I went for my run yesterday morning and the weather was beautiful. Glorious sunshine and just a hint of warmth. I was a little later setting out, so the High School children had gone, all at this time, gainfully employed in educational activities! Decide to carry on with my plan of shaking things up and moving on a bit, so after a brisk walk, I headed up to the big roundabout and over and up the hill towards the common. This was intended as a warm up jog.( So many hills...why? Sigh)!
So, a steady pace, not too fast, not too slow, about 160, feeling good, but, for the first time ever in my running journey, a tiny stitchy feeling, I did not like it, so, deep, steady breaths, ( thanks for your past tips, Laura, ) and it went, thankfully!
Just ran halfway up the hill, (sigh again), passing the Primary school walking bus, the children sans wet weather gear, this morning, bright eyed and bushy tailed as they chattered and scurried between their minders. So much energy, they waved as I passed and a cheery hello, from the lady bringing up the rear, and nearly at the turn around point. Passed another lady with two small children and proudly displaying a large baby bump...realised she had been in my Brownie group, when I was Brown Owl!
Stopped for a quick catch up, ( glad to catch my breath), all grown up and married now, with two beautiful little girls, both with a mass of glorious, tumbling Titian curls, Mum is the same. Lovely to chat with her, but off and upwards. Turned at the halfway point and back down. I am running faster, certainly downhill, (yeay), and it felt good. I ran past the turn for home, along the Crescent, down the Midway. It is weird and wonderful to think that weeks, and weeks previously, this would have been the end of my run, but I am running on now, amazing.
Down I went, into the village, just got across the railway line before the lights and warning siren heralded the next train and off up the lane. past Rookery wood, the rooks silent, either not there or sleeping..up and along to the field. Now, interestingly, the potholes are still there, but at the far end, a whole new red ash/gravel track leading to the field. Really good for running on too! Took me back to my youth, when I ran for Staffordshire County; I did..honestly...I started as a sprinter, then moved to 220m and then 440m and was one of the first girls to run the 880m. (they thought for a long time, that 880m was too far for girls to run!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
I was enjoying the run, a lot, with no worries about time or speed, just trying to run tall and easily and manage my breathing, which I have struggled with a bit over the last couple of lurgified weeks! Firm underfoot, but still, with deep tyre grooved groughs. This makes running steadily, difficult and I was glad to gain the open ground. terrific views and the sound, suddenly and totally magically, of a Curlew high, high overhead.. (Did anyone see the feature about them in the news ? A lady walking 500 miles to raise awareness of their depleting numbers...maybe I should e mail her). Oh goodness, I am supposed to be curtailing my rambling thoughts ...keep going!
Steady, but in all honesty, slowing a bit now, my legs were feeling tired, the terrain is a bit challenging and at the Steam rail crossing I turned back for home. I eased back and ran back along the field towards my huge favourite tree, I think I spotted a few greeny mouse-ear leaves, not sure and back along the track to the lane. I stopped here. 36 minutes and just under 5K... I was pleased. I carried on jogging back down the lane to the station. Then another slower walk back up the hill, ( little sigh yet again) to home. Again, I find it intriguing, that at one time, on the journey through from Couch25K, we are so glad for the stopping time and the welcome walk, and yet how soon we move past that and are able to keep going when we choose to?
All you travellers on that journey, take note, it does happen, however unlikely it seems to you at times. 
A steady run, not too far and enjoyable, despite my little hill sighs. I would though, just for once, like to run on flat ground. I am curious to know what that feels like; will I run further, will I run faster, will it be easier? My husband, whom I love to bits , explained to me, all the scientific facts, positive and negative, about running up, and down hills; ( he has never run up or down any, but as a Scientist knows the principles behind it), but, after fifteen minutes of explanation I was saturated with facts and wanted to shout.. that's all very well but...it's hard! So, I am trying to find a route that is both level and flat, and not too contrived. Watch this space.
My plan so far, is working, did a good run on Tuesday and a good run yesterday, no pressure. Not a bad distance, either, taking it, as ever slow and steady!
Loads of people on here embarking on the last lap before graduation, all doing brilliantly, many Newbies too, just taking those first uncertain steps.
Just stay with it and you too, can be plotting your own routes, your own targets, of distance, speed or stamina and, have your respective partners or friends, explaining the intricacies and wonders of aerobic enzymes, knee lifts, elasticity and acceleration !!!
Yes...I know you can't wait can you ?
It is great fun!
W7R2 and Iron Maiden nearly killed me
W6/R3 - Got on with it..
Final run done - at a very windy parkrun
Very nearly nearly managed w3d1 till I got bbq legs 😞
Another very enjoyable 30 minute run
