The human body is a very curious mechanism. Most mornings as I step out of bed I’m aware of the usual creakings of a 62 year old. On a morning that I have set aside for running my brain tells me all is well. Such was the case this morning.
Last run, a week ago, managed 6.6 km. A pleasing distance but still a ways to go for 10k. Today I upped my time to 50 minutes hoping to break the 7 K barrier.
Closing the door behind me, just before nine I entered a calm, sun kissed morning. The route before me had been planned in my head a few nights before. Most people have romantic thoughts at bedtime. In my case it’s plotting different tracks to run!
A stiff walk uphill for a few minutes then on went the timer and the journey began. And oh what a journey. This time I had plotted a few downhills first to get me in my stride; always helps. White van men were in evidence along my path, in fact parked on my path. Quite a few narrow squeezes to move along. Once passed them the green bin men arrived, with two whacking men in high viz jackets again impeding my way. Yet another little jig ensued to continue on my run.
Once the five minute mark was reached the road ahead was empty. I had turned onto another green lane and it was time to enjoy the beauty around. Slanting sunshine made fields positively glow, rippling grasses in one field, chopped off corn cob stalks in another. Field edges were laced with tall , bare poplars, looking splendid in the morning light.
This was more like it, especially as my pace had now picked up. Fifteen minutes in and feeling good.
Turning back towards the west I had a short stretch of main road to endure. Thankfully rush hour traffic had dissolved. Only the odd mum and toddler on their way to town . Not forgetting the number one bus on its regular journey to Gorey pier and back. Zooming past dog walkers and old ladies on their way to the co op. All was going well.
The last part of my journey had been left vague, depending on my time. Reaching the home straight by 30 minutes I needed a twenty minute diversion. The road was crossed and another green lane entered. This one had a road closed ahead sign. Not a problem for me or so I thought. Half way up the lane they were tree cutting an ancient oak. Chunks of twig were in my way, but I wasn’t stopping. The tree cutter had a somewhat bemused expression as I did a few hops and skips over his debris. I was only relieved his mate up the tree didn’t choose that moment to shout 'Timber'. I must pop back to check on the tree, hopefully it was only having a light prune.
The church at this point was nearing and the killer hill. Deep breath and off I went determined to keep going. Little old lady with dog was passed. She gave me an amused look as I overtook her. Thought bubble from her head said ' You really are old enough to know better dear !' Once the summit was reached the long steady hill down. I do love this stretch, 35 minutes and still counting.
On I went , admiring more sunlit fields although black clouds had started to ominously gather. Keep going girl! Past my old school and then a left turn heading back to the sea.
That was the best bit waiting to encourage me. The sight of high tide. Bluer than blue with the Martello tower just coming into view . Not long now.
As my watch reached the fifty minute mark, I slowed and hit the stop button on the Strava app. Well, had I achieved 7 k? I was hopeful. Imagine my pleasure at reading 7.9K. My next thought was, if only I’d kept going another minute and made 8! We runners are never happy.
Well I’m home now and fully recovered. Christmas cakes, cooked yesterday, are now wrapped and put away. Perhaps another Park Run this weekend to improve my time. I mean 5K will be a doddle 😹😹
How are your keep fit regimes going? Anyone feel daring and ready for the Couch to 5K regime. Go on, you can if you try!
Barbara xxx
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