A beautiful cold morning, with early sunshine peeping through the curtains.
Up and out, after moving two very large and heavy boxes to the door, for collection by the Charity van, (they must be out by 8 a.m.) As I write they are still there...
No matter.. my run today, in spite of everything, was really enjoyable.
As I left the house, there was, for the first time this year, a sweetness in the air; not quite blossoms, but a definite scent of freshness, green-ness and growing things. I took a huge breath of it in.. and felt good. The road and pavements did not appear to be icy, but as I left the Close, I was aware, yet again of a sparkle in the ground..small diamonds catching the sunlight, so pretty and yet so treacherous!
I headed out at a sort of brisk walk, but on turning down the hill, to the village, it was obvious that the pavements were still very icy. Yes, I know, I should have turned around, but I really wanted to run. Very silly. So, a slow, staggered walk into the village, up the hill and past the school; running was impossible. The pathway by the school was pretty slippery and I was glad to reach Old Road. the sun was on one side of it, but the slick black, surface was still sparkling with ice.
So, I just walked; it gave me time to listen to the birds and think my own thoughts. Thinking about the super people on this site, and all the posts they write, their lives and mine intertwined in the wonderful enjoyment of running. On reaching the end of the lane, I nipped across and through a narrow gap in the hedge.. dog walkers use it, naughty I know, but I was feeling very unsafe on the road. The field was still frozen, but at least I thought, if I fall, it won't be as bad!
Switched Laura on, and her welcome voice was with me. A five minute walk, bumpy but safe.. and on into my current addiction...Stamina for the third run this week. (Curlygury2 did warn me this would happen). For a Graduate who has not tried this, just give it a go..it really is fun. The pace is not overly fast and is very steady, and as I said in a previous post, the whole run gives you time to just run and enjoy the run for itself. No pressure. The whole run feels very relaxed and gives you time to perfect different aspects of your running.
It is, though, quite difficult to concentrate on running style, on a frozen field, and as I ran down towards the brook, I was aware that it was getting slightly softer underfoot... and by the time I reached the bottom of the field, it was quite soggy and muddy...again! I realised, that I had taken so long getting to the fields that the sun was now melting the frost in certain areas. I tried to concentrate on my shoulders, and relaxing my fists, and not, now. getting stuck in mud...!
Round the two big fields, over the Steam railway track... sleepers still frost covered, ( gently does it), and a good flat, jog along the relatively firm, track, towards the next village, I ran around a large bush, startling a small bird, and back again towards the railway track.. back over, down the field and back up again... sunshine warm on my back at this point and really enjoying the run. Squeezed back through the gap in the hedge... lane still frozen, oops! 
I was not able to do anything other than a very, very, very slow walk back down towards the main road; passing the scene of my Bambi on Ice, adventure, with trepidation.
I was conscious now, that I had been out for a very long time; my phone rang; A concerned voice..."Ermm, you seem to have been out quite a long time.. are you alright?"
After reassuring my husband I made my very slow way back home.
Juice waiting, telling off accepted.
Moral of this tale; when heading out on a sunny but frosty morning...proceed with extreme caution and if in any doubt..don't!
( But secretly, I'm glad I did).
Roll on Spring...
Sparkling in the dark :-) W5r2(third time!)
W7r3 Tales from the Darkside
Nearly taken out by white van man!
Follow me into the sunshine!!!!
Tales of the treadmill ( an indoor adventure 🤓)
