The early morning has gold in its mouth…. - Couch to 5K

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The early morning has gold in its mouth….

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate
63 Replies

Up and out early this morning. I always run early, but this morning it was earlier, thanks to a neighbour’s house alarm going off at 4-45 a.m. so about 45 minutes later, I was ready for my run.

Out on the first run of Week 3 of a new plan I am doing to improve my 10K, and with, also, a slight feeling of trepidation as the running pattern is quite different from my normal Sunday run. But, as ever, slow and steady does it, and I headed out into the morning.

Sunday is my favourite running day. I like the sense of peace, the slow start to, (for some), a work-free day, the curtained windows, the silent sleepers; no sense of urgency anywhere. As I headed out into the Crescent, the lightening sky gave a hint of the day to follow. Out and up the hill, a brisk walk to get the muscles well warmed up before starting a very gentle uphill run. Turning at Seagull roundabout, (you would need to read my other posts!), the white feathered sentries absent this morning, and back down the hill. A change of route this morning, as my run needed to be longer, so back into the Crescent, right around, past the gardens, showing the signs of growth to come. The lawns mowed, the clipped edges and the newly dug borders, some with neat plantings of early bedding and Grenadier tulips, red-faced generals, standing straight and tall in regimented rows. On around the bend and then another uphill turn through the Midway Drive. I was glad when I rejoined the hill into the village, my legs feeling a tad heavy, at the unusual challenge of a steepish hill at this stage of the run.

As I ran down the hill, my feet echoed on the pavement; high, high above, flotsam and jetsam clouds floated, rose-tipped, in a pale sea-blue sky and the sun, a welcome visitor, already giving some warmth, even at this early hour. There was no –one around, the houses , the gardens silent and still, but the Newsagent’s shop, under new ownership now, at the bottom of the hill, open- doored and welcoming, for any early news seeker. Through Swan Passage at the back of the station, crossing the bridge over the stream, the ducks still asleep under the road bridge, and up onto the empty main road into the village. No traffic, no people, no children, just me, and the birds, flitting back and forth in the early sunshine.

I always try to remember things I learned during C25K, and beyond; the movement of my feet, the landing, and the relaxing of face, shoulders, and arms. Head up, running tall and this morning, everything, wonderfully, coming naturally. On into the village and up the hill towards the school…. The church, empty also, the bell in the tower silent, and not, as yet calling the faithful to prayer.

I always have a smile running up this hill… when I started C25K two and half years ago, running up here in the chilly darkness of the long winter mornings, I could barely move faster than a snail…. And now, with no effort I am at the top and not even out of breath. :) No sense of smugness, just sheer delight:) Then I continued, turning along the walkway past the school, the Hawthorn hedge thick now, the Yellow play Galleon becalmed on the black tarmac ocean. Through the small estate and out onto Old Road. The hedges here are thick and green, mouse- eared leaves are squirrel- tufted now, and the lacy-gloved foliage of the tall trees, seems to glow…the small birds darting in and out, bouncing in the air in front of me, show-off speedsters, mocking my pace, trilling their derision as I plod along. I have, in my head. the timings for my plan… so no stopping for photograph taking this morning. Turning at the end of the lane I head up towards the Steam railway. One gate already open and the distance clang of metal on metal, indicating that the engines will be in steam later today.

I squeezed through the gap by the field gate opposite; I have on past runs climbed this gate, (it is too heavy for me to open), but not this morning. I ran along by New Copse, not so new now,and with some relief, down the big field to the far field gate. The sky a dark blue now… empty of clouds, and the far distance, sharp and clear, the yellow fields stretching away in front of me as I run down; barely resisting the temptation to fling out my arms and hurtle to the track way.

I did stop here, very briefly, to check my time… because of the pace variances needed in this run, this was an occasion, (and very, very rare for me, as a true exponent of, slow and steady)…where I wanted to make a certain time for my last K. So, because I wanted, as Laura would say, to “Finish in style”, I took advantage of the hard,dry, flat track through the crop field and ran… steadily; the heavy, thick scent of the crop, the sound of the birds, my feet moving on the dusty dryness, towards the crossing over the Steam Railway track, and down the buttercup field, ( dandelion clad only currently). towards the track leading back to the lane. Past my huge majestic tree, I had no time to stare this morning as I moved under the huge branched arms, and out along onto the seaside- scented, shingle track; out onto the lane, and back with a final burst, down to the railway station.

I sat on the wall outside the Veterinary surgery, getting my breath back… the bricks sun-warmed beneath me…and I thought… as I often do, of the friends on the forum…old and new...those who have been with me from the start of my running adventures and those who are only just discovering the wonders for themselves. Then, although it was pleasant sitting there, it was time for slowish walk home, back up the hill, exchanging a cheery greeting with just one person with a dog, heading towards the newsagent’s shop. The day was still young and I had enjoyed a great run.

I have become infamous for my rambles on the forum,(friends on here who know me, know it is what I do…) I have not rambled for a while… but I just wanted to share my morning run.

Running for me, is an ever-changing journey… not really about speed or distance, although they happen, with patience, quite naturally…it is just about enjoying.

PS

Benjamin Franklin obviously rose early :)

PPS

Those newbies on here, who didn’t know me, do now; so you can, if you wish avoid my rambles in future:)

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Oldfloss profile image
Oldfloss
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63 Replies
JaySeeSkinny profile image
JaySeeSkinnyGraduate

Lovely post, Oldfloss ! And you were up so early, I like my lie-ins at the weekend too much. One question: the title of your post, is it an English saying? It seems like an almost word-for-word translation of a common German saying. I'd never heard it in English before.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny

I really, really grinned when I read this.. you are right... I guessed you might spot it!

It is always given as a Benjamin Franklin quote but it seems he quoted : "The early morning has gold in its mouth", which is a translation of the German proverb.."Morgenstund hat Gold im Mund".

“The morning hour has gold in its mouth”: German Idioms Part II...

Isn't education a wonderful thing..:)

Yes, I was up early... bit grumplie when I woke, but after a quick glance outside, I was so eager to get out there :)

JaySeeSkinny profile image
JaySeeSkinnyGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

You're in good company with Benjamin Franklin - I didn't know he had used the quote. You live and learn! Mind you if my kids had said anything like that to me I would have told them off for literal translation and told them to go back and find an appropriate English saying (early birds spring to mind!). But I would have been wrong!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny

:) I learn something new every single day... some of which astounds me :) x

PippiRuns profile image
PippiRuns in reply to Oldfloss

Are you sure it is German? A Danish writer N.F.S. Grundtvig wrote a psalm in 1853 called "Morgenstund har guld i mund". ugle.dk/guld_i_mund.html I always thought it was Danish...

runningnearbeirut profile image
runningnearbeirutGraduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny

I like my lie-ins at the weekend but sadly my body clock doesn't seem to think I need them. I usually get a cuppa and go back to bed. 6 is the earliest I'd bother getting up at the weekend because then it's a lie-in compared with my working week!

JaySeeSkinny profile image
JaySeeSkinnyGraduate in reply to runningnearbeirut

I'm very lucky, I can still roll over and go straight back to sleep, even if I wake at "normal" time. Many of my friends can't!

aliboo70 profile image
aliboo70

Thats a beautiful ramble Floss, no need for anyone to avoid them!! Sounds like you had a lovely time! :)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to aliboo70

I did Ali... I really enjoyed.. i shall post my 10K update on bridge to 10K ( minus the ramble ) later :)

Hope your weekend runs... all of them , were fun too :) x

aliboo70 profile image
aliboo70 in reply to Oldfloss

I'm feeling a but comatose today I think it was getting to bed late and waking early. The night run one was very different! I shall have to do a post up later xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to aliboo70

Oh dear.... well rest up and post later... I shall look forward to it :) x

runningnearbeirut profile image
runningnearbeirutGraduate

Lovely.

Great tag!! :) ;)

And a beautiful run.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to runningnearbeirut

Thanks you... yes, it seemed apt.. check out JaySeeSkinny ' reply!!!! x

Eatcakeandrun profile image
Eatcakeandrun

A lovely evocative post, thank you. It is inspiring me to go out now, and catch the afternoon sunshine. We were away last night, so no early morning run today, but now I think I will go and make up for it!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Eatcakeandrun

Go...just go... you will love it :) Post later too ? Please?

Jaxdreamer profile image
JaxdreamerGraduate

I love a good ramble.🙂

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Jaxdreamer

Me too :)

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate

Ooo i enjoyed that run with ypu Floss! Lovely ramble xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

It was lovely...I knew you would enjoy it... but have to say..the early start has caught up with me a tad...must be getting old :)

Thanks you x

McFitty profile image
McFittyGraduate

Did you avoid Rookery Wood today? I always love reading the words 'Rookery Wood' as you arrive there. There's some kind of inherent mysticism in the words alone. Always love your rambles Floss. They're the music of sinew and muscle and heart (with gorgeous scenery)😊xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to McFitty

I passed it on the way back down to the village... I always, always, think of you when I run past...:)

It is a magic place and very evocative... at the moment, there are bluebells and thick green undergrowth.... and just a little track way through... I will take a photo on Tuesday when I run that way. I love it too.. it was the start of a seemingly endless, 'up' bit, when I started C25K, then became a gateway to my beloved tracks and fields... the rooks are still over the far side having changed location :) and very noisy!

Hope you are okay, my friend... hope you will be back posting as soon as the time is right... Big hug xxxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to McFitty

..and I was going for it at that point... :) x

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate

Oh, lovely Oldfloss - how I have missed your rambles! Never apologise for something you do so well. I was right there with you and it was beautiful and much needed, as I am still stuck on the bench with sinusitis! Soon I will be back out on my own beautiful runs but until then, this will do nicely! Thank you!🙂

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Sandraj39

Yes...been a bit wrapped up in all sorts of things lately...but today did me good... the early morning and seeing the world a bit more clearly again :)

I am so sorry you are still stuck on the IC... I shall, as ever, take you with me until you are recovered... feel better soon x

Thank you

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate in reply to Oldfloss

Yep, have spent far too much time here just recently - first after my op and then the dreaded lurgy followed by this🙁. Never mind - these are all tiny blips on my lovely running journey and I plan to be back out there soon!🙂

Joy57 profile image
Joy57Graduate

Oh Oldfloss , that is just lovely! Inspires me to use the fields around here a bit more - they are probably dry enough now, we haven't had 'proper' rain for ages.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Joy57

Thank you.... and yes... get out there... good for body and soul.... :)

And, it is dry... we have not had 'proper'rain here for a while either! xx

Joy57 profile image
Joy57Graduate in reply to Oldfloss

Well I run on the lanes and towpath already, just thinking I should get back into the fields as well. Some are a bit rutted though, even round the edges - got to take care not to sprain ankles or knees! x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Joy57

Yes...we do need to take care..I often teeter along the pitted troughs, like a drunken tightrope walker 😃

runlikeagirl profile image
runlikeagirlGraduate

What a delightful post OldFloss. You are always ready and willing to give your time, your energy and your encouragement to others (so I would have read it for that reason alone, but is was so worth reading on its merits alone). Thank you! :) x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to runlikeagirl

Thank you!!! My forum friends are lovely :)

I do love my running...and my rambling.. well it goes with it perfectly. Trouble is, I often spend too much time looking around :) x

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate

Absolutely beautiful post ! Ah it's so lovely to read your "ramblings " It's like you're part of a wonderful story .

Hope the book's coming along nicely , Floss !

Really Well done on your run today ! :-) xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to poppypug

The book is.... it really is!!!!

I have not rambled on here for a while but this morning.. well...it was a run to share:)

Thanks Pops x

MrsPsycho profile image
MrsPsychoGraduate

I'm normally up early too (though not really by choice, my bedroom window faces East, and not even blackout curtains help. Sun comes up, I'm up) I like watching the sun come up when I'm jogging too.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to MrsPsycho

Best time of the day... but this morning was a bit of a rude awakening :) x

PippiRuns profile image
PippiRuns

Thanks for sharing another run, another beautiful ramble.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to PippiRuns

Thank you my friend... still here.. slow and steady.. rambling on :) x

ancientrunner profile image
ancientrunnerGraduate

Beautiful ramble. Glad you got to hear some birdsong. Didn't realise it was International Dawn Chorus day - until I listened to the Archers might have been up that early with you. Instead I had a lovely lie-in.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to ancientrunner

I think I may try for a lie in tomorrow :)

Such a good run, such a beautiful day.. thanks you x

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate

What are you like, flossy? Such a lovely post: you should consider being a professional writer. It was a great run, too. But must have been chilly that time of the morning.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to MarkyD

It was chilly..but not for long.. I kept right on running... :) Thanks you x

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

"... gold in its mouth" is so much more atmospheric than "The early bird catches the worm" isn't it?

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to MarkyD

Wonderfully so...and running through fields of yellow, in a brightening morning..so apt 😐

Dhiny profile image
Dhiny

Wonderful post Floss - I loved it & could visualise everything you describe; I felt I was running it with you. Ramble On 😁

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Dhiny

Thanks you.... Good morning!

I will ramble on.. as long as the legs hold out :) x

EleanorL profile image
EleanorLGraduate

Which part of our country do you live in Oldfloss?

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to EleanorL

Staffordshire Moorlands ... why ? :)

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate

I wanted to take my time and read this with a cup of tea and I just loved it Floss. What a beautiful sounding run 🙂 and the training sounds as if it's going really well. I was with you there throughout.

A gorgeous photo and gorgeous words. Thank you 🤗 xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Morning.. your Majesty... ( Are you wearing your Bristol bling?) :)

Thanks, you!

It was pretty good... and I have not rambled much lately! The photo was from the other day as I kept moving yesterday. The new plan is keeping me organised!

I intended posting on Bridge to 10K... and update, but the early start caught up with me!!!

You are always on my runs... :) It is strange, how we just take our friends with us and at different stages of the run. something makes us think about them.... there is a little stretch on Old Road and it reminds me of you because it is not unlike the stretch in a few of your photographs:) I always think you are actually running beside me there...

I love it... aren't we so lucky to be able to do this stuff! :) x

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Sorry just seen this Floss. Yes we are so so lucky 🤗 Keep rambling xxx

KJO62 profile image
KJO62

What an amazing run! I can't compete with your brilliant description but I wanted to share this with someone....yesterday I went out for an early morning run and right at the end,parallel to me on the lake were 2 magnificent swans scooting along the water preparing to take off. Just as Laura told me it was the end of the run the swans took off - it was a heart-lifting moment!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to KJO62

Wow.... that sounds amazing, and something like that really gifts you a massive boost...lucky, lucky you. Running by a lake, simply beautiful :)

I only have Canada geese... I call them, the boys, and they often fly, on their way to a pond, over me on my runs... they are late risers though, so I usually catch them on my way home :)

KJO62 profile image
KJO62 in reply to Oldfloss

Yes,I am lucky ..the lake is 2 minutes walk away in our beautiful Green Flag park in the middle of a network of urban streets in SE London. It's a real oasis! We too have geese and at the moment lots of goslings scarpering as fast as they can waddle as my thunder feet approach!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to KJO62

Beautiful...there are wonderful places in the cities... I used to work in the centre of Stoke on Trent.. when I taught, but there was always some little patch of green to be found.

Love the idea of the goslings all heading off!!!

Gladysw12 profile image
Gladysw12Graduate

What a lovely post. Truly inspiring

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Gladysw12

It was a good run... I have not rambled for a while.. but I have kept running... thank you... it is good to share happy feelings :)

Chrysanthemum profile image
ChrysanthemumGraduate

What a great post! You have a gift for writing ,most definitely! What a pleasure to read, if I wrote like that I would keep a journal, a nice posh book, special and write it all in there.

You have obviously been getting some nice weather. We have had grey thick clouds and light drizzle AND a chilly breeze! Not very nice at all.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Chrysanthemum

Thank you..I do have a journal..I have every run recorded from about the 4th week of C25K...I have all my posts too!

It has been pretty good weather here.great running!!!x

skysue16 profile image
skysue16Graduate

I can't imagine anyone wanting to avoid your wonderful rambles Floss! What a beautiful post, I love the descriptions, created such a clear picture in my mind. Sounds the most glorious morning for a run, thank you for sharing with us :)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to skysue16

It was a good run... the unfortunate thing is.. I have woken at five, yesterday and today!!!! Talk about up before the lark! :)

Thanks for sharing it with me x

skysue16 profile image
skysue16Graduate in reply to Oldfloss

My goodness - I think you need a lie in!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to skysue16

Yep.. did a 7K run this morning..... and walked 6 miles with small runner in training..in her pram :)

Tired now x

skysue16 profile image
skysue16Graduate in reply to Oldfloss

💤💤😉

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