Hi running people...
It's me here again...clocking in, after a day of rest yesterday with daughter and family for a birthday lunch for her. All lovingly prepared by her lovely husband and aided and abetted by small runner in training. ( despite a power just before lunch ... the food was excellent) !
Much fun, much love and much laughter... eating, and talking, trying out the new hammock... present from her husband... getting in and out was a work of art and expended quite a bit of energy. Small one loves it!
Mr OF and I did not walk yesterday, but today, we did.
My day, today, began with what have seemingly become my regular routines... A slow morning wake up of the body whilst still lying in bed. Mr OF is making tea... and carrying the tray up now!!!
Then... swing the legs out and do the knees, ankles calves and toe routine.
After cuppas have been drunk and the world sorted out... teeth cleaning and squats.
The number of gentle squats is increasing and today, I did pop in some ankle raises too.. courtesy of Wild Ginger Running.
Then... courtesy of our own amazing Yoga queen Bluebirdrunner ... I did a lovely ten minute balance breathing, with Yoga with Adriene.
It is a little gem! It may well become a favourite...
Having a plan that can be tweaked is very useful and does not constrict me at all.
Breakfast eaten... picnic packed... walking shoes in the boot... and off.
Derbyshire and all that it holds, was our goal today.
We knew the honeypots would be busy, but we planned to park at a quiet spot above Ilam... little did we know that the Dovedale Sheep Trials were being held just along the lane!
All beautifully organised and well away from our parking place... we heard the loud speakers and the whistles... but that was all.
Booted and sun hatted... it was beautifully warm and sunny, we headed just a little way back along the lane to the crossroads and over to the little church. Snuggled behind a copse of huge trees... the sunlight dappling through and a light breeze giving tantalising glimpses of the stone work... the small church nestled so comfortably there, hides many treasures.
The walk was gentle and slow paced... Mr OF taking his time and revelling in the surroundings. I walking a tad faster, but mindful of my pace too. We were glad of our sun hats... the lane reflecting the heat and little shade until we neared the church.
Inside, the cool interior is simple and unspoiled... a notice on the door asking so politely, that any walkers remove muddy boots before entering. Our boots were clean as a whistle and bone dry. We wandered quietly around, just us... admiring as we do every time we visit, the beautiful rood screen and the magnificent stained glass window, In a side chapel, there you find, the Bassett Tomb , the magnificence of which, an edifice in the most beautiful marble, is so unexpected.... the grandeur seemingly out of place in such a small church. Well worth a visit.
Time taken to read the most wonderful epitaph on the tomb... its occupant was truly a most well respected and well loved man.
Out of the silent, still, calm coolness and into the sunlight again. We wandered and marvelled at the views and the wonderful straggle of stones and then back along the lane for our picnic... Winners of the first heats were being announced as we made the walk down a grassy bank to the car.
Our picnic was devoured with an increased appetite... the walk was only a mile... but, the fresh air the adrenalin rush and the sheer joy of being out there, doing what for us felt so like, normal, served to make the meal all the sweeter.
The views across the valley, the sheep grazing peacefully and a huge bird of prey, entertaining us with his flights of fancy...bliss.
Mr OF was driving from this point on and we made a slow but circuitous route back home. I relaxed... and quietly did some gentle breathing work whilst gazing at the scenery.
He was fine and we made home in good time. He is very tired now, but each walk brings a little more strength. My legs are beginning to feel much stronger too and tomorrow's walk/talk with my new counsellor will stretch them further.
Exercise does not have to be tiring, strenuous or high impact, to work for you. I am happy that for me, and for Mr OF, currently what we are doing is working. As I feel stronger I shall maybe, up my game a tad more...but only when my body, which knows me so well, tells me that the time is right.
I plan on sleeping well and I know Mr OF will...but I feel that the thoughts of the day, may well echo around my head for a while...
Three weeks ago, Mr OF had his heart attack... today was more than a walk in the country...the beauty and the blessings of Nature worked their magic and we are so, so grateful.
Hoping everyone sleeps well or rests easy...
See you tomorrow,
Oldfloss x
x
