Hi all, still here. Inspired by an early morning run by 59er, I leapt out of bed** got my kit on and headed for the canal path. This involves a 4-minute walk down a fairly steep hill then across an A-road, so I started Laaura off once I crossed the road. I had a niggly hip this week from gardening but Friday pilates sorted that out, so I stuck to my plan of a week 2 run. It was already hot at 9am and I was glad of the semi shade you get on the tow path along my particular stretch. Lots of boats (barges?) were moored up - it's developing into quite a little community down there, and I love to see what's going on. There was one boat which must be owned by a woodturner or carpenter, judging by the beautiful little plank benches and intriguing equipment on the canal bank. Another boat was so covered in flowers and plants in hanging baskets and all sorts of containers that I could hardly see any boat!
When the half-way bell sounded I carried on until the next run section started - I could see a small group of people clustered on the tow path ahead of me, looking like they were clearing weeds and litter, so it seemed like a good place to turn back. Back past the boats, then stood aside to let a lady past carrying an armful of petunias - where will she put them? I recognise a fellow plantaholic when I see one!
Final run - each run felt better than the last and I was enjoying myself, so I kept running for an extra minute, then walked back up the hill and did my stretches by the front door. Saw my face in the mirror - well hello Red Tomato! Haven't sported that look for a while, who'd have thought I'd feel so chuffed to see it again!
** Translation - did my spine stretches, hip stretches, hamstring stretches, leg raises, then swung my legs over the side of the bed and gently pushed myself up into sitting position. Takes longer to leap out of bed nowadays!