Well, having planned the route, at least a hundred times and even dreamt about it... I finally started Week 9 this morning.
Brighter this morning with a hint of mist, just clearing; the sky was beginning to brighten as I headed out. I intended to do a route I took at the beginning of the programme, ( nostalgia maybe), but with a new added route at the end; so headed into the village, past the station and past Rookery wood. I am afraid the rooks were still asleep this morning as I made my way uphill to the bridle path. Quite quiet and still , with only the distant sound of the train to disturb the morning.
This hill is not steep, but long and I always travel up here very slowly and steadily.
As I was doing the extra two minute of running... I thought I would do them straight away in case I was too tired at the end of the run, so I did them on this bit...( well my husband thought that was funny, 
)
I made the Bridle path only puffing slightly, and did a circuitous route around the little steam railway station and then headed back down the hill and along the Old Road, where I had the spooky sensations last time I ran this way. All calm this morning and no hidden presence, the run along here was enjoyable... except.... the road actually seemed to go upwards! I never noticed this before, and it does not appear to be going downhill when I run the other way... does the road know I am coming and deliberately raise itself? So many roads I always thought were flat.. are not!!!! Took a little bit of will power to steady my pace and just keep on going.
Turned and cut through the small estate down by the Primary school; too early for the children here, but I could hear the Seniors getting off their school buses, their voices shrill and laughing across the playing fields. Still going strong, but unable to get any helpful inspirational words or thoughts in my head.. just a mantra of, right foot, left foot, you can do this! Headed down to the main road in the village. downhill now... finally...!
My timings were a bit out, so I had to negotiate the small tide of High School children surging up the hill...all cheerful. all smiling, chattering and bouncing along... whilst heading upwards!!!! How I envy them!
I reached the main road through the village and having run a couple of minute longer than the thirty.. . (sorry Laura.. but I was so excited to be running down something) , I did my five minute walk along to my turn for home. yes.. that is uphill too!
Week 9 Run 1... done. Two to go....
Maybe I could find an old airfield to run on 
But you did it! And with an extra couple of minutes too. I wait with bated breath to hear about your next two runs 
Week 9 Run 1 - Boring is good!
Week 9: Run 1 
Week 9 run 1 completed - some thoughts 😊
Week 9 Run 1
