Post Grad Run 2! Lost in the Forest! 😳

[Fabulous450]

Well Runners

Another adventure! After much morning contemplations about which guided run to choose today and where I’m going to run! Is it hot out there already? Should I just do the run locally on the road? But I decide I quite enjoy being away from cars and running in nature. So, it’s another Park. Little Park I love you, but I don’t think I’m going to enjoy it, so I’m in the car to go further afield. New place again! What’s that going to be like? Bit risky, but hey, just go for it!

2nd run post grad run in Forest Park. Get there and realise no bumbag for my phone and keys! Oops! So start checking the leggings for those nice little slots and zips! I’ve got two with those! 🤨 🤦🏽‍♀️ Not on these! So, keys tucked inside the top upholstery 👙 and phone in hand, I’m off! Hope the keys survive the potential waterfall! But I’m not going back!

I did 3.95km which is an improvement for me! I don’t include any warm up or warm down in the distance. So I’m happy with that! Then in true mystery fashion, I couldn’t find my way back to the car! I found myself thinking I’ve been here before! So after passing a spot about 3 times and about 15 minutes later, I have a brainwave! Google Maps! (I know doh! 😳)! I’m back in the car!

If there’s any lessons to share here, it’s

1. It’s ok to try something different! Every run counts!

2. Be flexible, the obstacles do tend to keep coming.

3. Make sure your phone is fully charged when you go out. It’s a matter of safety. Some places can be quite quiet, which is lovely, except when your lost!

I’ve enjoyed it! Keep running Runners and have fun!! ❤️❤️

[Beanjo Graduate]

That’s made me laugh as it’s the sort of thing I’d do! Looks a lovely spot and well done not only on the run but for finding your way back 😂

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Beanjo]

Thanks Beanjo! I was super pleased about my very last minute brain wave! 🤣❤️

[southlundon Graduate]

Sounds like an adventure in more ways than one!! 😅

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to southlundon]

Oh it was southlundon! I thought I might have to call some sort of emergency rescue service at one point! 🤣❤️

[KittyW Graduate]

That looks a lovely place to run - shady too I hope! I’ve just been running different routes from my house, but you’ve inspired me to try going further afield. Watch this space!

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to KittyW]

Yes, go Kitty! Hey....have phone will run! 😉❤️

[Little-runner Graduate]

I'm like you and prefer to run in nature...away from cars, people, dogs. I just wanna be on my own! Looks lovely where you ran and I love your 3 lessons. Definitely on the number 3! Not sure if you know that if you use Strava, you can send a 'beacon text' to someone, and they will be able to follow you while you are on your route, it can give a little added security.

I love how adventurous you are and unafraid to try new places! Who knows what wondrous places you will discover and explore on your running exploits...

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Little-runner]

Thank you Little Runner. I did think about the find my phone thingy on iPhone! I thought someone will find me if needed. I’m not using Strava at the moment, but good to know too! It was pretty isolated and it did cross my mind perhaps too isolated, but I thought I’ve watched a few Tae Kwon Do championships when my son competes and some of that messing around with him trying to imitate someone who might have been ok at that in another life (😂) might come in handy, if ever the need arises. I wouldn’t go there in winter! Put it that way. But I promised myself that I would be unafraid of running wherever. So far, so good! ❤️

[Little-runner Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

There are certain places I'd love to run, but being a lone female, and low in confidence, I just stick to where I feel safe. It's a shame that we have to consider these things but safety first!

I think I'd like to join a running club when I've got more miles under my belt, it may help with the winter runs when it's dark! Ugh....don't want to think about that yet!

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Little-runner]

I agree, no thoughts about winter yet, but you’re right and it’s a great idea. I’ve thought about a running club too! I’m sure there’s some group running at the gym, but I haven’t been there since starting C25K! I’m just trying to embed the new habit firmly at the moment. For me, I find going it alone and challenging myself is the best way. Then, all of the future runs with company are a bigger bonus!

I’m not a small girl Little-runner! So, I probably would make someone thing twice if I’m honest, but I’m very mindful of safety all the same. On your own is on your own! I couldn’t go on some routes that were suggested by my boys near the start of the programme. It is sad, but better to be safe than sorry, as they say! Still we find a way! Happy running Little-runner! ❤️

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Great run. My new shorts have open pockets and I keep checking phone then keys then phone then... 🤣

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

I’m going to have to take a lesson from you Jay!! 👍🏽 😉❤️

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Or carry duct tape 🤣

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

That too! 🤣🤣❤️

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Thing is. You need a pocket for that too. 🙄

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Oh yeah! 🤔 .........Cancel the duct tape! 😂❤️

[ccarter100 in reply to Jay66UK]

Tip: Get a couple of diaper pins (big, safe pins) and use one to pin your keys inside your pocket. Use the other one to pin the pocket closed over your phone.

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to ccarter100]

Ooh!

[ChettyAl Graduate]

Lovely story in the end, so glad your phone held out!😆

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to ChettyAl]

Yes thankfully was fully charged before I went out into the maze! 🤣❤️

[_SimonT_ Graduate]

Haha! Great post Fabulous! Well done for trying new things. You are braver than me! 😀

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to _SimonT_]

Thanks Simon! The challenge for me is definetly to try not to rule anything out! If I go and I don’t like it, I’ve learned something! 😁❤️

[l3grj]

Dare i mention a cycling expedition i went on in a running forum.🤔

In the Autumn I did a similar thing.

The leaves had fallen and totally obscured the paths in a wood i ventured into.

I didn’t have a clue which way to go after a while.

Refused to look at google maps. It was a matter of pride. After all i was a Scout as a boy

Anyway out from behind some bushes about 100 metres in front of me appeared two large animals about the size of alsatians and no owner. Only had my non prescription cycling glasses on.

Hearts racing now.

What do i do

I froze for a good 30 seconds

So did they.

Eventually they ran off at full pelt in the opposite direction

It was a couple of deer 🦌 🦌

A wonderful sight in their environment.

Turned out i was on private land less than a mile from home🤪

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to l3grj]

😱🤣🤣🤣🤣 Oh I love it!! I really tried with self navigation, but it became clear, I might just have to make a bed from twigs and leaves! I heard lots of rustling in the trees, but thankfully nothing came running or flying out. That would have made me pick up the pace though! 🤣

Brilliant!! Glad you shared! I’m not the only one! ❤️

[Bridget007 Graduate]

That looks a lovely place to run 😊 well done for the key solution 😂 I’m glad I’m not the only one who gets lost I can turn round in a circle and not know which way I’ve got to go after 🤣🤣🤣

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Thanks Bridget! Yes we ladies always have something in the bag! And if there’s no bag (like today 🤦🏽‍♀️), there are other assets to use as tools! 🤣❤️

[Falcn]

Sometimes getting lost is really enjoyable, sometimes not so. Looks like this was one of the former stay safe, keep posting, keep running.

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Falcn]

Thanks Falcn! Yes, I have written a note to self! 😳

[owmeknees]

Well done Fabulous! I think you are very brave just letting your feet take you wherever they want to! I still feel nervous about new routes. Glad you got back to the car safely and enjoyed the adventure 👍😊

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to owmeknees]

Thanks owmeknees! There were other cars where I parked and there are some houses nearby too. I googled it beforehand and thought it would be ok, otherwise I might not have been so brave, but I only saw a large group of walkers when I got back to the car and some dog walkers arriving too. So it's an area that is used, but with so many paths, there's no guarantee of seeing anyone. Thankfully, I never felt unsafe, just lost! 😊❤️

[Alanist Graduate]

Well done, great post. I love finding the picturesque routes to run, running at the roadside just isn't the same. Good thinking with the Google Maps.

Stay safe and enjoy your adventures.

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Alanist]

Thanks Alan1st! I agree, I've been spoilt by the beautiful places that I've found. But no harm in discovering what you like. ❤️

[Alanist Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

I tried the footpath along by the river for the first time last night, it was wonderful.

It was also my first ever run without the headphones which was great.

It couldn't have gone any better, beautiful views of the river, just the right amount of shade from the trees and the peaceful sound of the wildlife and church bells in the distance.

To top it off it was also another personal best 5k time.

Think I found a new favourite route.

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Alanist]

Wow that sounds brilliant Alan! 😍 I don't feel ready to run without a guide just yet, but that must have been lovely. 😁 One day. ❤️

[Ang33333 Graduate]

I love finding new routes! This looks like a great place to run. Just walked the dog in forest. Looks like a running route !!

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Ang33333]

I liked it Ang. Nice shade too! Just turned into a bit of a maze after running around for a bit. 🤣❤️

[amanda2463]

Sounds like an eventful run😀. Im still out of action and feeling very frustrated have my calf muscle strapped up and hoping to be well enough to run by the weekend .....

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to amanda2463]

Ooh, I can understand the frustration! Hope everything comes together for you so that you can enjoy a nice weekend run! 😁❤️

[Tjar]

So good to see your running surroundings! They look like a gorgeous place to run Fabulous! 🤩

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Tjar]

Thank you Tjar! I’m really enjoying the explorations! It’s been like a precious diamond within the programme for me.

Congratulations on your graduation today too!! 😁😁😁 So, so happy for you! ❤️

[Tjar in reply to Fabulous450]

If I’m ever in your area, I’ll let you know!

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Tjar]

Of course! More than welcome! 😁❤️