That's more like it! Back to a happy place 😊

After a really gruelling consolidation run a few days ago that left me feeling decidedly "meh", this morning's run was so much better. A big thank you to the VRBs who replied to my last post - your kind words really helped 😊.

Having run tech free since graduation, which has been very liberating and enjoyable, I thought I might benefit from mixing things up a bit this morning. A fellow forum member recommended Fearne Cotton's Happy Place podcasts, so I downloaded the first one and set off towards my local common and woodland trails. The podcast kept my mind busy and my feet gradually settled into a steady rhythm. I met a couple of fellow runners and dog walkers on route. The sun was just beginning to peak through the clouds and it was really pleasant to run in.

My route home takes me along a country track with a quiet angling pond to one side. A huge heron was perched in the middle, surveying the scene from his vantage point and looking like he was there just to pose for a photograph, so I obliged.

Today's run was 28 minutes and I now feel back on track. My next run will be for 30 minutes and I shall repeat that for a few runs before I aiming for that 5k. I enjoyed the podcast; it was a welcome distraction that stopped me clock watching, so I think I will be listening in to Fearne's Happy Place again 😊.

Happy running everyone - enjoy. 😊🏃‍♀️🌳

[dijep Graduate]

Herons must be on the increase, when I see them flying over I reckon they are looking for a snack from a pond 😂

Glad you had a great run and are feeling like you are back on track x

[Hidden in reply to dijep]

I've seen this heron a few times at the pond, but it is usually too far away to photograph. It is an enormous heron, obviously feeds well at this pond!

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

That sounds perfect and what a stunning photo, it’s just so good to run isn’t it? I like the idea of a podcast, some of my music is dire lol I will go look see if i can get them in garmin

[Hidden in reply to SueAppleRun]

The Happy Place podcast is good - really uplifting which is what we need just now. I think it was Comfort or Nilsam who mentioned it.

[Timotea Graduate]

Loads more people on the road now and am missing the solitude and peace of lockdown runs! Great to hear you are back on track again and enjoying yourself. Never knew this running malarkey could bring so much pleasure !

[Hidden in reply to Timotea]

There's is nothing quite like a good run to lift you up out of yourself 😊🏃‍♀️🤸🏻‍♀️ and to help you forget the bad ones 🙃😀.

[Shar71 Graduate]

Well done sounds like a lovely run and how nice to see the heron at the end of ur run, i love seeing a bit of wild life when im out running. 😊 X

[Hidden in reply to Shar71]

I missed hearing the birds today because I had my headphones in, but the podcast was really good and kept my mind off over thinking my run. 😀

[Shar71 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Yeah i love to listen to the birds🐦 but need music🎶 in my ears👂 for running 🏃🏼‍♀️ ive listened to pod cast before but gone back to music, jay shetty is a good one and dr chatterjee or something like that lol live more feel good x

[Evol Graduate]

Beautiful picture. You have a lovely place to run 🙂

[Hidden in reply to Evol]

Thank you Evol. I like thinking up routes for my runs - that’s half the fun!

I’m contemplating a run in the opposite direction to my usual places for my next run and taking myself down by the river and castle ruins instead.