Okay...maybe not a mountain, but it was a hill that I swear wasn't ever there before!
Set off Monday morning, fairly early, but not too early. A bright crisp morning, with just a hint of a nip in the air, but not enough to deter the hardy snail! A frost on the cars and on the grass but not the pavements..hoorah! A blue cloudless sky and the faintest glimmer of sunshine.
After my last run, I am feeling much more confident about experimenting with my routes, my pace and my distance. I determined to try a different route, for at least part of my run.
So... after the obligatory five minute brisk walk ( old habits die hard..and there are some which should stay with you), at the decide point, it was down the hill to the station.
The children had disappeared to their respective schools and the traffic had eased, so I was able to cross the road to the lane relatively quickly. I am walking, really briskly, I think.. because I am further on in my routes after my five minute walk... so the jog started just before my old faithful start of the route past Rookery wood and up the hill.
Very quiet on this morning and no one really about at all...I made good progress up the hill and felt I was setting a steady pace; easy breathing and quick light steps.. I ran steadily, past the houses and up past the Steam railway station, all closed up at this time of the year except for weekends, but open for the Specials at weekends! I ran on until I reached the corner and the Bridle Path!!!!
Oh yes...!!! It's been mentioned before, but I have never ventured down it.. not running anyway!
I have walked it many, many times, got loads of photos of it and it features in one of my unfinished novels!!!! ( I will write a best seller one day.., so, J K Rowling watch out!!)
Now... I thought this will be a challenge... used not so much by riders, but by dog walkers, although we did meet a runner there one winter's day; he was in shorts and t shirt, and running, (I use the term loosely) , through snow which was at least ten inches deep!
The first part of the path is notoriously muddy and deep grooved, even on the hottest day, there seems to be a brown peaty ooze, that squidges around your wellies. No wellies though for me, and fortunately... the frost had not melted and the ground, although deep furrowed was firm! So... slightly slowly I progressed, by the large holly tree, the source for thirty years of Christmas garlands, ( carefully, and sparsely taken with secateurs), and into the narrowing path which lead through to the far lane by Cold Comfort farm.
The path here is flat but uneven and the trees close in on both sides, it is a lonely place and carries the weight of years of history, as an old, very old, salt path... I was running much more slowly ,and very aware of placing my feet carefully. Although I know this area well, the thought of a twisted ankle or worse, was not a good one. The silence is complete here, always, and faintly oppressive; it's like the whole place is holding its breath. Work has been done to keep the pathway open and there are beams of wood placed over what are very muddy troughs, when the frost is not lying so heavily. ( Goodness knows how the beams got there).
This was not perhaps, a sensible route, as my pace really slowed, but I persevered to the end of the path and its junction with the lane. Now, a choice, a long run along the lane and down through the next village or back along the bridle path. I chose the lane.
Along the lane and running lightly again, relaxed and confident. My posture since Couch to 5K has really improved, straighter back, relaxed face, chin tucked in, core strong, no hunched shoulders...I could so be the next sixty plus model for Vogue!!! Yes.. right. But seriously, the physical benefits of the running are marked. Stronger, firmer leg muscles and ankles, almost a tight tummy and a healthy glow from all the fresh air. It has just got to be good!
Along the top lane, never jogged along before, walked yes, many times... and surprise, surprise, it goes uphill. It never did before!!!!
I have walked that lane, alone, and with the girls, ridden it on a bicycle and on a pony, it was flat. How can that be?
Maybe because my legs were a bit tired, or I had run further than I thought, I do not know..but I had to slow down and walk! Sneaky little hill...it felt like a mountain, even if it wasn't and it went on forever.
( Well, it really did feel like it.)
Eventually, past the Cricket ground and Fingerpost farm, I reached the top of the Hollow; the weirdest and most evocative place around here. But that is a whole other tale. I started to run again, downhill this time, quick light steps and with a sense of urgency, to get back home as quickly as possible. I was a long way out with a long way to go back. So through the square, past the stocks...yes really, and along to the gate which takes me through the field over the Steam Railway line and back to the lane before home!
I ran back across the field, much more quickly than I have ever done. I have no idea of the speed or pace, I just know I was running with a steady rhythm and covering the ground much faster than I have done previously. I enjoyed it; exhilarated, I got back to the lane, and gratefully had a slow walk down to the station and an even slower walk back up the hill and home.
" You've been out for a long time", husband's comment... " where did you get to?"
I just grinned..." I've been for a good long run! "
It was amazing! Aren't we lucky folk?
a great read. I love your cheeky sense of adventure. The way you describe your speedy run for home strips the years away from you, and you sound like a naughty little girl not wanting to admit what she's been up to. Lol. 
