This is rather cringeworthy I know. In fact I wondered whether I should even post it, but heck! Apologies, it’s going to be nauseating! 😅
I drove the short way to the local Common to walk my dog this morning, and immediately bristled at the number of cars parked. I got really protective! Why are people on my Common? 😫 It has been my haven for dog walking and running since lockdown. In fact, since March 15th where I’ve run more or less every other day, only 3 of those runs have not been done here. 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
So I began thinking. Would you guys like to see it? I’ve bleated on about it enough, although prior to lockdown it was my quick “go-to” route, only a mile from home. I was running here straight from my house during full lockdown, but it’s no longer safe and I need to drive. 🚙
It’s not big, it overlooks Bristol Airport and the planes fly directly overhead in normal times, but it gives you a chance to show off your running form to the EasyJet passengers as they come in to land! ✈️ It’s hilly, gnarly, flat, short grass, tall ferns, windy, has bluebells in May, mud in winter - and I love it! 🥰 I’ve done JogRunSprint sprint here, hilly runs, flat runs, (Not) PR and runs up to 10k. I thought I’d never want to run beyond that distance here because it would get monotonous as I wouldn’t want incorporate all the hills (no thanks!). But then I felt disingenuous and decided, why not? Heck, I’m going to do 10 miles up here before summer is over. I owe it to my trusty Common. It was there for me during this mighty bizarre time.
So there you have it. My little patch of the planet which I love to pieces, and so does Flossie the 🐕 ❤️
Thank you for indulging me! 😅
Written by
cheekychipmunks
Half Marathon
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Such a lovely place for you to walk or run with Flossie your dog, very nice photos you took, I like the bit about you saying you could show off your running form to passengers on planes in the nearby Bristol Airport.
I went a short bike ride this morning on part of my 5K running route, just as well I was on the bike, after all the rain ☔ we have had where I live there was a massive puddle of 50 metres, I 🚴 cycled through it slowly, the down pedal just missing the the water by a inch, if I had been walking or running I would have had to turn back or go straight through it.
A very uncommon common cheeky, I can see the attraction. What psychologists would call a safe zone; a world of your own oozing friendliness and warmth. Best to keep it quiet though.......🙂
I lived in NWales aged 13 to 18, and visited until mum died. I didn't appreciate what was outside the door one little bit. Every time I go back now to visit my brother my heart breaks a bit more for all the things I missed out on through my own teenage stupidity and and lack of graciousness 🤬 At least now I do have the good grace to totally appreciate it - better late than never 😊
Like you say cheeky, we have heard all about your runs on the common, so it’s lovely to see some pics of it. I can see why Flossie loves it so much. Are there rabbits for her to sniff out too? 10 miles there will not be easy, but if anyone can do it, you can.
Oh yes, there are plenty of rabbits and other wildlife there Dexy. Flossie is in her element and always come to catch me up. ❤️ I’m going up there tomorrow for some hill work. 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
Aww thanks Dexy. I just chug along ..... 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
Love it, so glad you posted!!
It's your spiritual running home and you are quite rightly proud of it. It's been your constant companion in all seasons. all weathers and for all runs. Loved it 💜
It really is GTFC. I’m so lucky to have it so close by because the roads around us aren’t conducive to running - we’re on top of a hill, which only means one thing! 🥵
Love this post Cheeky! Not self-indulgent at all imo. You are just sharing something which is important to you - and I totally understand because I feel exactly the same about my favourite running route, too! 🏃🏽♀️💕 Great photos (Flossie looks very happy) - long may you both enjoy it! 🙂
Aww thanks Sandra. Yes, it’s so important to me and I’m realising that more and more. Of course it has the added bonus of me being able to let Flossie run off the lead, so I kill two birds with one stone. ❤️🏃♀️🐾
Aah...,The Common!! 🤩 You were so lucky to have that lovely quiet space. Well done to you both Cheeky!! I’m sure they’ll be more happy runs to come too!! Love the photos! 🥰❤️
I had to share it with you all Fab. I realised just how lucky I am while I had the time to walk around it snapping photos this morning. 😍 Off to tackle some of the hills tomorrow morning. 🏃♀️🏃♀️❤️
Thanks Lexi, I didn’t plan to write about it, but seeing all the cars parked there made me realise how lucky I was to have it almost to myself over lockdown. 😍 Flossie loves playing there! ❤️
Ahh thanks Runsome. I really do feel good up there - in fact I just came back from a joyous hilly 7k this morning. I’m glad you liked seeing my little corner of the earth. 🥰
Lovely! Great to see what little corners of this earth mean to us as individuals. These spaces are definitely connected to our emotions and thoughts as well as our fitness journeys and are inspiration to others seeking out their own happy running places. Now I have an image of you in full Chariots of Fire mode exuding admiration from the Easy Jet passengers! ♥️🙂.
It looks lovely Cheeky. No wonder you want to keep it to yourself. My local routes are really not very interesting but I’ll put up some french photos in the next week. Just leaving the Tunnel in France. So excited 😆
Lovely post Cheeky! It’s great to see the place where you cut your running teeth and I am all for photos of people’s runs! I don’t blame you for being protective, its a beautiful spot.
Thank you Decker. I was up there again just now walking the dog - and there were so many people again. It’s why I love to run there early in the morning, then I almost have it to myself. ❤️
Yes I feel the same protective way about some of the paths here. Even leaving early there are still so many new faces now. But people want to stay active so that is a good thing right ? It is what spurred me onto finding new trails in quieter places.
Looks lovely, and I can totally understand the feeling of ownership! I live 3 minutes jog away from a country park owned by the local council. I think it was Forestry Commission in one part and beyond a fence is wilder heathland area with ponies to graze the vegetation. The main paths can get very busy, but I know all the little secret shortcuts!
I used to go every weekday morning to walk the dog, but not so much these last couple of years. Recently I've rediscovered it in all its glory.........feeling thankful
It sounds delightful Nevvy. It sometimes takes time away to realise how lovely places are in that you’d normally take for granted. Enjoy your lovely park! 😍
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It is what spurred me onto finding new trails in quieter places.
60 minute run ☀️
NRC OK 5k 😁🍁🍂🍎☀️👍
For Decker...from my Maple to yours..