Amazing run through Rye Harbour nature reserve 😊🐦🌊

[MutleyShuffle]

For my long run today I treated myself to a new route from Winchelsea Beach to Rye Harbour, down little bumpy tracks and through the nature reserve. Had to drive to get there, but only took 15 minutes, and it was so worth it!

I didn't get round to measuring the route beforehand, so just hoped it would stretch to 11k, and it was more or less bang on! Started going along the path at the top of the beach but it was quite cold and windy - I was only wearing one layer - so climbed down onto a little road going along the back of the caravan park and it was nice and sheltered down there.

After a while I turned onto a bumpy track lined with beach chalets, bungalows and the odd modernist cube. Love seeing all the different character houses, especially the railway carriages converted into homes, a bit like Dungeness. So quiet and peaceful along there, just passing the odd group of walkers now and then.

The track eventually took me to Rye Harbour village, where I jogged down the road for a bit and then turned into the nature reserve. Miles of flat watery saltmarsh stretch away towards the sea. It was a cloudy day with glimmers of sunshine breaking through, and although it can be a bleak place in winter it did look beautiful today.

I turned back down to the seafront on the way back but the wind was so strong against me I wasn't enjoying it any more and started to feel tired, so I cut down a little path back onto the bumpy track which was nice and sheltered still, and went back the same way as before. I have run a few 10k races but still find running that far on my own seems like a long way! My calves were starting to feel a bit tight towards the end and I didn't have a lot of energy. I think I started off a bit fast (for me!), next time I will make sure I go even slower at the start so I have a bit more left in the tank at the end.

Anyway, I did it, and so loved the route, so I am well pleased! Onwards and upwards! Happy running everyone 😊🏃💪

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Sounds like a great way to pass 11k, well done! If you go back on a less windy day, you almost have a whole new route to try in the same spot too

For some time now I have been driving to get to my longer runs (anything over 10k really) - usually only about 15 minutes away. It means I really look forward to the long runs and adds to the sense of adventure and achievement. I bought a council car park pass for the year which gets me into three different areas. I'm just trying to decide whether to use one of those or to maybe try something different for Tuesday's long run .. off to Strava to look at some routes

[MutleyShuffle Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Yes it does feel adventurous trying new routes, I love it! Now I'm doing my long routes at the weekend I can branch out and try new areas - before I was stuck with the town seafront or the roads, as I ran in the evenings. Lovely to get out into the wilds 😊 Let us know where you decide upon for your next adventure!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to MutleyShuffle]

Im really lucky because I don't work much during Dec and Jan, so I can still run in daylifht during the week. That's how I'm managing the original 9 day cycles despite the short days.

For Tuesday,I've plotted a 15k route from one of my parks and then along an arm of the canal I haven't tried, then back through the other side of the park. Can't wait 🙂

[MutleyShuffle Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

That sounds fab! I miss the canal I used to walk along in London - there is one not too far from here I've got my eye on! Got to do a bit of route planning so I don't get lost! Enjoy your run on Tuesday x

[pianoteacher Marathon Half Marathon]

Sounds lovely! I've walked on that nature reserve but never run. I think I'm going to need to check out some new routes for my long runs - it's going to get pretty boring just running to Bexhill and back all the time x

[MutleyShuffle Half Marathon in reply to pianoteacher]

It's a great place to run, and nice and flat! Yes I ran to Bexhill and back a few times, it was starting to get a bit boring and then the evenings got dark so couldn't do it any more anyway. I'm looking forward to trying some different routes, it does make it so much more interesting 😊

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

Sounds wonderful. Glad you were able to deke out of the wind; that can make even the most scenic run trying.

[MutleyShuffle Half Marathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks SA 😊

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon]

Well done to you! Just hearing you mention Dungeness brought a great smile to my face. My parents lived in Lydd-on-Sea, so Dungeness was just a pleasant walk away and I have always loved it there.

[MutleyShuffle Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Dungeness is amazing isn't it - I've only been once but would love to go back to run there 😊

[Katnap Marathon]

I'm jealous! I've probably walked that route or similar years and years ago.

Fantastic views.

🎅Xmas Katnap 🎅

[MutleyShuffle Half Marathon in reply to Katnap]

It probably hasn't changed much - very unspoilt, I would love to live down that bumpy track!

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Beautiful! Happy running to you too 😊😊😊

[MutleyShuffle Half Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Thanks Abi 😊

[misswobble Marathon]

That sounds an amazing place to run! There will always be something new to see I bet Time goes by so fast too doesn’t it, as you’re so busy taking it all in The changing seasons will make it even lovelier The birds will come and go too so do some bird spotting as well 😃👍🏃‍♀️

[MutleyShuffle Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Yes you're right, it's a great place for bird-spotting - I will have to get a tiny pair of binoculars to sneak into my waist pack!

[misswobble Marathon]

I was given a tiny telescope by my next door neighbour and it’s so darn useful It’s good for finding foothpath signs and field boundaries Saves my legs I have taken it on two holidays and it’s been a boon 😁. I’ve not taken it running but I’ve an ultra in the planning so it’s going with me on my recce walks as I don’t know much of the route

[MutleyShuffle Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

That sounds fab! 😁

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

A lovely place to go for a run. A good one for the summer as well I should think!

[MutleyShuffle Half Marathon in reply to Whatsapp]

Yes as long as it's not too hot - not much shade around!