Today I have seen several ask when running becomes enjoyable well for some time now I have to say my runs are.
Saturday I went out to try out a new route one that I knew was going to be circa 6.5 miles, half along the A6 and then the return leg along the Cromford canal towpath.
It was a chilly but bright morning as I set of from the meadows car park, the first half mile was something of a climb so when strava cut in and told me that I was running at sub 11 minute pace I felt almost joyfull and carried on at a steady pace and before I knew it strava gave me a shout out to tell me that first mile had passed in 10.26 and I really didn't feel that I was moving and felt really comfortable.
As I ran along the side of the A6 which wasn't too busy with it being a Saturday morning as I looked to my left I could see the canal and towpath along which I would be returning I saw a couple of runners trotting along which again put a smile on my face and before I knew it the next mile had gone once again below 11 mins whoop whoop (more joy) and still feeling easy.
I then ran through a section of woodland on either road where I heard a number of Jays calling but had to keep my eyes on the footpath as there was a lot of small dead fallen branches/twigs in my way that could have been nasty.
As I came out of this section my view had changed slightly as we had moved away from the canal but now the river Derwent ran along side now bubling and churning it's way along and I hit 3 miles and it was slightly faster at 10.21 and boy I was feeling good.
Ahead of me l could see the turn in the road which would take me over a bridge crossing the Derwent where I knew I then had a shortish but steep climb to the point were I would join the towpath for my return leg, I crossed the bridge and hit the incline and yes it was steep but I shortened my stride and pushed and in no time I was turning onto the towpath my hair wet through with sweat but feeling elated.
I set off along the towpath sunlight dappling through trees and some ice on the canal and then I came to a point were a stream entered the canal on the far bank and passed under the path my side and continued down the hill, from this point most of the ice vanished and Mallard were busy feeding heads down bottoms up and I hit 4 miles slightly slower at 11.16.
On I trotted passing a few folk in both direction mostly with a cheery "morning when ahead I saw a tunnel ( a new experience) which turned out to be about 60 yards long (that was different) and then I spotted 6 dab chicks (little grebe) on the water, more reason for joy and pleasure and then strava was calling out 5 miles and 10.24 whoop whoop.
Onward I went but now I was seeing a few more walkers (some with dogs) but with no problems untill I came upon an older couple with 2 largish dogs off lead and one of them decided to run back round my legs and splat I hit the deck where I lay repeating fuck,fuck,fuck whilst slowly moving myself to check nothing was broken and eventually pulling myself upright with the help of a fence ( a reason for joy )
A number of people came to my assistance but I think I frightened a few off with my repeated fucks lol
Anyway I came to the conclussion nothing was broken and continued and a short while on I hit 6 mile but this one was 12.08, bugger I was going ok.
Anyway I kicked on as I knew I was getting close now and as car park came into view I even managed a sprint of sorts
6.64 miles.1.12.35
Got my jacket from the car, strolled over to the tea rooms and had a pot of tea and a scone
Where's the joy in running
88
People Reached
21
Engagements
if i can run 30 mins in 8 wks time i'll die of JOY!
Happy, happy, joy, joy - only gone and done it again - 10K+abit!
\"Comparison is the thief of joy\"
