Today I Ran

[NIGHTINGALE1]

And I enjoyed it. I ran with a smile on my face and no cares. When other runners bounded past me I did not feel the need to try and up my pace. I ran well within my capabilities in pace, time and distance. I ran for me. And now that means for my own enjoyment.

So I will no longer record on here how long, how far or how fast I run as these things are not important to me at this time. That is not to say that they may not become important at some point in the future. If you see me record some stats you have my permission to tell me off.

The first section of my run takes me alongside the route of the canal. A couple of years back I did a photography project called One Street. As the mews where I live has only 6 houses I knew that my material would be limited. But as the canal runs along the bottom of the garden and is over 40 miles long I knew that would give me plenty of material. So I recorded the sights and the people I met as I went along the tow path. I became what canal folk call a gongoozler. A few weeks ago a part of the tow path became eroded and the canal company came along and fenced it off. This morning two of their barges were moored on the opposite bank in preparation for the repairs to begin.

[pollyp1 Graduate]

Just what I needed to read this morning, thank-you.

[McFitty Graduate]

Lovely post, as always NIGHTINGALE1 . You enjoy you running (near the canal is THE BEST). We lived in Holland for 2 years (bought and old rusting barge and lived on it whilst we did it up) and brought it back here 2 years ago to do the Thames and the Grand Union. You just can't beat the scenery and the vibe of the waterways. I'll be off out for my first run in about an hour (taking my camera as proof) - my phone camera is knacked so I'll have to find somewhere in my new stretchy pants to stow it!!!

[MichaelH070862 Graduate in reply to McFitty]

Where were you in Holland I was stationed near Roermond when I was in Germany

[McFitty Graduate in reply to MichaelH070862]

We were right in the South. Little island called Tholen. About 45 mins south of Rotterdam

[MichaelH070862 Graduate in reply to McFitty]

I can see why you had the canal barge now

[Ellymeg Graduate in reply to McFitty]

We lived near Venlo!!

[MichaelH070862 Graduate in reply to Ellymeg]

It is amazing what a small world we live in don't you think

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Lovely post. And yes, you can now run just for the sheer joy and it is a pretty magical place to be 🤗 Enjoy your running.

[Ellymeg Graduate]

A truly free run! good for you Nightingale it sounded like a lovely run. I loved hearing about the canal you will have to post a pic. See you later in the week 🙋🏼

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Great - sometimes running just because you can is the absolute best!

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate]

Just feeling free to enjoy your running is the best