This was only the second time I've done one of the scheduled runs outside. The first one I found difficult because I didn't have a good idea of how long I had run or how long I had left, until Laura told me. On the treadmill, I always have a reasonable idea. The other thing was, I found it boring - mainly running round the caravan site - although there were a few highlights such as seeing a heron in flight over the river and all the fluffy bunnies hopping around in the early morning dew.
This time, I'd had two days "rest" (only covered 16 miles walking) and felt better this morning. I started just before 7.00am, there was a little bit of frost on the car when I left the caravan so it was cold but clear and bright. I'd spotted a gateway to a woodland walk yesterday and decided to investigate that.
My warm up started in the caravan park and across the field designated as a dog walking area (had to watch my feet to avoid the bits where owner had failed to clear up after their pets). Halfway across the field it was time to run and I instantly felt happier than I had on the previous run. The way out of the field was a steep driveway and I had to climb around the gate, then up another steepish hill to the gateway to the woodland walk.
The trail looked fairly wide to start with but it soon became apparent it wasn't going to be the most suitable place to run. It became much narrower, sloping towards the edge of the path and a steep drop down to the field below. Caution would be necessary if I wasn't going to have my run cut dramatically short !
I managed to maintain a run most of the time, walking a step or two where it was really treacherous. There were also rocks and tree roots to contend with - I quite enjoyed that, my legs had to work harder but it made it more interesting. When the path led downwards to flatter ground alongside the field, it widened slightly and I was able to concentrate on lengthening my stride for a while. All too soon, it narrowed again with low stinging nettles at ankle height each side - I wished I had longer socks but with a bit of care it was possible to keep running and avoid being stung. It still seemed a long time before Laura announced that I had run for 5 minutes but I think all the obstacles made it less of a mental challenge than on the less interesting run a couple of days ago. Birds swooping along the path in front of me, rabbits hopping across the path ahead and bluebells and snowdrops amongst the trees - what a lovely way to start the day !
After some steps and a small wooden bridge, the path eventually opened up at the back of the caravan park, next to a sheer bank of a wide river, tumbling over rocks - that felt like a reward for persevering thus far. I could either go back into the caravan park or follow the path a bit further - I followed the path through the trees but eventually came to a private driveway and reluctantly had to turn round. Soon afterwards, Laura announced that I was halfway through my run. I came back to the opening near the gateway to the caravan park - I could either run back on the tarmac through the park or dodge rocks, tree roots and steps again by re-tracing my route. No contest - I re-traced my route.
I slipped a bit at one point but didn't fall and recovered straight back into a run. The last section of the woodland trail was, of course, now uphill with the path sloping down to my right towards the steep drop. I was now on my last five minutes and this section was quite steep and needed a lot of care - I found it quite a challenge but exhilarating as well and was pleased to reach the gate. After a short downhill, I clambered around the gate back into the field and finished my run in the field. I felt really rather excited but have to confess that my brisk walk wasn't very brisk - I'd had a bit of a stitch in my side and in my shoulder for about three-quarters of the run, not enough to stop me but I hadn't been able to get rid of it by the usual breathing method Laura recommends - probably because I was having to jump about a bit rather than maintain a steady, rhythmic pace. The niggley pain soon went once I was walking so I was able to speed the walk up a bit to finish.
I'd felt faster than last time but MapMyRun tells me I covered less distance - I think I was having to work harder because of the varying surfaces and various "hazards" but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was a hot, sweaty mess and my feet and calves were covered in mud when I got back to the caravan but I was happy ! I'm excited by the outdoor running experience now - I want to run in different places 
Has it all gone Pete Tong?
Bad run...or intervals? 
There and back again
Laura, Billy, Anthony...and me!
W9R3 graduation and park run
