring high, high above, raggedy wings slowly beating as he sailed upwards.

This is an area I love; I have spent many, many years walking the lanes, the fields and the woodland with two small children, now grown and flown. Sunny days, picnic perfect. wet walks, puddle jumping, crunchy Autumn afternoons and the brisk crisp, walk after the Christmas feasting!

It is a joy for me, that I am lucky enough, and thankful, to be out in the morning, chilly though it is and running (unbelievably) through a place so special to me.

Still on my poetry tack,( see last post), lots of thoughts and words spinning around my head, running without noticing it really, and almost half- hearing Laura's reassuring voice marking out the stages of the run.

The last sixty seconds, finish on a high...I was sorry the run had ended.

[tomatopincushion Graduate]

Beautiful description! Sounds like a gorgeous run 🌳

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to tomatopincushion]

Thanks.. it was... chilly is better than drizzle!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Sounds fabulous. For me, half of the pleasure is being out in the countryside with only the birds, rabbits and occasional deer for company!

So glad you are enjoying it!

You could try a buff to protect your nose and mouth when you first start out, then pop it down round your neck once you have warmed up.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

So true... aren't we lucky! Yes.. I think I really need a buff.. used to have one years ago.. but cannot find... early Christmas gift I think!

[hilbean Graduate]

Sounds like my kind of run Love the poetry xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Me too.. it was enjoyable, although I have to say, I am a bit husky this afternoon; I think the cold air chilled my lungs!

[Coddfish Graduate]

Beautiful description

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Thanks.. just how it grabs me when I am out there..