A slow gentle run this morning; I will, hopefully, manage another one on Christmas Eve.
I glanced at the C25K posts just before leaving and read Hilbean's simply beautiful and evocative post,
(if you haven't read it yet, please make sure you do). Taking some of her thoughts out with me into the dark morning, I felt the need initially, and oddly for me, to be near people. So, I took a detour through a small Crescent near to my home.
I had determined this morning to take a more leisurely pace, and to concentrate on some of the things I have learned from the whole programme. Thinking about the way my feet land, the way my arms move, etc, etc. I found, on starting the programme, that I have a tendency to turn my left foot over and inward slightly, so early on, I consciously tried to correct this and land more squarely... I notice this morning.. that is happening. There is a lot to think about, trying to remember the tips folk have given me over the weeks and building on these..but it seems to be paying off. The breathing seems to be fairly sorted, although I think I push my tummy out when taking a deep breath!
My legs were feeling a little heavier this morning, the glass of Champagne I had last evening, to celebrate the coming Winter Solstice , could account for that! I ran down through the crescent.. sheltered by the houses and trees... a bell on a door wreath, caught by the wind, tinkled softly..An Angel has just gained its wings..( Nearly time to watch A Wonderful Life for the umpteenth time)!
The gardens are neat and tidy, the mild air encouraging folk to do just one more mow.. and perhaps unwisely, plant out some early bedding. There are Primula in neat military rows, pinks, pale orange, and yellow, small faces peeping out against the dark earth. The trunks of the silver birch are almost luminous, and their trailing branches wave gently in a light breeze. As I start to head out towards the main road, I notice that there are roses blooming still. Fat yellow buds, fit to burst, and then tucked into a raised bed, a delicate tiny white rose, face like a pale ghost in the early light. I fear for the plants... the daffodils and the snowdrops have a safety mechanism for frost and snow...not so, these late summer lingerers.
Turning the corner, I was taken very much by surprise by a gust of wind... buffeted along, I realised that I had been really sheltered by the houses and the wind was stronger than I thought. With the wind behind me and going downhill for once, I got a fair little pace going.. but slowed down again when I reached the turn for the station. Trying to think about my style still, and starting uphill: I find if I focus on a point, not too far ahead, and try and get to the top in short stages, it never seems as steep...this morning, it is hard going... Turning towards the field along the track...someone has filled some of the potholes... not sure if this makes the running better or worse, as some bits are even and some still pitted and deep, ready to upend the unwary runner! The field is still too muddy for me, although my son-in-law braves it when he manages to fit in a run! The farmer has trimmed the hedges also, and they look neat and tidy like a schoolboy's haircut. Back along the track and up...
At the Bridle Path, I turn, the call of home reminiscent of Mole in Wind in the Willows..
Getting really windy now as I head back down the hill... holly and ivy cling to the bottom of some of the trees like green sleeping bags.. the lady at the end terraced cottage has parked an old fashioned bicycle outside her front door...the basket filled with winter greenery trailing over the handlebars and front wheel...lovely.
The world is stirring, the sky dull and churning, like dirty washing water, the clouds are grey, soapy bubbles swirling around uneasily. I want to be home.
Walk-down time, passing the old man, bent nearly double with years of hard work. He has finally succumbed to the use of a wheeled walker. He is slow and a little unsteady, but still raises a hand in greeting.
A few minutes more...then home; a different kind of run this morning... but still very much enjoyed.
xxx
C25K - new pain every week? 
3 times a week or every other day 
This must be how The Rock feels every day!!
Two rest days between every run cheating? 
