After dynamic stretching at home, short drive took me to the start of the cycle track to Harpenden. I was in need of a change of scenery and I knew this track would be good in the cold - no ice patches - and plenty of variety, even if that did mean undulations (that’s hills to you and me 😉).
The 5 minute walk was fairly run of the mill as I went from the car park to towards the cycleway, although those laces of mine weren’t right (again) so had a brief pause in the cold to re-tie, but then I was off. It seemed hard work especially as I was encountering the first hill within my first km, and this left me feeling somewhat less than motivated. Breathing seemed tough, my legs were still complaining about the kettlebell class I had done on Wednesday, with slightly too much enthusiasm, and my arms and shoulders were moaning about my feeble attempts at burpees yesterday on @rignolds lent challenge.
I plodded on, secretly wishing I hadn’t set myself a distance goal for this run, when I was startled by a pheasant flying right into my path, missing me by only a few cm. It had obviously been startled and as I wondered what could have put the wind up it so, I spotted a pterodactyl soaring through the sky to land in the field the pheasant had so rapidly vacated.
Now I know oxygen deficiency can do strange things, but I was convinced I had entered a scene from Jurassic Park or One Million Years BC (for us oldies), and I half expected a scantily clad Raquel Welch to come running from behind the outcrop. Then a third landed, and I was almost ready to sprint (only almost - I don’t do sprinting) as it started to walk towards the fence, and I realised my mistake. These were three beautiful herons, taking a morning stroll. The sun was out, so who could blame them.
Chuckling to myself I was put in mind of a joke my 10 year old godson shared with me on a day out in half term. So here goes...
Why can’t you hear a pterodactyl going to the toilet?
Because it has a silent p (pee, get it😂😂😂)
Dreadful joke, but it lifted my spirits and got me in the zone. I definitely had a change of scenery and the long distance didn’t seem so bad after all. 🏃🏽♀️
Well done you...
W5R3 - I am strong! I will not give up!
Off the injury couch and out run by kids!
I think I have this!!!
Two runs to go!😁😁 And park run course checked out! ⛰🏃😯😯
