The best thing about memories…? Making new ones. - Couch to 5K

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The best thing about memories…? Making new ones.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate
82 Replies

The view in this photograph has not changed in nearly 53 years.

I used to swim in this bay, with my Dad, every morning of our breaks and holidays, before 8 a.m. come rain or shine. One morning we had to swim on the other side of the jetty as the sea was rough, it was raining hard and the small bay was sheltered. The raindrops were like icy needles, and getting into the sea, a welcome relief…we swam, laughing and splashing in the cold waves, the rain running down our faces mingling with the salt on our skin; then out, racing for the towels, shoved out of the rain under the rocks, and my dad, heedless of the rain and the chill, rubbing me so hard with a towel ( yellow with coloured fishes all over it), to dry me, until I glowed , then racing for the car, towels under our wet cossies and heading back up the hill to my Mum and Nan, and a hearty breakfast.

What has this to do with running… well, on Friday I ran. A run with a difference; I ran back, through time and back through memories, to those moments; and having run, ran on again, to where the run began. I am lucky, very lucky. I have fulfilled a dream; a dream where I run by the ocean, along a beach, shingled and sandy, the white foam breaking gently in a bubbled softness over the shore. I have read posts on here, and looked longingly at photographs of runs like this and wished I could do that!

We have sold the tin-tent; (our camper van, for those who are, luckily, unfamiliar with my rambles) and have bought a very modest little holiday home overlooking Cardigan Bay at Criccieth. And on Friday… I got to run…for the first time… by the sea…and it was wonderful.

Setting out early Friday, the excitement welling up inside me was almost unbearable. I knew the area; the highways and the byways, years spent there as a child, with my family, and later as a teenager, long, long, always hot summers, ( :)) just me and my Nan…and then with my then to-be husband and later with him and our own children…but running a route there, well that is different.

Out into the morning, and a pale sky, dove-grey streaked, stretching empty and limitless to the infinity of the horizon. My feet echoing on the narrow, slightly uneven pavement as I headed down towards the town and the crossing for the shore. Silent sleepers, oblivious and unaware in their white-painted houses, of the importance, for me anyway, of the day. Glancing to the left of me, the view over the couple of fields and grassy mounds between me and a stony beach was breathtaking. I made the small railway crossing in good time. I had no music, no podcast, and just wanted to soak up the sight, the sound, the scent, the very essence of the place. Over the little crossing, past the crossing cottage, (the inhabitant, required, no longer, to manually open the gates at whatever times the train might deem to arrive).

No one in sight as I rounded the corner and set off along the Esplanade…past a new and smart restaurant, located in what had been the Beach Café; ice creams, ginger beer, candy floss, and coffee. The shop end of this originally named establishment, held a veritable treasure trove for every small person; a plethora of buckets, spades, flippers, and beach balls; sand shoes, sunglasses and lilos. Now, made over and modern, the huge glass windows blankly gazing on the tireless sea, over an outside decked sitting area, awaiting the outdoor tables of summer, festooned with strings of lanterns.

Running across the esplanade, past the empty car parking spaces, an early morning dog walker, coming up the ramp from the beach called a good morning, I do not know who was more startled, but his smile was welcome. Running along the front, my breathing was good, my pace even and light, and I suddenly realised, that my thoughts were outweighing my running. I was not even thinking about it. I felt relaxed and happy as I headed towards the Castle and not even the thought of Castle Hill marred that feeling. Along past the shuttered B & Bs, the restaurant overlooking the bay and up past the RNLI station…the original lifeboat long since replaced by a bright, buoyant and bouncy saver of souls… up towards the Castle. Past Cadwalder’s Ice Cream parlour, shuttered and silent, waiting for the spring and summer visitors, clamouring for sweet delights. The hill was steeper than I remember, but that is just my age, up, slowly and steadily with short, light steps, past the most amazing Fish and Chip shop in the world, the Castle bakery, still closed and cold and without the tantalising smell of fresh baked bread, and a brief stop at the gate to the Castle, before turning back down the hill towards the shore.

I always have this temptation when going downhill to fling my arms out and race down willy-nilly, like I did when I was small… far too sensible now… sadly, but fortunately. Gentle measured pace and over the patch of green above the jetty and down onto the beach. No longer a need to get wet crossing the clear water coming from the hill, thick beams placed side by side, mean dry feet, as I headed towards the edge of the sea.

Running on the beach was not quite as I expected… it was much harder, and as the tide was not far out, the shingle was slippery and tricky. I need to ask ju-ju- for tips and aliboo70 , because, as do many of our friends on the forum, they run on beaches and probably have advice for me :) So not the run I expected; a vision of me, a runner gliding through the edge of the waves, with an easy motion, head held high, running free, with the smooth flowing steps of confidence. More… a slow but steady, (as ever), stumble, trying not to lose my balance, or turn an ankle… an inelegant ballerina, teetering, light-footed across the seascape.

Looking ahead towards the purple cloud-tipped hills across the bay, a chill breeze whipped salt spray into my face and my eyes watered as I ran for the ramp back up to the Esplanade… Still going strong, I felt this was one of my best runs ever, since coming off the IC… my legs felt strong, and despite the wind, my intention of walking back up the hill and home vanished like a sea mist… and yes, I ran up the hill. Cars were now heading towards the town, a post van and a lorry, builders unloading blue Welsh slate from a van, ready to repair a roof… another cheery wave…and up the hill at a good pace now and home.

Turning to catch my breath, my heart was full; memories of my lovely childhood and my parents and my Nan… days of sunshine, swimming, sand, sea and laughter…days which, our daughter and her family will enjoy, and sometimes, wonderfully, will be shared with us. My mind drifted, not surprisingly, to our new small granddaughter, who I hope, if it is her wish, may, one day, run along this same shore, and think of her Grammy, with love.

PS

Apologies to those newbies who do not know me yet, I run and I ramble… it’s what I do…:)

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Oldfloss profile image
Oldfloss
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82 Replies
Frank-ntj profile image
Frank-ntj

Great post Floss, you should write books you would be good at it! For a moment there I was running with you and taking in the views, mind you I was getting puffed up that hill! I'm glad it brought those memories back, such lovely reminiscences. 😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Frank-ntj

Ha ha! The hill was steeper than I remember, but my next planned run will take me up the other side of it and then I can tootle down towards the sea again!

It was a super run Frank and very special , thank you x

aliboo70 profile image
aliboo70

aah Floss that's a lovely post! i didn't realise you had such a connection to the area where you have your new home, i think its lovely to be somewhere that such great memories from :) As for the beach, shingle! eek ! i would be with you and your technique- and a steady clamber trying not to fall. My beach runs have been on nice firm sand which is a lot easier! :)

Many more happy time to come in your special place :) xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to aliboo70

Thanks Ali.. it is a really special place for me :)

I am going to wait until the tide is out and choose a fine dry morning and try again along the beach!

Luckily, only me there that morning, i must have looked quite a sight!

We shall be there again in a few days :)

aliboo70 profile image
aliboo70 in reply to Oldfloss

Sounds a good plan!

Lovely to have the place to yourself!

Not long to wait then,is it a long drive from your home?😊

sarah469 profile image
sarah469Graduate

I ran on a beach for the first time too this morning, Oldfloss! It was fun but hard work! Lost my balance a few times and got chased by waves! X

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to sarah469

That sound lovely... Maybe when the weather gets warmer, i shall do a Chariots of Fire, type run through the waves !

RainbowC profile image
RainbowCGraduate

What a wonderful report. I could see your memories and was with you as you ran, reading that! I like to think the the morning dogwalker was one of my friends, who lives in Cricieth and walks his spaniels on the beach daily.

And yes, the amazing chip shop. Well worth the wait at busy times! Yum.

What a run - not just covering miles, but years too. Memories, hopes and dreams all intermingled, just like the sea, sand and shingle. And Oldfloss, weaving her spell at the point where they all meet.

(I love reading your posts. Can you tell?!)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to RainbowC

I can, thank you... :)

I shall watch out for your friend, this chap was the only person I saw! He had a black Labrador :)

It was such a special run, I don't think I imagined quite the effect it would have on me, and there was a kind of magic, funnily enough... the years dropping away and yet, a whole new adventure starting :) x

Th chip shop! Yes, queues outside down the pavement... it used to open on Sunday evenings, after the hymn singing on the green by the bay.. I don't think that happens now though...:)

MrsLis profile image
MrsLisGraduate

You run and you ramble, and we love it! I don't know the area but still I was there with you.

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️ - that's a whole crowd of us with you!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to MrsLis

Thank you, it is still a very pretty and unspoiled place. I found it quite evocative, so much was still exactly the same as all those years ago... :)

I always take my chums with me, I love it xxx

McFitty profile image
McFittyGraduate

Ah Floss...worth the wait. Reading your posts is like sinking into a good book and letting the words paint pictures in your head.

I could feel the burn of that yellow towel and picture you and your Dad racing for the car. Memories are just the best but even better shared!

Thanks for taking us all along. I'm feeling invigorated and hopeful again😊😊😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to McFitty

Hey you! How are you doing ?

That towel, we kept it for so many years .... I loved it, it was worn threadbare eventually:) It was a very special run x

Stay bright McFitty , you are going to be back on track, and running with us very soon... xx

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate

Lovely words and lovely memories Oldfloss. Sounds wonderful! Thank you, as ever, for sharing😊x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Sandraj39

Welcome :)

We are so lucky aren't we? To be able to run and be part of the whole wonderful experience :)

MotherPip profile image
MotherPipGraduate

There should be a love button... What a wonderfully descriptive post...

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to MotherPip

Thanks Mother Pip... It was a very special and evocative run for me x

Shorty7 profile image
Shorty7Graduate

Beautiful!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Shorty7

Thank you, it was :)

PippiRuns profile image
PippiRuns

Oh how I have missed my weekly dose of Oldfloss Ramble. Always makes me smile and appreciate why we run. Thank you for taking us to the beach and down memory lane. I was there with you and your dad.

I've tried running on the beach, with the same result as you :-) I'm sure it is not us, but the sand not being firm enough...

It sounds like you are fully back in motion after your long stay on the IC. I am so glad for you.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to PippiRuns

Hi you.... I have missed writing them too, thanks Iben. Too many days on the IC have meant working back to running well has been a bit difficult!

But, hopefully back on track, and so lucky to find such a special place to continue running. The beach was difficult and I did have a giggle to myself as I trotted along..but I shall wait until the tide is out and have another try on the sand :)

Hope all good with you x

PippiRuns profile image
PippiRuns in reply to Oldfloss

Good thinking - running when the tide is out. Must make it easier.

I a good, thank you, struggling a bit to maintain the weight loss I achieved last year, but still running further and just a bit faster - and soon (2½ weeks) I'll give my first half marathon a go! Can you believe it? Exactly one year after I started C25K. I'm telling you, it is a magic programme!

JaySeeSkinny profile image
JaySeeSkinnyGraduate

Lovely post, Floss! With lovely memories and a vision of you as an active little girl. You were even running in an area I know as my sister has a caravan in N. Wales. You'll probably be spending more time there now you have a holiday home - so plenty of time to practise on shingle beaches.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny

I shall, thank you :)

I will be spending time at home with small one and Little Mum, but hopefully many days exploring the old haunts and hidden place of the LLeyn... and the opportunity for new run routes.. well ... endless ! x

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate

What a beautiful post - I don't need to run this morning - I've just been on yours! :) x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Runon

Glad you enjoyed it :)

Just off now for my run this morning... you can tag along if you like :)

Lorna9339 profile image
Lorna9339

Oh that's lovely floss! I can just picture it. I would love to be able to run along a beach one day. Great memories for you 😊😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Lorna9339

Then you will run along a beach:)

It may take time, but making our dreams come true is within the grasp if us all.

Thank you, it was a morning to treasure. :)

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate

Gulp , I am welling up here !

What an absolutely beautiful post , I was there with you .

I am so looking forward to reading more of your running adventures , and I am so happy that you have achieved one of your life time dreams .

Who knows in years to come , maybe your little one will be sharing her running experiences with her wonderful Grammy ?

Have a lovely day Floss :-) xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to poppypug

You too Pops... As ever, you were tucked in my heart, as I ran :)

It was very very special and very emotional, I count my blessings every single day x

Dhiny profile image
Dhiny

What a wonderful report, you took me with you on that run Floss & I could see & feel everything you did. What great memories you have & running down hill with arms outstretched is what I, as a child used to do too. Sounds a lovely run . Xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Dhiny

It was, thank you. Special on so many levels. Not least of all, probably the best I have felt since leaving the IC after the dreaded lurgy :)

JaySeeSkinny profile image
JaySeeSkinnyGraduate in reply to Dhiny

I still run downhill with my arms spread wide now and then. Why not? The inner child is still there.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny

Sounds like a plan!!!! Why not indeed.... :)

PS

I shall take it steady and maybe do it on my field runs..just in case the Inner Child takes a tumble xxx:)

OldPossum profile image
OldPossum

Sounds and looks so beautiful. I look forward to hearing about your little granddaughter running along that beach with you too. Making the next batch of memories ..... 😀

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to OldPossum

Thank you... I am really looking forward to seeing her there... so many places to share with her and for Little Mum, a real return to her childhood too :) x

Von99 profile image
Von99Graduate

Lovely post, I was taken back to my childhood holidays spent near there, though mine never involved the early morning swim! X

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Von99

Tee hee.. I have always been a bit loopy...it is beautiful all around that area isn't it?x

Anniemurph profile image
AnniemurphGraduate

Oh, Floss, that's marvellous! Happy memories, and many more happy runs :)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Anniemurph

Thanks you xxx Hoping for a couple more over the next weekend ! :)x

ANewMe2022 profile image
ANewMe2022Graduate

A truly beautiful post, filled with such vivid memories it gave me a lump in my throat, and tears in my eyes. I could hear the bubbly foam breaking on the shore, smell the fish and chips,I felt like I grew up with you, swam with you, and eventually ran with you :) ! Just wonderful Oldfloss thanQ...xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to ANewMe2022

Thank you for coming with me... it is lovely to share special time with friends x

Nobbywatts profile image
NobbywattsGraduate

What a lovely post, you've made me all tearful ...

I totally get how it must have felt to do this wonderful run in a place that holds so much emotion for you, a way of connecting your older self to your younger self - as a little girl, if someone had shown you a flash-forward of yourself as a more - ahem - mature lady running around your favourite haunts you may have said "don't be daft!" Yet, there you were doing it and loving every minute of it just as you did when you were little.

On a lesser scale, we're hoping to move from suburbia to the country later this year (house is on the market now!) - a total lifestyle change for us is coming up - and my aim is to be able to run the country lanes and footpaths WHEN I want as currently I am restricted to my working schedule and consequently my energy levels. Have already checked out a 10k in the area in September that I am now attempting to train for to give me something to aim for both in terms of house-moving and running.

Well done for the beautiful and motivational writing - and for achieving a dream!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Nobbywatts

You are right, I would never have believed it! I have been lucky enough to run in places where I have walked and explored but never thought in a million years I would be running there.. :)

You move sounds wonderful.. hold that dream.. you will get there x

PamJ58 profile image
PamJ58Graduate

That was so beautiful to read - it brought back lots of memories of childhood holidays. Thanks for sharing it x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to PamJ58

Thank you.. it was a real trip through time for me.. I felt like a child again...:)x

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate

What a terrific post Oldfloss ! Its been a little while since you took us on your last ramble but so well worth the wait!

I feel as though I was with you throughout, such descriptive writing. And such a wonderful run!

You are a star in so many ways. I wish you much happy memory making in you new abode x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Millsie-J

It has been a while... injuries and the small one have taken up a lot of time... but I really enjoyed this and wanted to share this with my chums on here...I love taking you with me xxx Thank youx

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate

Oh floss what a beautiful post. Sitting here with a cup of tea I was with you, every step.

What a magical run it was, all those lovely memories 😊 and it sounds as if you're back on great form too 🤗 the IC days a distant memory.

You describe everything so wonderfully it is always such a joy to read your posts. Thank you 😊 xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Irishprincess

It was fantastic thank you.. I think I shall enjoy lots of runs there, but none will be quite as special as that first one.. and feeling fit.. well.. what a bonus :) x

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

Oh how lovely 🙂 I must go down to the sea again ... 😀

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to misswobble

I know.. it makes you feel like that.. and the view the other way was pretty amazing too, over the Bay towards Harlech :)

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate

I recognised the photo - or at least I hoped it was Criccieth. We had a mass family holiday at the Lodge at the very mad Talhenbont Hall there years ago and it is good to know that Criccieth is still essentially the same.

We still talk about the Gerald of Wales cartoon we first saw at the Castle.

I do not envy you running on the pebbles/shingle though.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to GoogleMe

It is... just the same... so many parts of the LLeyn are exactly the same! Criccieth is still unspoiled really... I am so happy to be there .. :) Yep.. the run was.. errr different :)

MotherPip profile image
MotherPipGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

It all sounds lovely... I'm heading to Wales on Sunday can will be in Caernafon for a week...May make a public appearance at the local parkrun at Penrhyn.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to MotherPip

Wonderful... it is a bit far for me from Criccieth and I want to do my first Park Run at home... but I may do Penrhyn Castle run in the future !

Enjoy xx

Curlygurly2 profile image
Curlygurly2Graduate

AWw Floss, that was lovely! Gave me proper chills reading that! Runs like that (almost!) make it worth have a bit of time out on the couch don't they? Enjoy your new home!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Curlygurly2

They do make it all worth it.... knowing we did the right thing staying on the IC, so we are fit to run again :) xx

Thank you x

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

Such a lovely read Floss, what a special run that was...and the first of many more to come. Thank you for sharing your treasured memories, it does us all good to look back to our own childhood and remember the love we shared with our families.😊

What a great move buying that holiday home...hope you enjoy making new memories there. xxx😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Thank you..it was a special run and sometimes, as you say, ot does us good to count our blessings, and the memories we have of happy times.. and happy ones to come :)

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

I was giving you a shoe-in to a bit of Masefield 😀

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to misswobble

.. and when you did.. i was already finishing it.. and making up some of my own words to replace his xx :)

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate

What a beautiful post.... and a gorgeous picture.... Yes shingle will be very tough underfoot!! I have to say I have run mostly on sand.... Depending on how wet it is it varies from being OK to really hard if its sinky/ dry. I vary HOW i run. I do half a mile normal and half a mile on my toes ( which is slower) and I have found that works for me!! I am not sure that is any help at all, but I am so excited for you and your new holiday home which will bring exciting new adventures :)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to ju-ju-

Thanks you... I am going to time it so I do have a run on sand!

I shall try to perfect a shingle shuffle and a stony stumble.. but it will be terrific fun!

Thanks for the tips I shall try the toe running !

Yes, I am excited too, we head back there tomorrow and I have already planned two new routes! x :)

RunningGeek profile image
RunningGeekGraduate

Thank you for sharing your life and loves!! As always you have conjured up an amazing picture. Hope you have many, many happy runs and happy days in your second home :-)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to RunningGeek

Thanks you x.. It makes it sound grand, it isn't really.. but it is a dream come true...

Emmy9 profile image
Emmy9Graduate

This is an amazing post! Than you so, so much!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Emmy9

Welcome... it is what I do, and what I love... I run and I ramble... the two go together :) x

first_mate profile image
first_mateGraduate

Wow what a wonderful picture you paint, you are a talented wordsmith my love. I felt as I was there too, could even smell the sea air. Many you have many long and lovely runs around the bay xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to first_mate

Thank you... not often I get called by my official title :) I hope to enjoy many runs there and many more rambles too :)

ancientrunner profile image
ancientrunnerGraduate

Lovely post, feel a bit emotional now. What wonderful memories of your dad. xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to ancientrunner

Thanks.. my Dad, well he was one in a million... and I have wonderful memories of him :)

ancientrunner profile image
ancientrunnerGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Yes, I feel blessed to have had one of life's good dads.

Davoda profile image
DavodaGraduate

So much more than a run report. 😀

Sounds fabulous.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Davoda

It was.. thanks x

I loved reading your post, on so many levels! Started me off thinking about my childhood holidays too. It was such an uplifting piece of writing!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to

Thank you xx

skysue16 profile image
skysue16Graduate

What a lovely post Oldfloss! Thank you for taking us on your run through time and sharing special memories - just beautiful......

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Thanks Sue.. you know me, I love to take my friends with me...:)

We are back at Criccieth again, some bits to be done here and it is a tad bleak and grey this morning... hope tomorrow will be better. I have a new route planned!

Hope you are feeling back on form too! xxx

Neverrunmum profile image
NeverrunmumGraduate

Lovely

Xx

DocEmmett profile image
DocEmmettGraduate

Great post Oldfloss.

I’m new here but it’s good to see this, well done. I see you wrote it five years ago and hope everything you wished for back then worked out for you, it looked such a precious personal experience. Thank you for sharing it.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to DocEmmett

Every day and every run still a joy... I love reading all my write ups... especially on cold winter days, and it lets me know exactly how far I have travelled!

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