Gremlins, Grebes and a Gaggle of Geese

[Razouski]

Having moved Mr R into his rented house in Melksham yesterday, I decided to find somewhere nice for a good run this morning. Without faffing, after waving him off to work, I set off in the car to find a spot.

My 5 minute warm up walk took me down a solitary cycle and pedestrian only road, up to the Kennet and Avon Canal. Unfortunately I was not alone, and I was sure I could hear the giggling of those erstwhile running companions of mine. The gremlins. They were with me and somehow instructed the heavens to open 🌧. “Might as well turn back now,” one whispered in my ear, “You’ll just get soaked and soon you won't be able to see out of your glasses.” But shaking him off my shoulder I ran on, hoping to get in a couple of Km at least.

Soon I was getting into my stride, enjoying the new running playlist I’d down from Deezer (Rock Running Tracks) and the rain dried up. Keeping me company on the water were a number of families of ducks, and I was surprised when I came across a couple of grebes. But then the gremlins caught up with me again, hanging onto my thighs and trying to drag me back. After 5km my upper legs felt like lead and didn’t want to go on. I’d already turned to return and the choice was to walk or to try and show the gremlins what I was made of. I decided on a compromise and had a 2 minute walk to reenergise myself, giving my legs a shake to cast off the gremlins, and then I was off again, accompanied by a gaggle of geese who swooped down on the water and eyed me with some amusement.

It was a bit of a slog but I managed to keep running until I got to the road, and then slowed down for the walk back to the car. I'm glad it was fairly solitary as I was puffing and panting so much as I completed my stretches. As I drove back I was aware that I was dripping on the upholstery, but had such a feeling of achievement I didn't care. not only did I beat the gremlins my total distance covered was 10.29km in 61.47 minutes.

Feeling chuffed! 😅

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Great run, great time! Well done to you.

I was walking part of this last week (well it would be a long walk to do it all 🙂) and was so fed up with all the cyclists who mostly didn't let you know they were behind you and then nearly ran you over on passing ☹️

Lots of barges though.

[Razouski in reply to Irishprincess]

Do you know any other nice places to run in this area?

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to Razouski]

I was just visiting a friend at the time and I am the other side of the M4 so not too familiar with the area. Have you tried searching for run routes on Mapmyrun or goodrunguide or runtogether? Or my favourite thing to do - just drive around and look for suitable routes 🙂

[Hidden]

That's a cracking pace for that distance and the route looked lovely. Glad you kicked those gremlins into touch because otherwise we wouldn't be able to share your time, or the pic.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Gee Razouski 😊 (see what I did there..)

well done you, great distance in that time, no wonder you are chuffed. xx

[Maddee_6333 Graduate]

Woohoo!

Looks like a lovel place to run.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Very very well done... what a terrific post too!! I absolutely was there with you.. ( not in the car at the end though