My dissertation has been taking up all my waking moments for the last few days so I haven't run for five days. This morning my elder son and I rose early and went out with my little dog dancing with excitement. ( I have managed one good 4km walk with my little dog and a few quick strolls).
It was bitterly cold, -5 degrees, so my chest was wheezing and gasping for a little while but by the time the five minute warm up was complete all was well.
It was magical with the stars and the half moon shadowing us while we ran into the welcoming sunrise.
After a couple of minutes I had warmed up enough to take off my hoodie but the cold wind rushing across my bare skin felt like ice needles pricking my skin. It was life affirming. We sit in warm rooms and cars and don't immerse ourselves in nature enough. I love that icy feeling just as I love the warmth of the sun on my skin.
It was dry so no matter how cold it became there was no ice until we came across a patch of what looked like water at the bottom of the hill. This was, we discovered after a couple of steps, an ice rink so we very gently turned round and ran lightly back until we were off the ice. A slog up the hill and a final five minute run through the flattest part of the village where I could extend into a good steady run with a bit of pace.
28 minutes of continuous running and I feel marvellous and almost ready for another 12 hour writing stint.
It is a joyous feeling when I get into my stride while the world becomes nothing more than the road in front of me, my running companions around me, the sensation of my feet lightly touching the tarmac, the sound of steady breathing, and the feel of the wind across my skin. Primeval and essential.
I shall always be extremely grateful to this programme for allowing me to become a runner and supporting me throughout.
Thank you for sharing my ongoing journey.
Happy running 
Week 8 Run 1 ✔️
Week 1 day 2
A walk is as good as a run sometimes 
