Unplanned break in the routine

[RuthMargaret]

Well I feel like quite a fraud. I had all these plans to carry on running on holiday in the Lakes. Nope.

We camped near Lake Windermere on a lovely site with lots of footpaths around and beautiful scenery. I started off with good intentions, oh yes I did. I took my gear with me and was all set.

However. It was a lot colder than I've been used to, and I REALLY underestimated the rainfall in that area. We spent most of the week damp and cold, although we had a wonderful time.

We did lots of walking (including a jaunt to the summit of Coniston Old Man - on the only rainless day of the week - and various waterfalls). So the long and the short of it is I was active all week and the ground everywhere was soggy so I just didn't run. And apart from anything else, the air bed plays up my back and hips so I wasn't on my best form for running.

Excuses over. Most of the camping stuff is put away now and most of the washing is done, so tomorrow the running routine begins again.

I take off my hat to anyone who has to contend with those kinds of weather conditions on a daily basis. I generally have it easy in Norfolk. It's been mostly dry since I've started this running lark. I'm not sure if I would have had the same staying power if I lived up north. Good on you, Northerners, keep up the good work! I'm very glad to be a soft Southerner at this point. Back to the gentle hills and flat roads!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Gorgeous pic RuthMargaret 😊 the Lake District is so good for the soul isn't it..and very wet😆...

Lots of lovely walking will have done you good so no need to feel guilty about not fitting in a run.

Good luck with your next run back on home turf😊x

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

I've been to the Lake District twice over the last couple of years - and both times we had absolutely brilliant weather! The people we stayed with couldn't believe it and assured us it did rain a lot! It was quite astounding, the talk of the village and very, very beautiful😎

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Beautiful! What a happy holiday and all the walking and different terrain will have done wonders for your stamina and leg strength...

Back to the runs now, all the fitter and stronger......Perfect!

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

Don't be too hard on yourself. I am sure you walked many miles so it is all good because having a holiday is allowed! I have found work and very long days is squeezing my running routine and it is frustrating when we don't do what is planned. However, flexibility is ok from time to time as long as I get back on track after a blip LOL

[reluctantrunner76 Graduate]

That's where my love of rain comes from. Growing up in Kendal and the lakes you have to get used to the rain or you wouldn't leave the house. Your pic makes me miss home:)!!!

[RuthMargaret Graduate in reply to reluctantrunner76]

It was so beautiful there. Norfolk is lovely in its own way, but I love the striking scenery in the Lakes. It's all gorgeous in the summer, but.. I'm not sure how I would feel in the middle of January....

[reluctantrunner76 Graduate in reply to RuthMargaret]

Winter is better. Less tourists. As long as your wrapped up the scenery is still just as amazing covered in ice or snow. Even on the wettest cloudiest days there is always something to see. Just have to be there to see it. Then the best bit, a country pub with a real fire eating pie and gravy washed down with a hearty pint. I'm hungry now:)!!!

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The walking will have done its thing and kept you moving. Going home is always nice too and so you have a nice homecoming run to look forward to.

[RuthMargaret Graduate]

It feels great now I've been. It was a tricky run with a walk in the middle, but I did it. Hopefully next time it will be a full 30 minutes. 😀

[Rosie58 Graduate]

I live up north and sympathise. Some days it's takes a lot of willpower to get yourself out there! Glad you had a lovely holiday though. The walking will have done you good anyway 😊

[louisep76 Graduate]

I've been on holiday too. Like you I took my stuff and intended to run but it didn't happen. Tricky with timings and being on my own with my son. Back to it though now I'm home. Probably tomorrow rather than today as the rest days work better that way. Good luck. Hope the walking helped as I did loads of that too

[BrownEyedGirlie Graduate]

I'm from the Lake District and I'm pleased you love our little corner of the world. I lived in the big city for 3 years while at university and longed to come back home. It does rain a lot though. I'm off to do W7 R2 🌧

[RuthMargaret Graduate in reply to BrownEyedGirlie]

It is such a beautiful part of the country, and I guess those lakes have to come from somewhere! Well done on reaching week 7, not long to go now!

[BrownEyedGirlie Graduate]

And I agree with reluctantrunner. Less tourists in winter and autumn has got to be the most beautiful time of the year to see the Lake District 🍁

[RuthMargaret Graduate in reply to BrownEyedGirlie]

I think when the kids are old enough to take care of themselves, hubby and I will be tempted to go on an autumn break there by ourselves. Unfortunately they've reached the complaining stage. Only a couple of years to go though!

I live near Wroxham and Cromer so I completely get the whole tourist conundrum. There are certain places we avoid like the plague in the summer! There's nothing better than a crisp Autumn stroll along Cromer beach, or around Sheringham Park or Felbrigg Hall park when the throng has gone 😀