First run in a week, this morning, after managing to get caught by the lurgy monster...again.
Like a few other folk on here , whilst being on the IC, I have spent far too much time reading other posts.
After doing so, I find myself feeling humbled, in awe, and a tad ashamed of my own moans about feeling unwell.
My spattles with the Bronchitasaurus seem nothing, compared with other folks problems.
They run , under so much duress ,in spite of personal illness, physical or mental,family illness, family loss and any number of issues in between.
They run , they post, they motivate, they inspire.
So... though I did not cover any great distance, nor achieve any great speed,this run, for what it is worth, was for you all.
Staying at Lady Margaret's Park CC site in Chirk, Wales this week. Felt pretty rough since illness struck again, after last Thursday's run, so apart from some brisk walks, and a cycle ride of about ten miles on Tuesday, no running.
But, this morning, after reading a couple of incredibly inspiring posts last night, I decided, still a bit crocked or not, I needed to get out there and have a try!
An absolutely glorious morning, an ultramarine blue sky, white clouds and not too cold, in fact a balmy 3 degrees; so clad in my funky leggings, out I went. Folks all asleep tucked up in their respective tin tents, a quiet, brisk walk out of the site and straight along the entrance road to the magnificent white gates of the Park. I wanted to take a photograph before I started my run. Sunlight glinting on the white rails and the intricate carved, metal figures, hounds, hinds, and huge flower starbursts.
I made my way to the back entrance of the Park. the gates opened at seven, and headed off up the slight hill. Sheep grazing quietly in the early sunshine, as I took some photographs and then finished my warm up walk. I had decided to do Stepping Stone this morning, a nice easy start to get back into the swing. Laura's friendly voice quiet, in my ear as I started the first run. No real problems at all, very surprisingly; I expected to feel a bit rough, especially after a coughing fit in the early hours, but with my Buff pulled up over my mouth it seemed fine.
Moving steadily, very steadily uphill towards the huge Oak lined back Park drive, I was able to hear the birds singing.... and that was all.
There is a very quiet drone from the Chocolate factory in Chirk itself, but I am used to that, and it is so low as to be almost inaudible.There are lots of trees which have clearly come down over the wild winter months. Giants, laid low by a might far greater than their own.
I was keeping in time with the pace changes and finding that just the act of being outside again, made me feel so much better.
Turning slightly towards the castle, I started up and between the line of Great Oaks. Having only ever cycled or driven down here previously, nothing prepared me for the overwhelming sense of magnificence, grandeur and history of those ancient trees. I was quite literally dwarfed by them. Huge, huge trunks, moss covered and deep bark ridged, massive, weighty branches stretching in raised salutation to another morning. Beyond, stretching towards the Castle rise, fields and woods, more ancient oaks lying on the ground, broken by the force of nature. The sheer size of the trees, their trunks, their branches was almost unbelievable. Thoughts of the people who planted them, lines from poems, from verses, learnt as a child, muddled and confused, filling my head.
I ran to what I think was a gatekeeper's house originally, before I turned back. Paused to take some photographs and then off again.
My running, in accordance to Laura's well remembered words now, was light and quick,breathing smooth and even, head up and running tall.
Goodness it felt amazing.
I repeated the run between the Oaks three times, from end to end of them, simply because I did not want to leave.
It sounds silly, but I was aware suddenly of a strength and a warmth eminating from them, a warmth which seemed to fill my body and my very soul with some intangible power. I know I am, as many of you know, prone to flights of fancy, but this was very, very real.
Almost forcing myself away, I carried on, now, back down the hill again, the sun warm on my face and my heart light.
The sheep had moved further away and took no notice of me, not even pausing from their breakfast. Back down, over the cattle grid, back along to the gates, one last look ,turn and along the entrance road, with a final burst before reaching the site gates.
Full of the sights of the morning, I walked back to our own tin tent, to regale my husband with photos and tales of fallen giants and healing trees.
What a run...I took thoughts of many of my friends here, old and new, on the run with me, in my head and my heart...I wish them and those they love,health and healing...
"Mother nature has the power to please, to comfort, to calm, and to nature one's soul."
How true.
Knocked 15 minutes off my 5k time. Promise not to laugh though - 
Progress and poop!
Enjoyable run this morning again!!!!
