This run was never going to be about time or pace, but just a nice relaxed 5k in the truly beautiful surroundings of Pen Llŷn.
During periods of rain and hail yesterday, to occupy myself I plotted out a circuit along the quiet country lanes from Llanengan, towards the lovely village of Llangian, then back towards the coast and Porth Neigwl (Hell's Mouth) and back to Llanengan.
Leaving the cottage this morning it was brilliant sunshine, but a chilly 8 degrees and a strong bracing breeze. I was undecided about what to wear but in the end went for lightweight tights, and a high-vis flourescent yellow long sleeved top. I want to be visible on these narrow country lanes.
Should I wear my wind jacket too? It's bright neon pink - not my first choice of colour scheme - but it was half price in the sale and I'm a sucker for a bargain. In the end I decided to wear it - and, as it is pink, with a special nod to Tinytears60 , Plattszo , MccHa and others who are running the virtual Race For Life on Saturday. I was glad of the jacket for the first 2k but was borderline too warm by the end.
The run was totally uneventful in terms of the run, I managed to keep things largely in Zone 3, apart from hitting a few steep-ish inclines in a couple of places when my heart rate briefly crept into Zone 4.
I was running without music again, so I was able to soak in the atmosphere. Breeze blowing, birds calling. I met just 2 cars on the road and one cyclist. I have to admit it was a little disconcerting when, encountering a large herd of cows in a field they all charged towards the fence and proceeded to gallop along in the field beside me, 😨
I thoroughly enjoyed this run - and feel privileged to have been able to run in such wonderful surroundings.
The photograph is of Llanengan village looking towards Porth Neigwl at the start of my run.