Last run of the year

[Blackberrypie]

I managed to fit in a final 10 miler of the year despite the cold weather - mud more of an issue than ice here but I was glad of my running hat and gloves and my two long sleeve tops. Definitely felt that it took longer to warm into the run than normal, but not surprising in the cold air. I found a nice new track - bit muddy as they all are at the moment but nice to be exploring new places. I had a lovely close encounter with a chaffinch that was so busy stuffing its beak that it didn't seem to notice me.

It was very busy up at the forest car park with dogwalkers and families spreading out across the paths so I took various scenic diversions through the forest which was strangely satisfying. The old railway trail was a bit less busy, and apart from a few boggy bits the ground was just right to run on, soft without being soggy. The river was very full and I was a bit worried that the water meadows would live up to their name but all well.

Felt strong and happy as I turned for home, enjoying Joan Benoit Samuelson's reflections on life and running courtesy of Nike Run club. Picked up the pace in the last few km, finishing my 4th 10 mile run, which with a bit of walking added on brings me to a daily distance of 20.20k, the perfect way to bring the year of running, home.

But of course it isn't a year of running - it's barely over 6 months since I started C25k in the first lockdown, and in that time I've run 600 km, bought lots of new kit, kept notching up my PBs, learnt the meaning of "rungry" and somehow found that I have become a runner. 2020 has had many surprises but that has definitely been a good one!

Where next? I'm planning to continue training for a half marathon and hopefully find one to run, and finish LeJog, ideally by the end of February, and then see where else my feet can take me.... Happy new year to all you lovely HU runners, it's been great to join you virtually.

[RunaroundSue]

Well done, you have had a great 6 months, running-wise. Here's to an even better 2021

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to RunaroundSue]

Thanks, it definitely feels like making lemonade from this year's lemons!

[Hidden]

A brilliant run at the end of a remarkable half a year running 👏👏👏 love that you have found the 10 mile runs along your journey. HM will be another positive step for you and you'll become acquainted with this distance well too!

Well done on your progress and consistency 😊😊😊😊😊

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

I do like 10 miles, mostly because I can go to new places!

[Birdlady64]

What a fantastic run to round off the year. And what an amazing running journey we've all been on this year. I enjoyed the Joan Benoit Samuelson guided runs on NRC too. Maybe next year one of those will take me to10miles too.

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to Birdlady64]

I did wonder about going for one of the other guided runs, but I really like the run long with Joanie guided run so did it even though it takes me significantly longer than 80 minutes to do 10 miles!

[misswobble Marathon]

Well done 😃👍. The Nike guided runs are great I use them a lot

Good luck for next year’s running 👍

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Thanks, and to you

[58soon]

Amazing Blackberrypie.... you’re an inspiration. Happy new year and look forward to your 2021 posts 😍😍😍

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to 58soon]

Thanks. Hope you have a great new year of running

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Out of adversity comes opportunity right? (Or something like that!). You certainly made the most of the opportunity lockdown presented and that lovely run was a fitting way to end a very peculiar, but in at least one respect, very successful, year. Brilliant!!!

[Blackberrypie Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks! I really hope I keep going when life returns to normal - I think I have the bug!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Blackberrypie]

I think you're right!!!